Observation of a microagression

I work in a school community which includes many impoverished immigrant families from Mexico.  Recently, I witnessed a verbal microagression towards one of our families.  The family, I'll give them the last name Rivera, was helping to decorate one of our school parent meeting rooms.  Many of the teachers and staff were helping with the decorating as well.  The Riveras, husband and wife, were heading up the project and delegating various tasks that needed to be completed.  When the project was complete a teacher approached the couple and asked,

"You're English is so good, where are you from?"  The Riveras responded, "Yeah, well we're from Phoenix."  The teacher stated, "Oh, I thought maybe you were from Mexico and spoke really good English, but I guess you would speak good English if you're a native Arizonian." The conversation ended abruptly and the teacher left the room shortly after.

As an observer to this microagression, I felt very uncomfortable for both the teacher and the Riveras.  It was akward because it was evident the teacher assumed the Riveras were immigrants and had learned to speak English "well enough."  I felt the teacher's verbal microagression was unintended because after she realized the Riveras weren't immigrants her body language and facial expression showed embarassment.  I also felt uncomfortable for the Riveras because the teacher's microagression caused them to "explain" their language ability and nationality. 


I have always perceived discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes as "things" or "events" that happen in most places; however, not frequently on a school campus. This week's lesson regarding microagression has expanded my understanding that  discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes happen everywhere.  I also understand that microagressions whether intended or unintended are avenues for discrimination, prejudeice, and stereotypes to negatively impact people.