Microaggressions are insults rooted in stereotypes, directed at individuals because of their membership within a marginalized group.
Limit perceptions of individuals by reinforcing stereotypes.
Term coined by Dr. Chester Middlebrook Pierce, a Harvard professor in 1970.
Initially described insults towards Black people; now expanded to include all marginalized groups (e.g., women, people of color, those with disabilities, the elderly).
Prevalence and Impact
Prevalence: Microaggressions are common in society.
Impact: They can be compared to accumulating paper cuts, causing significant emotional and psychological harm over time.
Bias: Everyone has biases; anyone can commit or be subject to microaggressions.
Examples of Microaggressions
Disability
Comments like "I'm so OCD about my files" or "I'm so dyslexic" (without having these conditions) are ableist and trivialize serious issues.
Americans with Disabilities Act (1990): Made employment discrimination based on disability illegal.
Historical exclusion highlighted by disability activists climbing Capitol steps.
Race
Colorblindness as a microaggression:
Statements like "I don't see color" deny the lived experiences of people of color.
Often used defensively to dismiss accusations of offensive behavior.
"That's so ghetto"
Historically offensive term originating from Venice in 1516, later associated with marginalized groups in low-income areas.
Tied to systemic racism and practices like redlining and discriminatory GI Bill administration.
Systemic Racism
GI Bill (1944): Discriminated against Black veterans by denying loans.
Redlining: Refusal of loans to Black and Brown neighborhoods, maintaining undervaluation of properties.
Enforced marginalization through economic and social segregation.
Tools to Avoid Microaggressions
Pause: Before making comments or asking personal questions, consider the potential impact.
Consider if it promotes a growth mindset and is necessary for productivity.
Research: Check if slang or new vocabulary might be offensive.
Conclusion
Emphasis on inclusion and respect.
Importance of kindness and human decency—thinking before speaking and treating others as one wishes to be treated.
Final message: reflect on this understanding to foster a more respectful and inclusive environment.