Microaggression is a comment/action that often unconsciously or unintentionally expresses a prejudiced attitude toward a member of a marginalized group (“Microaggression”).
The term was created by psychiatrist Dr. Chester Pierce in the ‘70s and has become widely popular since then.
Microaggression isn’t just towards African Americans or Mexicans or Asians, it’s towards ANYONE that is different. It’s directed at LGBTQ+, people with disabilities (mental or physical), whites, blacks, women, men, overweight, underweight and so many more. If you’re asking “What about…?” the answer is yes, everyone can be a victim of microaggression.
If you’re still confused about what microaggression is here are some examples:
– A white man or woman clutches their bag as a black or Latino man passes them.
– A female doctor is mistaken for a nurse.
– Telling a gay person you didn’t know they were gay because they don’t “look” or “act” gay.
– Telling someone, “You act like a white person.”
– Saying that all black people look alike.
– Asking a black person if you can touch their hair.
Or watch this video from fusion!
But what can we do about microaggression? First, it’s about being conscious of the words that come out of your mouth. Understanding that everyone is different in their own way and no matter their race, gender, religion, etc. they have no obligation to you or anyone else to act the way society says they should.
Hearing the same things everyday based on one defining characteristic about yourself makes it seem that that’s all that matters; that’s all that anybody sees. Microaggression can be detrimental to a person’s self worth. Telling someone they can’t do that because they’re from a poor neighborhood, or a woman, or black. The words that come out of your mouth could change someone’s life. Whether or not they fight to their dream job or just settle with mediocre.
Be conscious, be aware, be kind, and be the best version of you that you can be.