I think of myself as a good person; I follow the rules, am generally nice to people, and I work hard. But, I will be the first to admit that I’m not perfect. I have done things that I regret. My ignorance doesn’t remove the fact that I used microaggression as humor.

I can’t remember when I learned the term “ microaggression,” but I know it wasn’t before middle-school. I can remember the middle and high school campaigns to stop bullying, but being from a very white, small town, it was never specified to racial bullying. This semester, largely influenced by my race and ethnicity class, I have begun realizing how frequently racism is spread, and the seemingly harmless ways it is done.

Something that really made an impact on me was a discussion on a racial rhyme, “Chinese, Japanese, Dirty Knees,” that children used to do. Unfortunately, I too was guilty of this behavior, which led me to re-evaluate my perspective on racism in everyday life. In the context of children, it is the question of innocence or ignorance?

While most of us don’t want to think of children as anything but sweet angels, their innocence can only last so long, before turning into ignorance.

By the time I was near the end of elementary school, I should have known better than to do and say the things I did. I remember hearing that it wasn’t ok, but was given no explanation. At the time, I thought it was just disruptive or the teachers not wanting us to have fun. I am disgusted to say that now.

It is important to explain to children not to do these things, but more importantly, why not. Understanding is key to preventing escalation.

This theme of unrealized racism continued in my life. Influenced in part by the media, the use of other races and ethnicities in humor spread. To this day I know people who speak in broken English with the intent of making a quick joke. Perhaps it is habit that fuels these actions, but I can longer stand to hear people’s fake accents just so they can get a laugh.

Even if this is not done with malicious intent, it provides a precedence and tells anyone who experience this, that it’s an appropriate behavior. No one’s race, ethnicity, or cultural should be the subject of someone’s joke or humor.

I can’t possibly know the extent of the racism felt every day, but it is important that everyone becomes a part of the dialogue to end it, whether you are a victim or not.

Humor is a big part of life, and like everyone else, I love to laugh. But if you have to target another person to be considered funny, you’re doing it wrong. Words may not break bones, but they do leave impressions on society that last even longer.

If you find that you’ve been ignorant of this reality, like I was, know that you can do something about it. Habits are breakable and change is possible. So, don’t let your personal satisfaction come before another’s confidence in their identity.