Summary
Highlights
Microaggressions are insults rooted in stereotypes, directed at individuals due to their membership in marginalized groups. Coined in 1970 by Dr. Chester Middlebrook Pierce, the term initially described dismissive behavior towards Black people but has expanded to include offensive comments and actions against anyone in a marginalized group, such as women, people of color, people with disabilities, and older individuals. They are prevalent and can be deeply wounding due to their cumulative effect.
Examples include using terms like 'I'm so OCD' or 'I'm so dyslexic' without actually having these conditions. This is considered ableist language, trivializing serious conditions. The speaker references the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and highlights the 'Capitol Crawl' where disability activists crawled up 83 steps to emphasize historical exclusion and marginalization.
Professing 'colorblindness' through phrases like 'I don't see color' or 'I treat everyone the same' can be a microaggression. These statements deny the lived experiences of people of color and can shut down important conversations, allowing stereotypes to persist. Proximity to diverse individuals does not automatically equate to understanding social justice issues.
The phrase 'that's so ghetto' is offensive due to its historical context. Originating in 1516 to describe areas where Jewish people lived in Venice, and later referring to low-income areas where minority groups resided, the term from a US perspective is associated with systemic racism, redlining, and disenfranchisement of Black and Brown communities. Using 'ghetto' to disparage something trivializes serious historical and societal issues of poverty and marginalization.
The speaker provides two key tools: 1. Pause and consider the impact: Before asking personal questions, comparing people, or describing personalities, pause to consider the potential impact on the other person, not just your intention. Ask if the comment is necessary and promotes a growth mindset. 2. Research unfamiliar terms: Before adding new words to your vocabulary, especially slang, do a quick search to ensure it's not offensive. The core message emphasizes kindness, human decency, inclusion, and respect.