So you say you’re an ally. That you’re anti-racist. That you don’t see color. That you value diversity. That you are not a part of the problem…
Well, that’s just it. Those thoughts actually make you a part of the problem. Why? Because you should see color. You should have the self-awareness to recognize that you have biases so ingrained in you that they are naturally a part of your everyday living. That you have made statements, even unintentionally, that resulted in a person from a marginalized population feeling insulted and offended.
These statements are called MICROAGGRESSIONS. Microaggressions cause emotional, physical, and mental stress as they intentionally, and unintentionally, perpetuate stereotypes and biases. Need a few examples? See below.
I’m sure you’ve heard a few of these statements before either said to you, around you, or by you. If they’ve been said to you, you’ve probably developed a desensitized routine of “letting it go,” laughing it off, or just accepting them as a compliment. All my life, I’ve responded the same way. I convinced myself it was the nice/right way to respond. I didn’t want to make anyone feel bad for their ignorance. I didn’t like being told “You’re being too sensitive.”
Well, let’s get one thing straight – none of these statements are acceptable! I don’t have to smile and nod them away. Neither do you! Microaggressions need to be confronted and corrected every. single. time. When you respond to a microaggression, inform the perpetrator of the impact of their statement and let them no it will not be tolerated.
What do you think? Are you ready to flip the script on microaggressions?
