Racial Microaggression
It’s easy to point out obvious Racism such as racialized slurs or threats. However there are subtle and slick forms of racist stereotyping that can be hard to point out. The term used to describe this type of Racism is Racial Microaggression.
Before we go into Racial Microaggression, What is a Microaggression in the first place?
“Microaggressions are everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, or insults, whether intentional or unintentional, which communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to a targeted person based solely upon their marginalized group membership.” – Derald Wing Sue, Ph.D.
Many people think that microaggressions are just little things that hurt people’s feelings and are blown out of proportion or exaggerated upon. However, that is not the case.
“It isn’t about having your feelings hurt. It’s about how being repeatedly dismissed and alienated and insulted and invalidated reinforces the differences in power and privilege, and how this perpetuates racism and discrimination.” – Dastagir
Microaggressions can be intentional or unintentional and sometimes even well-meaning. Words that are meant to empower students like “Work Hard” or “Reach for the Top” can actually disempower them. The ability to notice these situations requires us to educate ourselves about the experiences of black people and the significance behind such remarks.