Microaggression

So just this last week my husband and I went out for dinner with a few team mates of our from softball. We decided that we wanted to go to the Mexican restaurant in town, as it is one of our favorite (my husband and I). It was the first time both of our team mates have ever been. My husband and I are most likely considered regulars to their establishment, and as such I like to think we have developed a positive rapport with the staff (3 people). I have even started to remember some Spanish from back in my high school days and I use as much as I can when interacting with them, and the always smile approvingly at me even though I am sure to be butchering the dialect.  After we had another delicious dinner, we were walking out the door when one person in our company yelled "Adios, Mi AMIGOS!" and just started laughing. I turned right around to the hostess and apologized for their behavior and said we would be coming alone next time. I was completely mortified for his behavior and I found out quickly that he didn't even realize what he did. After we got out of the restaurant, I got a little hostile with him, and asked him what his problem was. He did not have a good enough excuse for me and I said that was not only embarrassing to my husband and I, but I am sure that they took offense towards the action. I told them that it was out of line, and they said they only wanted to communicate with them. I said then you do it in a more respectable manor, because that just looked like you were mocking them instead. My friend felt terrible, but not enough to go back in and apologize for his error.

I think that this week's readings really helped to affirm my belief that he did something wrong that could be construed as offensive, and next time I am in a situation like this I will be more vocal about my feelings, and make people be aware that what they say DOES matter to someone!