MICROAGGRESSIONS SPARK CONTROVERSY
October 2016
What are microaggressions?
Microaggressions are everyday comments based on identity that seem harmless to some, but can be offensive to others. Comments such as “Where are really you from?” or “Can I touch your hair?” can cause conflict -- both online and in-person. This is due to differing degrees of sensitivity, since the offense is often subtle and hard to point out. While the effects of microaggressions are felt by many, it’s not always the comments that are the issue. It’s how people deal with them.
Today, the topic of microaggressions has moved from the internet into the classroom. College campuses across the nation has incorporated diversity training into freshmen orientation and high school classrooms are actively discussing race. While microaggressions are gaining attention and validation from the many students who have experienced them, how to deal with them is not always as clear.
Today, the topic of microaggressions has moved from the internet into the classroom. College campuses across the nation has incorporated diversity training into freshmen orientation and high school classrooms are actively discussing race. While microaggressions are gaining attention and validation from the many students who have experienced them, how to deal with them is not always as clear.
“Who said it was ok for you to say futbol?... [You] want to use our language? Trick NO! White students appropriating the Spanish language, dropping it in when convenient, never ok.”
“Clearly you only see me at face value and yes I’m white and male, what do you want me to do about that? [...] My 2nd family is Costa Rican, and I am a part of that family no matter what you say.”
This online exchange between these two college students reflect a social phenomenon on the rise. How people address microaggressions is a topic of controversy, since microaggressions are built on stereotypes. It reflects the confusion and sensitivity that often surrounds them.
Many call them “unintentional discrimination” due to the confusion and sensitivity that often surrounds them.
“It’s not as blatant as bullying, where you can tell it’s wrong,” said senior Naser Abdelrahman, vice president of Muslim Fellowship club. “It’s hard to tell people they’re wrong because they’re usually not trying to be offensive.”
As a result, reactions to microaggressions range from hostile to constructive.
One way, as the two college students demonstrated, adopts an antagonistic tone. While some feel that the reaction is justified and points out the potential offense, others find that this method of dealing with microaggressions is unhelpful and only makes the situation worse.
“The person who [committed the microaggression] might feel like they’re being attacked. If you don’t explain why it was offensive to you, it won’t help [resolve the problem],” said sophomore Kaylee George.
Instead, many choose to approach the situation in a more positive way, such as explaining why the comment could have been offensive. This style of stressing education, interaction, and communication is becoming increasingly popular.
Abdelrahman advocates this method on campus. Muslim Fellowship is one of the several clubs on campus that focuses on raising awareness for different identities.
Abdelrahman said, “What we do in [Muslim Fellowship Club] is try to have a larger presence of Muslims on campus that’s different from what’s shown on TV or in the media. People can see Muslim students who defy the stereotype -- they’re like everyone else and are peaceful people.”
Many who have experienced microaggressions understand why they happen. They occur everywhere, and that has an effect on how people view others.
The media has turned their focus to increasing diversity in shows such as “The Mindy Project” and “Master of None.” However, the vast majority of shows have not been able to break away from stereotypes.
“We all have stereotypes in the back of our head. They’re reinforced in the media with TV shows like ‘Blackish’ or ‘Fresh Off the Boat,’” said George. “It’s okay to [commit microaggressions] sometimes since it’s a part of human nature, but we don’t need to play stereotypes in such a harsh way.”
While comments can bother some, many understand the reasoning and try to change the perspective on microaggressions. Although it’s understandable, it’s still viewed as an offensive and hurtful comment.
“An aggression is an aggression, even if it’s ‘micro,’” said AP US History teacher David Gomez.
It’s what happens after the microaggression that matters.
Gomez said, “People have to be educated due to ignorance. It’s better to have a calm and reasonable response rather than focusing on anger."
“Clearly you only see me at face value and yes I’m white and male, what do you want me to do about that? [...] My 2nd family is Costa Rican, and I am a part of that family no matter what you say.”
This online exchange between these two college students reflect a social phenomenon on the rise. How people address microaggressions is a topic of controversy, since microaggressions are built on stereotypes. It reflects the confusion and sensitivity that often surrounds them.
Many call them “unintentional discrimination” due to the confusion and sensitivity that often surrounds them.
“It’s not as blatant as bullying, where you can tell it’s wrong,” said senior Naser Abdelrahman, vice president of Muslim Fellowship club. “It’s hard to tell people they’re wrong because they’re usually not trying to be offensive.”
As a result, reactions to microaggressions range from hostile to constructive.
One way, as the two college students demonstrated, adopts an antagonistic tone. While some feel that the reaction is justified and points out the potential offense, others find that this method of dealing with microaggressions is unhelpful and only makes the situation worse.
“The person who [committed the microaggression] might feel like they’re being attacked. If you don’t explain why it was offensive to you, it won’t help [resolve the problem],” said sophomore Kaylee George.
Instead, many choose to approach the situation in a more positive way, such as explaining why the comment could have been offensive. This style of stressing education, interaction, and communication is becoming increasingly popular.
Abdelrahman advocates this method on campus. Muslim Fellowship is one of the several clubs on campus that focuses on raising awareness for different identities.
Abdelrahman said, “What we do in [Muslim Fellowship Club] is try to have a larger presence of Muslims on campus that’s different from what’s shown on TV or in the media. People can see Muslim students who defy the stereotype -- they’re like everyone else and are peaceful people.”
Many who have experienced microaggressions understand why they happen. They occur everywhere, and that has an effect on how people view others.
The media has turned their focus to increasing diversity in shows such as “The Mindy Project” and “Master of None.” However, the vast majority of shows have not been able to break away from stereotypes.
“We all have stereotypes in the back of our head. They’re reinforced in the media with TV shows like ‘Blackish’ or ‘Fresh Off the Boat,’” said George. “It’s okay to [commit microaggressions] sometimes since it’s a part of human nature, but we don’t need to play stereotypes in such a harsh way.”
While comments can bother some, many understand the reasoning and try to change the perspective on microaggressions. Although it’s understandable, it’s still viewed as an offensive and hurtful comment.
“An aggression is an aggression, even if it’s ‘micro,’” said AP US History teacher David Gomez.
It’s what happens after the microaggression that matters.
Gomez said, “People have to be educated due to ignorance. It’s better to have a calm and reasonable response rather than focusing on anger."