Criticism is delivered in many different ways. In fact it has the dual ability to embody both a positive and negative mindset. Take, for example, constructive criticism. Now, in theory comments of this nature are meant solely for the opportunity to better oneself in some way. Mix that in with some rotten personalities throwing around insults in the name of constructive criticism, well that’s a whole other story. On the complete opposite side there are of course harsh criticisms, built for the purpose to tear one down. Comments of this nature branch out and can be categorized based on the delivery of the comment. Of course this applies to the positive side too, but the human mind is more likely to remember the negatives.
There are a type of comments that are so scathing it leaves permanent scars, but subtly so; in other words, the most dangerous kind of comments. Over time these types of comments have worn many names, but currently identify as microaggressions. One might say that microaggressions are more statements than comments, but seeing as how they tend to be directed at what makes someone who they are generally makes them comments. The effect of microaggressions is more of a slow buildup, a growth that spans time yet conditions a person to the point of making Pavlov quite proud. Microaggressions have been rampant since the dawn of time, honestly since the moment a person could look at another and see a difference in skin color. The common victim of the conditioning of microaggressions has always been the person of color, but before I break down my favorite ones, let me provide the structure of a microaggression.
Microaggression (Noun)
1. a subtle but offensive comment or action directed at a minority or other non-dominant group that is often unintentional or unconsciously reinforces a stereotype.
The key word is unintentional, similar to that of a botched constructive criticism, most people don’t mean for their comments or actions to be harmful. The unwritten key word is consciously; most people don’t want their comments or actions to be harmful consciously, however the subconscious is a different matter. The subconscious isn’t just a matter of “your inner most secrets” spilling out, but rather the culmination of the patterns picked up from one’s environment throughout their life. Perhaps at first, these comments were born from a young curiosity, and curiosity leads to knowledge, but as time goes on these comments begin to mask the desire to constantly point out that a person is different, and not in a good way.
The most common microaggression will always be “So where are you really from?” which is then constantly asked until a more satisfactory answer is given other than just the state your from. The real meaning behind the question isn’t to know where you or your family live, but rather what the origins behind why your skin is darker are, or why your features are different than the person asking. Questions about accents and deeming someone “not really” an ethnicity because they're biracial- maybe these comments are made offhandedly, but the effect is permanent.
The real danger doesn’t come from the initial reaction, but rather from the indifference that grows. In all honesty the problem is the lack of a reaction. Rather than correcting people or pointing out how wrong microaggressions are, most people have become accustomed to it. Why? Just because it’s not a blatant racial slur doesn’t mean it should be swept under the rug. At least with a racial slur I’ll know someone is racist immediately. With microaggressions there is an underlying notion of racism that is born more from perpetuated lack of knowledge. Indifference is a breeding ground for cynicism and absolutely no growth. Don’t just let people walk around and assume all Hispanics must be Mexican or speak Spanish. Don’t just let people walk around assuming the black student’s opinions in class speak for an entire community. Don’t just let people assume they can ask where you’re from and keep waiting until they hear an answer as to why you’re not a white American. I’ve moved around a lot, so trust me when I say there will be a lot of states listed before you hear me say India.
There’s a reason why “aggression” is a part of the title; don’t be fooled by its prefix and minimize the true nature or effect of these comments. Don't just brush things aside because it will build up, and rather than have an anger you don't know how to handle, correct people. Life isn't meant to be full of indifference and cynicism.
