MICROAGGRESSIONS IN THE CLASSROOM

Summary

The video script delves into the subtle yet impactful nature of microaggressions, which are unintentionally offensive comments or actions often committed by well-intentioned individuals. It discusses the three types of microaggressions: microassaults, microinsults, and microinvalidations, providing personal anecdotes to illustrate their occurrence and the emotional toll they take. The script emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing microaggressions to foster an inclusive environment, particularly in educational settings, and the responsibility of educators to ensure a sense of belonging for all students.

Takeaways

• 😔 Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional, offensive comments or actions that can hurt individuals from historically underrepresented groups.
• 🤔 People who commit microaggressions often consider themselves well-intentioned and may not realize the impact of their actions.
• 🗣️ Microaggressions can take various forms, including microassaults, microinsults, and micronvalidations, each with distinct characteristics.
• 🏷️ Microassaults are overt acts of discrimination, such as posting racial slurs or symbols, and are intentional in nature.
• 👩‍🏫 Instances of microaggressions in educational settings include teachers making assumptions about students' abilities or backgrounds based on their race or ethnicity.
• 💔 Microinsults can come across as 'compliments' but actually undermine the individual's identity by reinforcing stereotypes or exceptions to them.
• 🙅‍♂️ Microinvalidations occur when the experiences or feelings of marginalized individuals are dismissed or ignored by others.
• 👥 The impact of microaggressions can create an uncomfortable and stressful environment, affecting not only the targeted individual but also the sense of belonging for others.
• 🌐 Being 'colorblind' or claiming not to see race can be a form of microinvalidation, as it dismisses the importance of racial identity for many individuals.
• 📚 Faculty members have a responsibility to create an inclusive classroom environment where all students feel respected and valued for their contributions.
• 🤝 Addressing microaggressions when they occur involves acknowledging the discomfort, initiating dialogue, and modeling behavior that promotes understanding and inclusivity.

Q & A

What is a microaggression?

A microaggression is a subtle, often unintentional, discriminatory comment or action directed towards members of marginalized groups, which may not be overtly racist but are hurtful and disrespectful.

How do microaggressions affect individuals?

Microaggressions can cause emotional distress, create an uncomfortable environment, and make individuals feel disrespected, unwelcome, or as if they don't belong.

What are the three types of microaggressions mentioned in the script?

The three types of microaggressions are microassaults, microinsults, and microinvalidations.

Can you provide an example of a microassault mentioned in the script?

An example of a microassault is the deliberate posting of swastikas, Confederate flags, racial slurs, or epitaphs in a classroom.

What is a microinsult according to the script?

A microinsult is a comment that seems like a compliment but actually communicates disrespect towards a demographic group, often by implying that the individual is an exception to a stereotype.

How does the script describe the impact of microaggressions on students' health and well-being?

The script suggests that microaggressions can cause stress, which may affect students' health, and can make them feel excluded or as if they don't belong in their educational environment.

What is an example of a microinvalidation mentioned in the script?

A microinvalidation occurs when someone dismisses or invalidates the experiences of a historically disadvantaged group member, such as when a professor or classmates ignore a student's wish for more diverse faculty representation.

How can a professor address a microaggression in the classroom if they did not commit it?

A professor can address a microaggression by naming it, acknowledging that a difficult comment was made, and instigating a dialogue to discuss the impact and feelings it may have caused among the students.

What are some common microaggressions committed by faculty in the classroom as mentioned in the script?

Common microaggressions include mispronouncing students' names, using incorrect pronouns, ignoring certain students during discussions, scheduling tests during cultural holidays, and using heterosexist examples.

How should a professor handle a situation where they have committed a microaggression?

A professor should acknowledge the mistake, apologize sincerely, and express a willingness to understand the impact of their words from the affected individual's perspective.

What is the broader message of the script regarding the importance of understanding and addressing microaggressions?

The script emphasizes the need for greater awareness, understanding, and dialogue around microaggressions to foster an inclusive and respectful environment where everyone feels they belong.