Final answer:
Corrine expressed microaggressions towards Ruth when she made comments about Ruth's hairstyle and questioned if English was Ruth's first language. In these instances, Ruth felt marginalized and frustrated, as if her identity and capabilities were being undermined. The interaction was specifically hurtful because it perpetuated stereotypes and implied that Ruth did not belong or conform to certain expectations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Corrine's first microaggression occurred when she commented on Ruth's hairstyle, expressing surprise and stating, "I didn't expect someone like you to have such bold hair."
This remark implied that Ruth, based on her appearance, did not fit into Corrine's preconceived notion of how someone in their position should look.
Ruth, feeling singled out, experienced a sense of otherness and frustration at being judged by her appearance rather than her professional abilities.
The second microaggression transpired when Corrine questioned if English was Ruth's first language, despite Ruth being fluent in English.
This assumption suggested that Ruth, as a person of color, was not expected to be proficient in the language, reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
Ruth felt her competence was being undermined, further contributing to her sense of exclusion and discomfort in the workplace.
The overall hurtfulness of their interaction lies in the reinforcement of stereotypes and the subtle yet impactful ways in which Ruth's identity was questioned.
These microaggressions not only undermined Ruth's confidence but also created an environment where she felt compelled to navigate biased expectations.
This highlights the importance of addressing and dismantling such microaggressions to foster a more inclusive and respectful workplace.