Microaggressions Aren’t So Micro
Seven microaffirmations to lessen the blow
Most of us by now have heard the term “microagression.”
In case you’re still not sure exactly what that means, it’s the everyday, subtle interactions or behaviors that communicate some sort of bias against or invalidation of marginalized groups.
Common microaggressions are when a white person asks to touch (or actually touches without asking) a Black person’s hair. Or when a woman clutches her purse as a Black or Latino person walks by. When a store owner follows a Black customer around while shopping.
Or crossing the street when a person of color approaches.
Complimenting non-whites on their use of “good English.” Discouraging students from working on projects that explore their ethnic or racial identities.
Telling successful Black people they’re a “credit to their race.” Oh, if I had a dollar for every time that last one was said to EVERY one of my successful Black friends.
Then there are non-verbal microagressions, such as when someone intentionally won’t sit next to a person of color on a subway or bus. When a restaurant server takes his time to wait on a Black family.
