Horizons magazine is published by Presbyterian Women (PW) the national women’s organization of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Issue link: http://horizons.epubxp.com/i/623149
January/February 2016 7 S tatements like these are common occurrences in the lives of women in church. In society, and in churches, in particular, most of us think of our- selves as good, moral, thoughtful, open-minded people. We don't want to think that we—or our churches—are sexist, racist or heterosexist. Yet structures and traditions continue to empower some groups and sideline others. Those with more power make assumptions about marginalized people based on gender, skin color, sexual orientation, education level and/or other aspects of their iden- tity. When vocalized, these assumptions reinforce the power imbalance, and sub- tly invalidate, undercut and silence marginalized people even further. These subtle, yet powerful assumptions compound over time in ways that assault psyches, bodies and even souls. Microaggressions Defined These everyday subtleties are called microaggressions. Microaggressions— subtle and often unintentional slights, insults and indignities experienced by persons of varied minority statuses—occur on a regular basis in schools, the workplace, social settings and anywhere that people interact. Even sadder, microaggressions flourish in the church, the place where peo- ple come to connect with God, other people and their own spirituality. As women, chances are each one of us has experienced microaggressions because of our gender, with varying degrees of sensitivity. It's possible that after reading the comments above, some may say, "What's the big deal? How on earth are some women offended by these statements? Some of these statements are even compliments. People should be less sensitive." Others may say, "I thought I was the only woman who strug- gled with comments like these. It's nice to know I'm not alone." Wherever you find yourself on this spectrum, remember that it's never one comment, one action or one state- ment alone that has the potential to do violence. Rather, the power of microaggressions is that they occur on a regular basis, and combine with overt forms of discrimination rampant in society. For example, many women experience not Micro ggressions The Understated Power of a Hidden Violence Against Women BY ANGELA YARBER "How will you be a good mom and a pastor?" a senior pastor was asked after the birth of her first child. Her hus- band, also a pastor, was not questioned about his ability to bal- ance pastoral and parental duties. "The ladies are in the kitchen prepping snacks," a group of men told the licensed contractor who showed up at the church's workday eager to use her skills for Habitat for Humanity. "Isn't she pretty?" a congregant gushed while introducing a female graduate student who had just joined the church. "You'd never know she's smart." "Let all men know His peace and presence in their lives. Men of God, go in peace," a pastor pronounced during the benediction. "You're the best woman preacher I've ever heard," a proud parishioner proclaimed after w orship. The newest deacon was elated to serve her church. When she walked into her first deacon meeting, eager to share ideas for service to the community, she heard, "Oh! A woman deacon!" She was the only woman among a group of 12 deacons.