The invisibility of minorities is a form of microaggression.
Microaggressions are subtle actions that transmit prejudice or negatively affect a marginalized group . These are acts that can be intentional or involuntary.
It should be noted that the term microaggression does not appear in the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy ( RAE ). In any case, it can be recognized that the concept is formed with the compositional element micro – (referring to that which is very small) and the noun aggression (an attack). That is why it is possible to affirm that microaggressions are offensive or harmful behaviors that are tenuous or of little severity, at least directly.
Characteristics of microaggressions
Microaggressions are a form of subtle discrimination. They are expressions that are usually based on stereotypes and that reflect cultural insensitivity and lack of empathy.
Many expressions contain implicit sexism , veiled homophobia , hidden xenophobia or even everyday racism . There is usually an unconscious bias that leads those who commit microaggressions not to realize that, with their behavior, they contribute to social exclusion .
Beyond the verbal, microaggressions can also arise from body language. Race, religion, nationality and gender are some of the factors that can be the axis of this type of offensive.
Among the most common microaggressions is the assignment of intelligence based on race.
Its consequences
Although they may seem like minor issues, microaggressions have a psychological impact . Mental health effects can range from feelings of isolation to trauma , anxiety and depression .
Stress from microaggressions has consequences for academic performance and barriers in the workplace. By finding themselves in hostile environments, the victim suffers an erosion of trust .
Microinvalidations, microinsults and other forms of microaggression threaten harmonious coexistence. This is due to its impact on interpersonal relationships.
Faced with this reality, those who suffer microaggressions must develop resilience . These situations aim to place them in a situation of inferiority that must be dismantled.
Microaggressions cause reduced job satisfaction.
Types of microaggressions
The American psychologist and writer Derald Wing Sue distinguished between several types of microaggressions:
- Microinvalidations : These are comments that belittle or minimize the experiences of a social group. For example, a heterosexual individual telling someone gay that "homosexuals are no longer discriminated against today."
- Microinsults : Expressions that are discriminatory without the desire to cause discomfort. One case would be to congratulate an immigrant for how well he speaks the language of the country that welcomed him.
- Microattacks : Offensive behavior but which the aggressor justifies due to the lack of bad intention. That happens when someone makes a xenophobic comment and then clarifies that it was a "joke."
How to combat them
Eradicating microaggressions is a challenge since, as we indicated, they can even be involuntary. However, it is possible to adopt measures to promote inclusion and encourage intercultural dialogue without prejudice or offense .
It is possible to develop individual work to banish these behaviors. A basic tip is to think about the consequences that your own words can have on others.
Not underestimating emotions or minimizing the reactions of others is also very important. If you have committed a microaggression and detect it, it is essential to apologize and take into account what happened so as not to repeat it.
The educational system, of course, has a fundamental role. Anti-racist education is needed, without xenophobia and that does not discriminate against any social group . In this framework, cultural sensitivity workshops for teachers can help in building an inclusive perspective.
From the State, inclusion policies must be applied and awareness campaigns developed. Of course, anti-discrimination legislation is also needed that punishes symbolic and physical violence that transcends the subtle and constitutes a crime.
Social movements that promote gender equality and protect civil rights are also relevant with their anti-discrimination activism . The same goes for inclusive media that supports diverse representation.
In this sense, it must be added that research on microaggressions carried out in social sciences is a very useful tool to detect stereotypes and other problems. Content analysis, in this sense, serves to explain realities that are generally not noticed or are not noticeable.
Examples of microaggressions
Take the case of a young man who tells a friend: "You drive very well for a woman." In this alleged praise, a contempt for the female gender is masked.
Questions about someone's origin are also a microaggression. This usually happens with people with black skin in countries with a majority white population. Asking a man where he was born just because his complexion is dark constitutes a form of discrimination.
Something similar happens with comments about accent and mockery for pronunciation. These assessments are usually directed at immigrants, for example.
Presumption of guilt and assumptions about legal status are other cases of microaggressions. Suppose a woman is on the beach and can't find her bag. When he observes a group of gypsies a few meters away, he believes that they stole it from him. This assumption is based on prejudice since there is no evidence about what really happened. Likewise, talking to a Mexican in the United States and considering that, due to their nationality, they entered the country illegally is another type of microaggression.
It is common for nicknames to be microaggressions. Calling someone "Chinese" , "Fat" or "Black" instead of appealing to their name is a form of discrimination and minimization of identity.
Paternalistic comments, assumptions of inferiority, and assumptions of need for help can also be considered microaggressions. If in a conversation where there are individuals from different generations, the oldest person is asked "Do you know what TikTok is?" You don't understand what we're talking about, do you? , a lack of knowledge about technology without real support is attributed to him. Another example of these attitudes would be not inviting a classmate who has a disability to a meeting after the university, thinking that he or she will have difficulties getting around and enjoying the outing.