Hello Meltingpot Readers,
So, the other day on facebook I stumbled upon this article listicle from Buzzfeed titled, “21 Racial Microaggressions You Hear On A Daily Basis.” The story recaps the work of a photographer from Fordham University who asked her peers to write down some of the racial microaggressions they hear on a daily basis. Before I get too far ahead of myself, here’s the definition of a “microaggression” per Buzzfeed:
“The term “microaggression” was used by Columbia professor Derald Sue to refer to “brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative racial slights and insults toward people of color.” Sue borrowed the term from psychiatrist Dr. Chester Pierce who coined the term in the ’70s.”
There’s also this cool Tumblr that chronicles even more microaggressions from folks all over the world.
1. I’m sorry, you didn’t sound Black on the phone.
2. That’s funny, I never knew anybody Black named Lori.
3. You speak so well.
4. You are really articulate.
5. (When traveling outside of the United States). No, but really, where are you from? Like what part of Africa are you from?
6. (Also when traveling outside of the US) You look just like (insert any of the Cosby Kids here or any other Black female celebrity)
7. How do you get your hair to do that? (What, you mean grow out of my head naturally?)
8. Can you wash your hair when it’s like that?
9. Is your daddy White? Then why do you talk like that?
10. Lori (as the only Black girl in the entire grade), you can play the role of the sassy maid in the school play, because you’re just so perfect for that role.
Those are mine. Do you have any to add, dear readers? I know you do. Let’s get the Meltingpot list of microaggressions going so we can all learn to be a little bit more aware of what we say and how it affects other people. I’m listening and taking notes.
Peace!
Comments
3 responses to “Speaking of Microaggressions…”
The reason why there are less black teens who do drugs and drink than whites is because their parents did it. (Classmate referring to an article in a newspaper)
Always being heavily micro managed by my former boss on how to use expensive appliances.
Does your dad deal drugs? (When I was in high school my dad drove a hummer)
Do you know your dad?
You are very strong. Can u open this?
Black people go to college without being qualified because of affirmative action.
That’s not your car.
You can’t of afford this.
You don’t have good credit.
He’s only attracted to black girls because they are easy.
I have tons more but don’t feel like listing them. It’s exhausting recalling the ignorant comments actions that I have tolerated and endured .
I just read an article in the “Financial Times” about Bitcoins. I quote “African tribesmen can now pay each other using mobile phones without involving a bank.”
Do you live here?