Friday, 31 January 2014

Microaggressions


 

When most people think about discrimination and racism, they reflect upon historical atrocities that targeted cultural and racial groups. In Canada, federal government actions such as internment of the Japanese, Germans and Ukrainians are examples. Treatment of First Nations children is currently under the public eye as the courts investigate treatment of children residing in Residential Schools. Although blatant racism is less obvious in today’s society, it still exists in a variety of different forms.



Derald Wing Sue ( 2013).  Microsaggression.  Retrieved  from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h_lQNI9T6vs


Microsaggression is one of the most dangerous forms because it is subtle discriminatory actions demonstrated by well-intentioned individuals. Although these actions are not perceived to be harmful, they are reflecting a larger community view influenced by stereotypes and positions of power which result in intentional inclusive and exclusive attitudes and behaviors.

An example of a microaggressive action that I experienced involved a compliment about my clothing, by a relative who historically has made passive aggressive comments throughout my lifetime “I love you dress it is classy, so flattering on you”. Although the statement superficially appears to be complimentary. This comment can be interpreted in so many different ways. It could be a comment about my weight, socioeconomic status or my ability to choose clothing that is appropriate.


Microassault (Racism)







Microinsult (demeans heritage, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or age)

















Microinvalidation(invalidates experiential reality)



















Sources


Beauty Shot.  Retrieved January 26, 2014 from http://www.takepart.com/photos/fake-photoshop-ads-women-media-anna-hil

Genderbread person. Retrieved January 26, 2014 from   http://slcmicroaggressions.tumblr.com/


Haters. Retrieved January 26, 2014 from   http://conditionallyaccepted.com/category/microaggressions/


Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2011). Microsaggression in Everyday Life. (Video webcast). Retrieved from  https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_4211916_1%26url%3D



Genderbread person. Retrieved January 26, 2014 from   http://slcmicroaggressions.tumblr.com/





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4 comments:

  1. Felicia Evans1 February 2014 at 09:19

    Thanks for sharing, great visual examples. I am thinking about the comment on your dress. I guess you know the intentions behind the compliment but I am guilty of doing the same thing. I often compliment nice clothes but not in a offensive way. It is true that a big part of microaggressions is perception.

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  2. Maisey781 February 2014 at 13:30

    I loved your use of pictures to get your purpose across.

    If compliments on attire is a microaggression, then I am too guilty of this. Possibly I should examine my thoughts prior to saying it. Although I've always thought that mentioning a compliment of how wonderful someone looks was pleasant.

    I appreciate hearing another person's opinion on the matter!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ghinah Alsafadi1 February 2014 at 17:06

    Hi Barb,
    Thank you for sharing those pictures, they really depict micro aggressions. I have also been given a similar compliment about my clothing and I was not sure of its intention because it could be interpreted in different ways.
    Ghayna Alsafadi

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  4. Unknown2 February 2014 at 18:34

    Hi Barbara,

    Your explanation for microaggression was simply enough for a child to understand, yet complex enough for any adult to dissect and realize where they fall in the scheme of life. The pictures and words give new light to the bias, prejudice, racism and so forth that is still very alive in the world. Thank you for taking the time to give us such an open perspective on this important subject matter.

    Joyce Galloway

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