Identifying and Preventing Microaggression in Modern Day America
Identifying and Preventing Microaggression in Modern Day America
Microaggressions are quotidian abusive remarks, derogatory statements, and
indignities carried out by, in many instances, a well-meaning individual in a presiding group
against an individual in a minority group. It is more difficult detecting microaggressions
than other undisguised acts of discrimination, such as racism and sexism. They are not
meant to hurt, and the individual carrying out the acts most likely has no clue they just made
an offensive remark. The actual act or words are frequently not offensive, but the underlying
meaning discloses discrimination. Microaggressions seem to be discriminations that are just
lurking beneath the surface. They can be identified by analyzing remarks and actions
perpetrated by individuals and understanding the bias behind them. Though seemingly
unsubstantial, they do have detrimental effects on an individual’s mental and overall health
over time (Derald Wing Sue, 2020).
Luckily, there are some recommendations on how to prevent microaggressions. When
first meeting an individual, it is essential to make a mental assessment of them and how they
are different from you. The brain already does this, but if one is active in the process, then they
are more likely not to get caught up in it and become aware when making untoward comments.
It is crucial to question our beliefs and evaluate the physical elements that instinctively
prompt your mind to make an assumption regarding an individual. When one is more reserved
about the assumptions the brain makes about an individual, it is easy to prevent oneself from
buying into stereotypes founded on an individual’s physical appearance. It is essential to
acknowledge the part played by institutions and society. Recognize how institutions were
established around and benefit from suppressing minorities, like the zero-tolerance initiatives at
public schools guarantee that black students have some interaction with the criminal justice
system (Levchak, 2018).
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References
Derald Wing Sue, L. S. (2020). Microaggressions in Everyday Life. John Wiley & Sons.
Levchak, C. C. (2018). Microaggressions and Modern Racism: Endurance and Evolution.
Springer.