Microaggressions

This week I went into the infant room at my job because the babies were crying nonstop. I wanted to offer my assistance since my students were down for their nap. My co-teacher was with them. She wanted me to go because we could hear them crying through two closed doors and down the hallway. I noticed a baby that was on the floor crying. None of the teachers were showing him any attention. I went  to pick him up and they told me, “He is okay.” I picked him up anyway. The baby was Hispanic. I started to talk to him and rock him, trying to calm him down. There were three teachers in the classroom.; two white teachers and one black teacher. One of the white teachers came over to where the baby and I were sitting and said, “He is just use to being held all day. You know that is what Hispanics do.” I looked at her and I know she knew I was mad by the look on my face. I said, “No that is not what “we” do.” She said, “What are you talking about Mrs. Taylor? I said Hispanic.” I said, “I know. I am Hispanic.” She could have gone through the floor. I said, “I held my babies, but not all day. That is not what we do. We take care of our babies and attend to their needs. This baby is crying, so he needs something.” I wanted to snatch her, but I didn’t. Only God knows what she would have said then. She was implying that all the Hispanics do is have babies and stay at home and hold them. She went as far as to say the mother doesn’t work so if the baby is not adjusting she needs to come and get him. I can only pray that God gives me the strength to deal with her in a way that is like him. I already know that going to my director is not a choice. 

Every baby in that classroom deserves to be treated the same regardless of their ethnicity. The babies are innocent and need someone that is going to be nurturing and caring. Teachers like her do not need to be in our profession; especially with the small children who don’t have the words to tell if she does something to them. If there is anyone that has any suggestions, please let me know. If I have no proof, I have no case.