Microaggressions

Microaggressions

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Microaggression

Even though our culture has generally “condemned” overt acts of racism and discrimination, less apparent instances of these evils, referred to as “microaggressions,” continue to persist. Given the pervasiveness of political correctness in the modern era, overt displays of racism, sexism, and homophobia are increasingly frowned upon. Unfortunately, unconscious biases based on race, gender, sexual orientation, and other identities may still exist and negatively impact how people interact with one another. Microaggressions were first identified in the context of racism, but research has shown that they can be directed toward any marginalized group. This includes people of color, women, the LGBT community, those with physical or mental impairments, and members of underrepresented faiths. Despite being “condemned,” overt acts of racism and discrimination nevertheless persist. While ignorance and misinterpretation are sometimes to blame for microaggressions, the subtle nature of these slights typically stems from our education. There are the talks many have with our loved ones and friends at home, college parties, and workplaces. They can be seen everywhere, from Internet memes and team mascots to pop culture and educational materials.

Many pick up microaggressions from the dominant society, which discreetly instills in us a disposition of suspicion, distrust, fear, and a desire to assert our own moral, behavioral, value, belief, and rational superiority over those of others. It’s the “common sense” held by those in power, and their shared worldview supports it. In many professions, society tends to presume that our motives are pure and that our interventions are always in the client’s best interests. Despite my best efforts, the identities covered in this issue are not meant to be representative of every imaginable group that faces microaggressions. This issue focuses on the harmful effects of microaggressions, but it should have done more to highlight the oppressed groups’ capabilities, an instinct for survival, opposition, and resilience.