What is the definition of microaggression?

Quartz

21 Sept 201604:29

Summary

TLDRThe video script discusses the concept of microaggressions, which are subtle, often unintentional, discriminatory actions or comments that can have a significant impact on individuals. It differentiates between three types of microaggressions: micro-assaults, which resemble overt racism; micro-insults, which subtly undermine a person's racial identity or self-esteem; and micro-invalidations, which dismiss or invalidate a person's experiences or identity. The script uses examples to illustrate how these microaggressions can occur in various forms, such as racial, gender, sexual orientation, and disability microaggressions, and emphasizes their cumulative effect on individuals, often leading to a hostile and invalidating environment.

Takeaways

🏋️‍♂️ Microaggressions can come in various forms, including a gym membership offer as a subtle pressure to lose weight.
🍦 The speaker uses humor to discuss microaggressions, such as being offered ice cream to watch their weight.
🗣️ Microaggressions range from deliberate and conscious behaviors to those outside of one's conscious awareness.
🔍 Three types of microaggressions are identified: micro assaults, which are similar to old-fashioned racism; micro insults, which are subtle and hidden; and micro invalidations, which assail racial identity and self-esteem.
🍽️ An example of a micro insult is when a person of color is seated in a less desirable location in a restaurant compared to a white couple.
☕ An anecdote shared involves a woman being ignored for coffee service while others around her were served, highlighting a microaggression.
🚫 Microaggressions can be based on race, sexual orientation, disability, and gender, and include behaviors like sexual objectification.
👀 Staring at a woman's body parts is considered a microaggression as it perpetuates sexual objectification.
🌳 Environmental microaggressions contribute to a hostile and invalidating climate, making individuals feel uncomfortable.
🐪 The cumulative effect of microaggressions can be significant, like the proverbial 'straw that breaks the camel's back'.
🏳️‍🌈 The speaker addresses personal experiences with microaggressions related to ethnicity and sexual orientation, emphasizing their impact on individuals.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the provided transcript?
-The main topic discussed in the transcript is microaggressions, which are subtle, often unintentional, discriminatory actions or comments that can be based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and other aspects of identity.
What are the three types of microaggressions identified in the transcript?
-The three types of microaggressions identified are micro-assaults, which are similar to old-fashioned racism; micro-insults, which are more subtle and hidden; and micro-invalidations, which assail one's racial identity and self-esteem.
Can you provide an example of a micro-assault from the transcript?
-An example of a micro-assault from the transcript is when someone might say to a person of color, 'You don't understand English,' which is a direct and deliberate act of racism.
What is a micro-insult according to the transcript?
-A micro-insult is a subtle, often unintentional, action or comment that is demeaning to a person's racial or cultural identity. An example given is when a person of color is seated in a less desirable location in a restaurant compared to a white couple.
How does the transcript describe the impact of microaggressions?
-The transcript describes microaggressions as cumulative and representative of the 'feather that breaks the camel's back,' suggesting that even small acts of discrimination can have a significant impact over time.
What is the example of a microaggression related to sexual orientation mentioned in the transcript?
-The example of a microaggression related to sexual orientation mentioned in the transcript is when someone asks a man if he is gay based on his appearance, which can be offensive and invalidating.
What is an environmental microaggression as described in the transcript?
-An environmental microaggression, as described in the transcript, is a hostile and invalidating climate created by the cumulative effect of microaggressions in a setting, such as a workplace or a public space.
How does the transcript illustrate the concept of micro-invalidation?
-The transcript illustrates micro-invalidation through examples such as a server ignoring the beverage preferences of a person of color in a restaurant, or making assumptions about someone's nationality or language skills.
What is the example of a microaggression related to gender mentioned in the transcript?
-The example of a microaggression related to gender mentioned in the transcript is when a man is complimented on having 'feminine' features, which can be seen as an attempt to undermine his masculinity or make him feel uncomfortable.
How does the transcript suggest that microaggressions can affect different aspects of identity?
-The transcript suggests that microaggressions can affect different aspects of identity by providing examples related to race, sexual orientation, disability, and gender, showing that these subtle acts of discrimination can target various personal characteristics.

Outlines

00:00

😔 Microaggressions and Their Impact

This paragraph discusses the concept of microaggressions, which are subtle, often unintentional, discriminatory actions or comments that can have a significant impact on individuals. The speaker identifies three types of microaggressions: microassaults, which are overtly racist; microinsults, which are more covert and can include being seated in an undesirable location at a restaurant; and microinvalidations, which undermine a person's racial identity and self-esteem. The paragraph also touches on various forms of microaggressions, such as those based on race, sexual orientation, disability, and gender, and highlights the cumulative effect of these actions, likening them to the proverbial 'straw that breaks the camel's back'.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Microaggressions

Microaggressions refer to subtle, often unintentional, discriminatory comments or actions directed at marginalized groups. In the script, they are discussed as behaviors ranging from deliberate to unconscious actions that can impact an individual's sense of identity and self-esteem. Examples include differential treatment in a restaurant and making assumptions based on race or appearance.

💡Microassaults

Microassaults are a type of microaggression that resemble overt, old-fashioned racism. They are explicit, intentional discriminatory acts, such as telling someone they can't understand English. These actions are a direct assault on an individual's dignity and identity.

💡Microinsults

Microinsults are subtle snubs or demeaning comments that convey a hidden discriminatory message. In the script, an example given is a couple of color being seated in a less desirable location in a restaurant compared to a white couple. These actions are less overt than microassaults but still harmful.

💡Microinvalidations

Microinvalidations are comments or actions that negate or dismiss the thoughts, feelings, or experiences of marginalized individuals. An example from the script includes assumptions about African Americans being dangerous and criminal, which undermines their identity and self-worth.

💡Sexual objectification

Sexual objectification refers to treating a person as a mere object of sexual desire rather than as a whole person. In the script, staring at a woman's breasts or legs is cited as an example, fulfilling the theme of reducing women to their body parts rather than recognizing their full humanity.

💡Environmental microaggressions

Environmental microaggressions create a hostile or invalidating atmosphere for marginalized groups. The script mentions examples like a racially insensitive environment or decor, which can make individuals feel unwelcome or uncomfortable in a given space.

💡Cumulative impact

Cumulative impact refers to the compounded effect of repeated microaggressions over time. The script illustrates this by saying that microaggressions represent 'the feather that breaks the camel's back,' indicating how persistent small actions can lead to significant stress and harm.

💡Conscious vs. unconscious behavior

This concept distinguishes between deliberate actions and those done without awareness. The script discusses how microaggressions can range from very deliberate and conscious to those outside one's conscious behavior, highlighting the spectrum of discriminatory actions.

💡Racial identity

Racial identity is an individual's sense of belonging to a particular racial group. The script highlights how microaggressions can assail this identity, such as when assumptions are made about someone’s background or character based on their race.

💡Subtle discrimination

Subtle discrimination refers to indirect or less obvious discriminatory actions or comments. The script provides examples like differential treatment in service settings or casual remarks that carry hidden prejudices, underscoring how discrimination can be pervasive and insidious.

Highlights

Microaggressions can range from deliberate and conscious behaviors to those outside one's conscious awareness.

Three types of microaggressions are identified: micro assaults, micro insults, and micro invalidations.

Micro assaults are likened to old-fashioned racism.

An example of a micro insult is a person of color being seated in a less desirable location than white patrons.

Micro invalidations assail racial identity and self-esteem, such as being ignored or not offered the same amenities as others.

Racial microaggressions can manifest in various forms, including assumptions of danger and criminality.

Sexual orientation microaggressions involve subtle discrimination based on perceived sexual identity.

Disability microaggressions can include staring or making assumptions about someone's capabilities.

Gender microaggressions may involve objectification, such as staring at a woman's body inappropriately.

Environmental microaggressions create a hostile and invalidating atmosphere.

Microaggressions are cumulative and can have a significant impact over time, likened to the 'straw that breaks the camel's back'.

Examples of microaggressions include making assumptions about someone's nationality or language abilities.

Microaggressions can also involve making assumptions about someone's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Compliments can sometimes be microaggressions if they reinforce stereotypes, such as commenting on someone's appearance as being 'feminine'.

The impact of microaggressions can be profound, affecting individuals' sense of belonging and self-worth.

Addressing microaggressions involves recognizing and challenging these subtle forms of discrimination.