The Challenge of Microaggressions
Oh c’mon it’s not that bad
Racial microaggressions refer to everyday slights, insults, invalidations, and indignities directed at minority ethnic people. In many cases these microaggressions come from well-intended people who are unaware of the hidden messages being conveyed to minority groups. These messages may be subtle and unconscious or even overt and conscious, but they are all rooted in a system of undermining and oppression.
Microaggressions can be categorised into various forms with the main ones being microinsults, microassaults and microinvalidations. Microinsults are subtle snubs and derogatory remarks that are often unintentional yet have the power to hurt and create feelings of exclusion and otherness. Examples include telling a black person that they are “so articulate”. These verbal and behavioural microinsults are harmful because people mean them to be complimentary at times but they often convey a racial stereotyping undertone.
Microassults are conscious and intentional actions or slurs, such as using racial epithets, they can take the form of verbal or nonverbal insults or slights directed at minority ethnic people. These include behaviours such as ignoring or minimizing concerns raised that specifically affect minority ethnic staff or students, they can include using ethnic stereotypes or making insensitive remarks about race.
Microinvalidations on the other hand are subtle messages that deny the reality of a person's experience or feelings. This can include comments such as "You're too sensitive" or "That's not a big deal". These types of comments minimize the person's experience and can make them feel invisible or invalidated. Microvalidations deny the realities of what members of targeted populations experience. An example could be a white person telling an Asian person that they do not see colour, this invalidates racial realities that people-of-colour[1] experience and in many cases subverts recognising and addressing barriers brought about by racial differences. Invalidating the reality of the discrimination that targeted groups experience is harmful.
Overall, racial microaggressions are a form of emotional violence and can be extremely damaging to the mental health of minority ethnic individuals. It is important to be aware of the messages we are sending and to be mindful of the impact of our words and actions. There are several actions that we can take to mitigate micro-aggressive behaviour. One of the most important steps is to increase awareness and understanding of the issue. Educating ourselves and others about the impact of microaggressions is essential. It is also important to have conversations with those who may be perpetuating microaggressions and to be open to feedback. Additionally, creating a safe and inclusive environment for everyone in our workplace or University is critical. Lastly, creating specific policies and procedures to address microaggressions is an important way to create accountability and ensure that everyone is treated with respect. We are undertaking work in this area as an institution but please read the article on Microinterventions for further information on the topic.
[1] Term used deliberately instead of minority ethnic
