But Where Are You From? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

But Where Are You From?

Microaggressions and the impact they have on individuals and society.

13
But Where Are You From?
Mashable

Let’s talk about microaggressions. Don’t worry if you don’t know what it is, that’s what I’m here for. I had to take a Culture Competence class in order to learn about it. But it should be common knowledge, so here we go.

What it is:

Microaggressions: "comment or action that subtly and often unconsciously or unintentionally expresses a prejudiced attitude toward a member of a marginalized group” (Miriam-Webster).

The term ‘microaggression’ was originally coined by psychiatrist Dr. Chester Pierce in the 1970’s. Most commonly known for its use by Columbia professor Derald Sue to describe "brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative racial slights and insults toward people of color.”

This subtle form of racism is so commonly used that in a normal conversation, it may not seem like anything. But the reality, though, is that it can be more harmful than you may expect. An individual may have to hear a phrase like, “Oh, well you’re Asian so you can’t drive”, over and over in their life, and this can be internalized to create a self-hate, or feelings of being inferior. The longer that minority individuals hear these things, the more they begin to believe it and see it as true in themselves.

Microaggressions can affect any socially marginalized group. Microaggressions can be mispronouncing a name, and not trying to correct yourself, laughing at another’s name because it sounds “different”, making assumptions based on ethnicity, and many others. In 2013 Buzzfeed did an article on examples of everyday microaggressions around Fordham University's Lincoln Campus.

How to stop it:

There are a few simple ways to go about stopping or preventing microaggressions:

  • Speak up when you hear a microaggression.
  • Be aware of what comes out of your own mouth, and think before you speak.
  • Educate others.

So there you have it. I hope I was able to share a small amount of knowledge with you today, and if you are interested in learning more about microaggressions, I urge you to get onto Google and find some articles. Hop onto JStor, or Academic Premier, and you'll have weeks of material to read.

And now that you know a little more than you did at the start of this article, I hope that you'll share this information about microaggressions with others. Let's fight for equality and justice for all.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Lifestyle

5 Benefits Of Learning Different Languages

It's a pain to learn but it's definitely worth it in the end.

84
learning different languages
a2zli

When I was learning how to talk, I was taught both Portuguese and English at the same time. In elementary school, I started taking mandatory Spanish classes, which I did well in because of my knowledge of Portuguese. Then in high school, on top of taking Spanish, I also started taking French. Now, in college, already fluent in English and Portuguese, I'm in the process of becoming fluent in Spanish, and I have a standard high school level understanding of French.

Keep Reading...Show less
disney dinner
Deviantart

I am without a doubt one of those people who refuses to start decorating for Christmas or listen to Christmas music until after Thanksgiving. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving has become an underrated holiday over the years. You barely see any Thanksgiving decorations in stores; it's like they skip right from Halloween to Christmas.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

8 Things To Do To Keep You Occupied During Thanksgiving Break

Nothing says "Thanksgiving break" like never changing into real clothes all day.

88
8 Things To Do To Keep You Occupied During Thanksgiving Break
Becco

Some universities only get two or three days off for Thanksgiving break. Or, if your university is like mine, you get the whole week off go go home. A whole week off is a long time. I'm not complaining, because I'd rather have a whole week off than three days, but there is a lot of down time. Here are some ideas as to what you can do to get the most out of your Thanksgiving break.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Inevitable Stages Of Going Home For Thanksgiving As A College Student

Turns out that Thanksgiving is a lot more complicated when you're in college.

1515
10 Inevitable Stages Of Going Home For Thanksgiving As A College Student
Wikimedia Commons

It's that time of year again- Thanksgiving Break is finally approaching. For college students everywhere, Thanksgiving is a time to relax and not really worry about homework (well, depending on what major you're in). However, going home for Thanksgiving is actually a lot more complicated and stressful than it looks. From traveling, to Thanksgiving in general, the stages of going home can drive students crazy.

Keep Reading...Show less
silhouette of person's hands forming heart
Photo by Mayur Gala on Unsplash

Your relationship doesn´t have to be full of exchanges of lavish gifts. You do not have to go on elaborate dates and try crazy things. While those are great for a relationship, there are much simpler ways to ensure a happy and stable union.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments