Question
What are microaggressions?
Answer
Microaggressions are statements or behaviors based on stereotypes that unintentionally or indirectly, slight or insult someone from a minority group. In other words, I'm not intending to say something detrimental to you, but I'm kind of othering you. I'm treating you as less than in the words that I'm saying.
For example, if I were to say to someone, "Wow, you're very articulate," and the person comes from a minority background or a background that is different from my background, I'm kind of saying, "Wow, I'm surprised because most people aren't so articulate from that particular background.” "So why are you?"
Another example is asking, “where do you really come from?” I've known people who may look like they come from a different place, may have an accent like they look like they're from another place, but they've been in the U.S. for a long time. Maybe their parents have been in the U.S. and it's really othering the person to say, "Where do you really come from?" Even if they're a new American or a relatively new person to your area, is it really necessary to focus on where they come from?
This is kind of saying to them, "You don't really belong here” or "You're a much better driver than I expected." Expected compared to what?
Sometimes when people say these microaggressions, it's not intended to be mean, but it feels hurtful. And we know that there is a cumulative effect of microaggressions on people that is harmful to their levels of stress and even their sense of self.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the webinar, Courageous Conversations on Racism and Religious Bigotry: Engaging Clients and Colleagues, presented by Allan Barsky, JD, MSW, PhD.
