- Microaggressions are the everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, or insults, whether intentional or unintentional, which communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to target persons based solely upon their marginalized group membership.
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1. Address It Calmly yet Clearly. Now this is easier said then done, but when dealing with microaggresions I've noticed that there are two types of people who do it. The first type are those who are ignorant and honestly have no clue that they're being offensive. The second type are those who are fully aware and simply do not care. However, HOW you address it can make a difference. If it was one person during class, wait until the class is over and ask to speak with him or her privately. Remember your intention is not to embarrass them, but to make them aware so that they can choose to not repeat the action.
Next, tell them in a way that doesn't threaten their character, but focuses their behavior. Once someone feels that their character is being threaten, they stop listening and start defending. This method has worked for me when addressing various situations -"When you do/say ______(insert microaggression)___, it makes me feel _______(insert emotion)_______ because _____(insert why you feel that way)_____. For example, "when you say I speak white it makes me feel offended because it enforces a negative stereotype about my culture." Now if your tone was good, most people will either ask for further explanation, deflect, and/or apologize. It may not always result in an apology, but you'll feel empowered for standing up for yourself in a respectful way.
2. Seek Mentorship. Whether it be by a faculty/staff member or an upperclassmen. At predominately white schools, it may be difficult finding a lot of people of color to choose from. However, this person should be someone whom you genuinely trust and feel comfortable with. Having access to someone who has been in your exact position to listen to you and give you guidance is invaluable. If tip #1 doesn't end in an apology, this person can serve as an additional resource and reaffirm that you deserve to be on your campus.
3. Join Organizations for Students of Color. This is important because microaggressions have a way of making you feel like you don't belong. Therefore, It's great to have a network of people on campus that are similar to you and understand exactly what you are going through. Whether it be the Black Student Union, Asian Student Alliance, NSBE, cultural Fraternity/Sorority, etc. These organizations have missions to help students of color attain success. There's power in numbers and by being active in an organization, it gives you a platform for your voice to be heard. After joining an organization, you will have the ability to reserve space on campus and host an event about microaggressions to raise awareness. In addition to giving you a platform, organizations connect you to campus, which gives you a better sense of belonging. If there's an organization that you want on your campus, but is not there, then speak to administrators about creating one.
Microaggressions can be offensive, upsetting, and annoying, but it doesn't have to control your entire experience on campus. By following some of these tips, you can make your time more enjoyable and alleviate your mind to focus on what really matters - your studies. Hopefully, you don't have to deal with these experiences, but by learning how to effectively deal with them now, you will be prepared for when you enter the workforce and non-diverse areas.
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