This is an introduction to microaggressions.
Microaggressions are something we're hearing a lot about these days,
But do we really understand what they are and why they matter?
Microaggression is a term used for brief and commonplace,
Usually daily,
Verbal,
Behavioral,
Or environmental indignities that communicate hostile,
Derogatory,
Or negative prejudicial slights and insults towards culturally marginalized groups.
These can be intentional or unintentional,
But the end result is the same.
You feel hurt,
Disrespected,
Belittled,
Dehumanized,
Or all of the above.
Microaggression is just another word for the everyday sexism and racism we all experience,
And it can take many forms.
It can be subtle,
Like when someone mistakenly assumes you're more junior than you are at your job.
Or it can be explicit,
Like when someone says demeaning things directly referring to your race or gender.
Microaggressions reflect social inequality.
While anyone can be on the receiving end of disrespectful behavior,
Microaggressions are directed at people with less power in society,
Such as women and people of color.
Some people,
Especially those who don't experience microaggressions themselves,
Might think that focusing on microaggressions may be making mountains out of molehills.
But the truth is,
These negative experiences add up.
Microaggressions may seem small,
Micro,
When dealt with one by one.
But when repeated over time,
They can have a major impact on your mental and physical health.
So it's not just a matter of hurt feelings.
Microaggressions actually do hurt us.
That's why this matters.
The following content shows you some methods of dealing with microaggressions.
Ways to understand what is being said to you,
Ways to process these interactions and heal from them,
And ways to respond when they do happen.
You can't control the behavior of other people,
But you can find ways to make sure you don't carry other people's bullshit.
