Microaggressions: Insults rooted in stereotypes directed at marginalized groups.
Coined by Dr. Chester Middlebrook Pierce in 1970.
Initially described insults endured by Black people; now includes all marginalized groups (women, people of color, people with disabilities, older people).
Importance of Understanding Microaggressions
Limit viewing people as individuals due to stereotype reliance.
Prevalence: Common in society, affecting social and professional environments.
Impact: Accumulation of microaggressions can damage a person's spirit, akin to the pain of many paper cuts.
Types of Microaggressions
Disability-Related
Examples: "I'm so OCD about my files," "I'm so dyslexic" (when not true).
These are forms of ableist language and trivialize serious conditions.
Race-Related
Colorblindness as microaggression: Phrases like "I don’t see color" deny the experiences of people of color.
Such statements are often used defensively and prevent meaningful discussions about stereotypes and social injustice.
"That's So Ghetto"
Originally an Italian term describing Jewish living areas in 1516 Venice.
In the US, associated with Black and brown people in low-income areas due to systemic racism.
Systemic Issues: Includes discrimination in the GI Bill, redlining, and undervaluation of properties.
Using "that's ghetto" is offensive, trivializing serious historical and social issues.
Tools to Avoid Microaggressions
Pause and Reflect
Before personal questions, comparisons, or descriptions, pause.
Consider not only intentions but potential impacts.
Evaluate Necessity
Is the comment necessary? Does it promote a growth mindset?
Research
Verify that new slang or terms are not offensive via a quick Google search.
Final Thoughts
Focus on inclusion, respect, kindness, and human decency.
Prioritize thinking before speaking as a gesture of kindness.