After attending both the preconference on ways to better
interact with individuals who are homeless and the training presented on
aggressing and regressing, I found that a number of ideas and concepts
overlapped in the two workshops/trainings. A number of key concepts were
introduced that highlight the concept of empathy and that we need to be more
mindful of our customers’ and staff’s needs.
The most impactful description of what happens is that many
of these micro aggressions result in certain emotional responses in individuals
because they experience them on a regular basis. You are not the only one who
is expressing a prejudice to that individual. It is very likely that they
experience it all the time. The summation of all the “stings” may result in
customers and/or staff members having a negative response. The homeless
population is an example of such a specific demographic that is constantly
receiving prejudicial treatment from others, which is why at times we, as
public service employees, may experience negative emotional responses. However,
this, too, happens even when those who are perpetrating the micro aggressive
behavior do not intentionally seek to incite those feelings in the offended
party.
The Aggressing and Regressing training was informative and
could easily be something that is covered in training for Enoch Pratt Free
Library staff members. This class would be excellent to showcase how some of
our actions may result in some of our issues we undergo as library staff
members serving the public. Overall, the trainings were useful, and I encourage
everyone to attend to allow for some better understanding on both
subjects.
Justin C.
Switzer
Orleans
Street Branch
