Introduction
The social sciences involve studying not only societies but also their relationships and experiences. Aggression, which causes clashes in communities, is often considered essential. While there can be explicit demonstrations of aggression, with the application of physical harm, there are also microaggressions, which can be equally detrimental. While microaggressions usually do not involve the use of force, they are a social issue due to discriminatory practices.
Definition of Microaggression
First, it is necessary to define and characterize the actions that comprise microaggressions. Microaggressions are subtle but hurtful expressions of discrimination or bias that can be intentional or unintentional (Rathus & Nevid, 2021). These are the comments, gestures, or behaviors that are often directed toward marginalized groups, such as people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, or people with disabilities (Rathus & Nevid, 2021). They can be expressed through words or actions, often considered harmless, but have underlying meanings that can cause psychological harm.
Examples of Microaggressions
One example of a microaggression I have witnessed is when a friend of mine was talking about how his new boss was black, and he was surprised to find out that the boss was intelligent and well-spoken. Another instance is when I was told my partner was “pretty for a dark-skinned person.” Both comments were uncomfortable and perpetuated harmful stereotypes. I responded to these microaggressions by pointing out how their words were hurtful and explaining why they were wrong.
Impacts of Microaggression
Microaggressions are pervasive in society and can be found in various settings such as workplaces, schools, and social interactions. These expressions of bias are often subtle and go unnoticed, but they significantly impact the mental well-being of the people who experience them. Even well-intentioned individuals can unknowingly perpetuate harmful stereotypes through their words and actions.
Literature on Microaggression and Related Issues
Lastly, the following articles highlight the deep-rooted issues of systemic racism and discrimination that still exist in society. For example, the article by The Christian Science Monitor demonstrates that there are findings that prove that people with higher intellectual abilities hold few prejudiced beliefs (The Christian Science Monitor, 2016). However, the authors additionally provide a quote from one of the experts saying that more intelligent people “are simply more sophisticated racists” (The Christian Science Monitor, 2016).
Moreover, HuffPost sheds light on the issue of being colorblind regarding race. The author, John Halstead, claims that when people say all lives matter, they ignore the bigger issue (Halstead, 2016). Such an approach belittles the challenges and history of people of other races (Halstead, 2016).
Finally, Patten from the Pew Research Center shows that with time, there is still inequality in terms of pay, and workplace discrimination persists. However, some refuse to acknowledge the issue (Patten, 2016). Overall, these articles show that despite some progress, marginalized groups still face significant barriers, such as wage gaps, lack of opportunities, and microaggressions that can impact their mental and physical health.
Conclusion
Hence, microaggressions are a societal problem because they are discriminatory actions that often do not entail the use of force. Microaggressions are inadvertent or purposeful manifestations of bigotry or discrimination that are subtle yet damaging. They are common in society and can occur in various contexts, including social encounters, the workplace, and educational institutions. According to articles, disadvantaged groups continue to confront substantial challenges despite some advances, including wage gaps, a lack of opportunities, and microaggressions that can harm their mental and physical health.
References
Halstead, J. (2016). The real reason white people say ‘all lives matter’. Huffpost. Web.
Patten, E. (2016). Racial, gender wage gaps persist in U.S. despite some progress. Pew Research Center. Web.
Rathus, S. A., & Nevid, J. S. (2021). Exploring health psychology. Wiley.
The Christian Science Monitor. (2016). The surprising relationship between intelligence and racism. Web.