I think I could be comfortably uncomfortable in trying to "Open the Front Door" more often. I am someone who very much avoids confrontation, but I have tried to make it a goal for myself to be kindly confrontational in situations that warrant it. I think microaggressions are things that I can address in this way. Hopefully, using this strategy of microresistance is away I can help people be aware of what they might do unintentionally.

I think the part that scares me the most about this, aside from the confrontation, is providing relevant data. I think this is the best way to back up a point, but I find myself being hesitant of quoting the research wrong, so I say nothing at all. Hopefully by practicing this, I can get more confident in using this strategy. I also think the desire part of this strategy can be tricky because I don't find it easy to request things of other people, but I am finding that good leaders need to be able to communicate in this way, so I am motivated to get better at it.

After reading the chart below, which basis of power was the President of the United States designed to have? I find this role fitting many of the different categories, not just one.

Reading this reminded me of Taylor Swift's song "Death by a Thousand Cuts" where she perfectly captures the feeling of the breaking point that microaggressions can lead to. Popular culture has the unique ability to convey lasting messages through art. Taylor Swift has undoubtedly played an integral role in this. Her music gives words to feelings we often can't put words to. While both Taylor Swift and I are part of many privileged demographics, we can also relate to microaggressions in the sense that we are women.

Simply the way our society is designed to confine women to their traditional role instead of encouraging them to thrive is an example of this. Taylor says in her song "My heart, my hips, my body, my love//Trying to find a part of me that you didn't touch." Society both subtly and unsubtly places expectations and policies on every aspect of women's lives. Like we discussed last class, just because things have gotten dramatically better for women, that does not mean they are equitable. Taylor describes the feeling that accompanies the exhaustion of this fight by saying "Gave you too much but it wasn't enough//But I'll be all right, it's just a thousand cuts." All of the small stabs women take on a daily basis might just lead to "death by a thousand cuts" if they are not addressed, and still we will persist as we bleed out.

Is it possible that using the term microaggression as opposed to abuse makes people more likely to listen to the problem because they are not focused on analyzing if such a strong word was appropriate (even if it is)?

I find myself connecting to this point about counterintuitive solidarity personally. In regards to the inhumane actions by ICE agents we are seeing in the media and daily life right now, I personally find myself standing in solidarity with the victims. While I have never personally been attacked or oppressed by the law, and thus it would be easy for me to assume there is more to the story behind why ICE agents are being cruel and unlawful, I instead choose to trust the experience of those suffering at the hand of these acts. My vantage point of privilege is not inherently trustworthy, so on a daily basis, I push myself to listen to the stories of the victims and empathize with their experience. Because I choose to trust their position over mine, I feel as though I will be able to make more change.

I had never hear this term before, but I love that now I know it. I pride myself on having done this already, despite not having this term explicitly defined. I feel as though if we can make counterintuitive solidarity more wide-spread, the potential for progress is remarkable. This term is similar to the saying most of us have been taught since a young age, "put yourself in someone else's shoes." If we can remember this lesson now, in our adulthood, it has become more important and useful than ever.

I find myself wondering if there are any social structures in place that have done this successfully? I think the education system was very close, but we are regressing in terms of equitable accessibility and quality.

I am a firm believer that you should always be a little early. I believe that this is the best way to present yourself as truly professional and show you care about what you are arriving to. I think the best leaders clearly show that they are dedicated to their commitments in this way. However, I was able to come up with an exception after thinking for a while. I think to more casual events, especially large group gatherings, I do not think it is necessary to be early. I think it is important to show you care in casual social situations, but I think there are other ways to do it rather that just showing up early.