Microaggression Research Paper

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Microaggressions are downplayed instances of latent discrimination that often fly under the radar. They are minute insults and attacks that can be passed off as playful because they are supported by the power structure in our society. Microaggressions subtly uphold the perceived social hierarchy of a culture and can be used as a currency for privilege. These statements or actions are regularly dismissed as insignificant, but they build upon each other to reinforce hostility between different groups of people. When the perpetrator of any microaggression brushes off a negative response to their words, they fail to gain perspective on their victim’s life experience. This lack of growth sometimes leads to further underlying resentment or distrust …show more content…
Examples of microassaults include name-calling, slurs and blatant avoidance, which is why it is sometimes referred to as “old-fashioned” discrimination. These encounters are the most likely to be criticized by outsiders, which is why they typically occur anonymously or in a seemingly “safe” and like-minded environment. The second type of microaggression is a microinsult. Microinsults are more subtle than microassaults and also much more common. These microaggressions manifest beneath one’s consciousness and are a result of insensitivity rather than prejudiced attitudes and biases. Microinsults emphasize negative stereotypes and are used to belittle the victim’s identity in some way. While these subtle snubs are usually outside of the awareness of the perpetrator, they convey a hidden disrespectful message. The final type of microaggression is a microinvalidation. Microaggressions that fall into this category are also less obvious than microassaults. Their purpose is to undermine or discredit a marginalized person’s true feelings and perception of
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