Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional, verbal or non-verbal slights or insults that communicate derogatory or negative messages to marginalized groups. These actions can be based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other characteristics. Derald Wing Sue, a professor of psychology and education at Columbia University, is a leading expert in this area. In one of his previous articles, Wing Sue discussed microaggressions from a more racial perspective. However, he has decided to focus his study more on microaggressions within the female community as well as the gay community. Through his article Microaggressions : more than just race, he chooses to debate microaggressions in everyday life. He then shares his knowledge on microaggressions by clearly explaining to us what it is about. He then highlights several perspectives that he considers essential by firstly affirming that most well-intentioned White Americans have inherited racial biases that exist outside their conscious awareness. He also shows that microaggressions are verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, or insults that communicate hostile messages to marginalized people. In his work, Sue has highlighted that microaggressions are not always overt or intentional acts of discrimination but can still have a significant impact on individuals’ mental health and well-being.
Through his article, the author chooses to stage situations in order to denounce malicious and discriminatory behavior. In fact, the latter chooses to highlight situations and daily prejudices which seem almost insignificant but which, on the contrary, are offensive for the person concerned. It is possible to use one of the examples of situations, that he gave in the article, to show all the injustice and discrimination that is found there. In the “gender microaggressions” section, Wing Sue confronts us with the following situation: “A female physician wearing a stethoscope is mistaken as a nurse. (Hidden message: Women should occupy nurturing and not decision-making roles. Women are less capable than men).” Even if at first glance the action of confusing the profession of nurse and doctor might not shock and be perceived as a harmless act, in reality here Wing Sue proves that it is quite the opposite and that behind certain thoughts and words there is always a hidden message. Indeed, here, it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and biaises about gender roles and professions. Such assumptions are based on outdated and discriminatory beliefs that certain professions are more suitable or natural for women, while others are reserved for men. This assumption reinforces the stereotype that nursing is a female-dominated profession, while medecine is primarily for men. It disregards the reality that women can and do excel in various fields, including medicine, and can hold positions of authority and expertise as doctors. Additionally, it undermines the accomplishments and qualifications of women in medecine by assuming they hold lower-ranking positions. Such assumptions can contribute to a hostile work environment for women in male-dominated fields like medecine, where they may already face challenges related to gender discrimination, bias and lack of recognition for their contribution.
Furthermore, Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine, also relates about microaggressions, particularly those directed at women because it bare a series of everyday encounters that illustrate the experiences of microaggressions faced by the protagonist, who is a black woman navigating various social contexts in America. These encounters, though seemingly mundane on the surface, carry significant weight due to their implications and the racial dynamics at play. She experiences subtle acts of exclusion, such as being overlooked or dismissed in social situations. These acts may seem minor, but they contribute to a sense of otherness and marginalization. She also experiences microinvalidations and gaslighting, where her experiences of racism are minimized or denied by others. This gaslighting can take the form of well-intentioned but dismissive comments like “I’m sure they didn’t mean it that way” or “You’re overreacting.” These responses invalidate her experiences and feelings, contributing to a sense of isolation and frustration.
In conclusion, Wing Sue as well as Rankine are fighting against microaggression by trying to immerse ourselves in a discriminatory situation in order to represent to ourselves what discriminated people experience and thus allows a radical awareness.
Discussion questions :
What role do bystanders play in addressing and preventing microaggressions against women? How can individuals intervene effectively to support victims, challenge harmful behaviors, and promote environments of respect and equality?
How do microaggressions targeting sexual orientation impact the daily lives and experiences of gay individuals? How do these subtle forms of prejudice contribute to feelings of marginalization, alienation, and stress within the LGBTQ+ community?
Works cited :
Derald Wing Sue, Microaggressions : More than just race
Claudia Rankine, Citizen : An American lyric (Graywolf 2014)
Hi Amadine! Great blog post! To answer your second question, I believe that microaggressions that target sexual orientation impact the daily lives and experiences of gay individuals by creating an uncomfortable feeling towards their sexuality, forcing them to often feel invalidated and excluded causing them to sometimes feel ashamed of their sexuality. “Coming out of the closet” is a huge accomplishment for the LGBTQ+ community and it is certainly hard for the majority of people to do. The fear of letting loved ones down or putting themselves in a new spotlight can be extremely daunting and microaggressions makes that achievement of coming out feel like it is being belittled. The constant belittling with microaggressions often leads to biased prejudices and homophobia that can often hold a member of the LGBTQ+ community back from personal growth and opportunities. As highlighted by Psychology Today, “…research indicates they have a powerful impact upon the psychological well-being of marginalized groups and affect their standard of living by creating inequities in health care, education, and employment” (Dr. Derald). Subtle forms of prejudice within the LGBTQ+ community become constant reminders of societal biases and can deeply contribute to feelings of marginalization, alienation, and stress. Constant microaggressions that belittle a member of the LGBTQ+ community, or any minority groups, reinforces the idea that their identities are not fully respected or valued within society. This makes it difficult for those who have not only already come out, but for those who are still closeted about their secularity to admit their true selves out of fear of being judged.
Hi Amandine! I really enjoyed how you pointed out that microaggressions are not always intentional but still hurt an individual regardless. Microaggressions targeting LGBTQ+ people impact the everyday lives of individuals, and can even become stereotypes of these people. One I find most common is the idea that every man is predatory, while this is a generalized idea that likely does not count as a microaggression, the same stereotype is then placed upon trans women. The idea that trans women are predatory is a microaggression they have to face every day, making everyday life incredibly difficult, especially for those who work in childcare. This is even applied to drag queens, simply because people do not care to understand the difference between them. There is essentially a war on transgender people, and these microaggressions are becoming so common it is starting to effect cisgender people’s lives as well.
Hello Amadine, I really enjoyed your blog post. You did a great job discussing the article as well as giving your own insight on the subject of microaggressions. Microaggressions are something we do subconsciously and we may not be aware of. What I liked about this article was that Professor Sue was able to give examples to put into perspective what these microaggressions may look like. I find this to be a very useful tactic because it can make readers critically reflect on their own thoughts and where they may or may not have had their own microaggressions. Sue writes, “An Asian American, born and raised in the United States, is complimented for speaking “good English.” (Hidden message: You are not a true American. You are a perpetual foreigner in your own country.)”. I think this is a thought that some Americans often have. If you see someone of a different race, you may think they are from a certain part of the world or a certain area. What I also really enjoyed that Sue points out is why these things are harmful. Sometimes, at first glance, it may appear that these sayings or thoughts don’t mean much, but they do. It is important to realize when these thoughts occur and to alter your thinking from what you have been raised to know.
Amadine, great job on your blog post. I think you did an excellent job of talking through the implications and effects of micro aggressions. To answer your discussion question, “What role do bystanders play in addressing and preventing microaggressions against women? How can individuals intervene effectively to support victims, challenge harmful behaviors, and promote environments of respect and equality?” I feel as though the role of a bystander enables, if not promotes micro aggressions. Dr. Wing Sue writes that micro aggressions “…suggest they do not belong with the majority group, threaten and intimidate, or relegate them to inferior status and treatment.” If a person standing by witnessed a micro aggression they are ultimately enabling this behavior because that categorizes the person watching as a part of the “group” which places them in the same category as the oppressor. In my opinion it is always okay to remind someone that micro aggressions are not okay. I think in any circumstance it is appropriate to correct the person using the micro aggression in a polite and calm manor so that the situation doesn’t escalate.
Good morning Amandine, this is a very well written and insightful post. To talk about micro aggressions is very interesting because people don’t realize they’re doing them most of the time. Dr Wing Sue informs us that “we have been socialized into racist, sexist, and heterosexist attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. Much of this is outside the level of conscious awareness, thus we engage in actions that unintentionally oppress and discriminate against others.” And I see this as very truthful, as I have been in the boat of people that used to take part in these micro aggresions and now I realize that when they are used, even if they are not meant to be disrespectful. It is and most people learn these habits and are influenced by the popular majority of people.
Kendrick Lamar – Auntie Diaries
Hi Amandine, great post this week! Microaggressions are found in so much more than just race. You did a great job of explaining that to us and showing just how it is used and expressed towards other things like being gay. Wing Sue makes many great points talking about how often these microaggressions are used, sometimes with us not even realizing they are. Bystanders can play a crucial role in stopping this stuff by simply just speaking up if you see something like that happening. I think the way you can help these people is simply treat others the way you want to be treated. Even if they have a different perspective than you. Microaggressions target and affect the daily lives of these people in a very negative way. It is obviously going to make them feel different and alienated when someone is treating you differently specifically because you do something different than other people would.