Micro-aggressions can cause harm and perpetuate stereotypes. Although
someone may not be offended by something another person might be. It is
important to be aware of common micro-aggressions because they are often
subconscious. There are larger issues in the world, such as systematic
oppression, but racially motivated micro-aggressions can change the way people
perceive certain races. I might believe that I am asking a benign question but
without knowing it I might be insulting someone or making a generalization
about his or her race. In general I
think it is very important for people to be aware of their biases. If you are
unaware or believe you are prejudice free I suggest taking one of the tests
found here: https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/selectatest.html.
Once you are aware of your biases and common micro-aggressions it might be
easier to stop yourself from saying micro-aggressions. For those who are affected by
micro-aggressions it can take an intense psychological toll. According to an
article by the APA (American Psychological Association), Micro-aggressions can
make people feel like “they don't belong, that they are abnormal or that they
are untrustworthy”[1]
Another problem that micro-aggressions can cause is people feeling the “pressure
to represent their group in a positive way. One woman said she was constantly
vigilant about her work performance because she was worried that any slipups
would negatively affect every black person who came after her.”[2]
This is a common worry and fear. There a
variety of people in every race and to believe that every person from one race
is the same is ludicrous.
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