Racial Microaggressions

Microaggression can be defined as: "a comment or action that subtly and often unconsciously or unintentionally expresses a prejudiced attitude toward a member of a marginalized group (such as a racial minority)," according to Merriam Dictionary. The problem with racial microaggression is that it can be confusing and hard to understand, especially when a comment is so subtle. Shedding a light on racial microaggression will give both sides a better understanding of what really goes on and pin down the issue to prevent the continuation of racism.

A few very common racial microaggressions are:

"I'm colorblind, I don't see color." What the person who says this usually means is, "I don't judge based on skin color." But this statement is actually so tiresome to hear and often comes as a defense by the person saying it. Of course humans see color. It's not a problem in itself to see color, it only becomes a problem when color leads a person to treat someone different or less than because of that color. Saying that you're "colorblind," also makes invisible the pain and struggles that come with being a person of color. It's actually important to take into consideration color and a person's culture. Culture is a beautiful thing that should not be diminished. It takes listening to understand different cultures and the realization that despite our differences we are all human.

"Where are you from? No, where are you REALLY from?? Like what are you? You look exotic!" The beautiful part of America is that we are all diverse. With no accent (even with an accent), and just based off skin color, this question comes off as rude. Can a person not have darker skin and still be American? Is it really a shock that someone who looks different than you can be from the same country as you? Please don't call someone "exotic" because of their skin color, just don't.

"You're not really black." or "I'm more black than you." Black culture is rich. While there are many beautiful aspects of it, being black in America is hard. It just is. In order to change that we need to accept that and and make strives towards equality. When you are good at dancing, listen to loud music, or you love fried chicken (common stereotypes people play off of), and a black friend of yours does not, it's not okay to say they are any less black. Liking or being good at a certain stereotype does not make you black and it's not funny or creative to say so.

"You're actually really nice for black person." or "You don't talk like a black person" This super common microaggression not very subtly admits prejudice. Whoever says this admits that in some ways they don't believe black people are capable of being nice or talking outside of the stereotype they have build. Due to the majority of beauty standards portrayed by people with lighter skin, another microaggression could be something like, "You're really pretty for being that dark." Yet, beauty comes in all forms and at every shade of color.

These were just a few very common microaggressions. It's important to realize that many of these comments are meant as compliments and not meant to harm. However, they are derived from underlying prejudice and can come across really rude. I hope reading this shed a light on why word choice matters.

**I'm not a person of color. I'm in an interracial marriage and have a mixed baby girl. These comments are ones I hear almost daily, sometimes multiple times a day, about my daughter and husband. If I'm tired of hearing these things, I can only imagine how people of color feel. I'm still learning so much about the depth of racism in America. I hope to help people who may be clueless as to the impact their words have and to remind people to listen to respect others.

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