Eliminating Microaggressions: The Next Level of Inclusion | Tiffany Alvoid | TEDxOakland

Summary

The video discusses the concept of microaggressions, which are subtle insults rooted in stereotypes directed at marginalized groups. It traces the term's origin, its impact, and the prevalence of such behaviors in society. The speaker highlights examples of microaggressions related to disability and race, offering context and explaining the harm they cause. The video emphasizes the importance of inclusion, respect, and the need for thoughtful communication in professional and social settings. It concludes with practical tips on how to avoid microaggressions and foster a more respectful environment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Microaggressions are insults rooted in stereotypes, directed at individuals based on their membership in a marginalized group.
• 😀 The term 'microaggression' was coined in 1970 by Dr. Chester Middlebrook Pierce to describe insults and dismissive behavior faced by Black people, but it has since been expanded to include other marginalized groups.
• 😀 Microaggressions are pervasive in society, affecting people based on race, gender, disability, and age, and can occur both in social and professional settings.
• 😀 The impact of microaggressions is cumulative, similar to multiple paper cuts: a single incident may seem small, but the accumulation can take a toll on a person's emotional well-being.
• 😀 Microaggressions related to disability include comments such as 'I'm so OCD' or 'I'm so dyslexic,' which trivialize serious conditions.
• 😀 The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 made it illegal to discriminate based on disability and ensured accessibility in public spaces, a hard-fought victory by disability activists.
• 😀 Microaggressions regarding race, such as 'I don’t see color,' deny the lived experiences of people of color and can shut down important conversations about race and systemic racism.
• 😀 The phrase 'that's so ghetto' is problematic due to its historical connection to segregation, poverty, and systemic racism. It makes light of the struggles of marginalized communities.
• 😀 Systemic racism, exemplified by discriminatory practices like redlining and the GI Bill's exclusion of Black veterans, continues to affect marginalized groups and perpetuate inequalities.
• 😀 To avoid microaggressions, pause before making personal comments or comparisons, research unfamiliar terms, and consider the impact of your words on others.
• 😀 Promoting kindness, decency, and respect in the workplace is essential. Thinking before speaking and treating others with empathy are forms of kindness that foster inclusivity.

Q & A

What is a microaggression?

A microaggression is a subtle insult or behavior rooted in stereotypes, often directed at individuals from marginalized groups. These insults limit a person's ability to be seen as an individual and can accumulate over time to cause significant harm.

Who coined the term 'microaggression' and why?

The term 'microaggression' was coined by Dr. Chester Middlebrook Pierce, a professor at Harvard, in 1970. He used it to describe the insults and dismissive behavior he observed toward Black people, which were rooted in racial stereotypes.

How have microaggressions evolved since their original definition?

Initially, microaggressions were associated with insults directed at Black people, but the term has since expanded to include offensive comments toward various marginalized groups, such as women, people of color, people with disabilities, and older individuals.

Why are microaggressions harmful?

Microaggressions are harmful because they accumulate over time, leading to emotional and psychological harm. They can be likened to paper cuts; individually manageable, but their repeated occurrence can deeply wound a person's spirit.

Can anyone commit a microaggression?

Yes, anyone can commit a microaggression. Everyone has biases, and microaggressions can be made unintentionally, even by those who are not consciously prejudiced.

What are some examples of microaggressions related to disability?

Examples of disability-related microaggressions include phrases like 'I'm so OCD' or 'I'm so dyslexic,' used casually without any actual experience with these conditions. These comments trivialize serious mental health or cognitive conditions.

What historical event is referenced regarding disability rights?

The speaker references the 1990 signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which made it illegal to discriminate against individuals with disabilities in employment and public spaces. Prior to the ADA, disability activists made a powerful statement by crawling up the 83 steps outside the U.S. Capitol to draw attention to their exclusion.

Why is the phrase 'I don’t see color' considered a microaggression?

The phrase 'I don’t see color' is considered a microaggression because it denies the lived experiences and struggles of people of color. It can be used defensively when someone is challenged about a discriminatory comment, shutting down important conversations about race and perpetuating stereotypes.

What is the historical significance of the term 'ghetto' in relation to microaggressions?

The term 'ghetto' originated in the 16th century in Venice to describe areas where Jewish people were forced to live. Over time, it has been associated with low-income, predominantly Black and Brown neighborhoods in the U.S., reflecting systemic racism and poverty. Using the term 'ghetto' flippantly can be offensive due to its historical context.

What is meant by 'systemic racism' in the context of the video?

Systemic racism refers to the structures and policies that perpetuate racial inequality. Examples include discriminatory practices like redlining, where Black and Brown communities were excluded from home loans and resources, and the GI Bill, which disproportionately denied benefits to Black veterans.

What are some tools for avoiding microaggressions in the workplace?

To avoid microaggressions, individuals are encouraged to pause before speaking, consider the impact of their words, ensure their comments are necessary and promote a growth mindset, and research terms or slang to avoid unintentional harm.

What values does the speaker want to emphasize in their talk?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of inclusion, respect, kindness, and human decency. They encourage individuals to reflect on their words and actions and treat others with kindness and respect, fostering an environment of empathy and understanding.