Microaggressions Multicultural Education Student Success 112 Learning Outcomes

Microaggressions Multicultural Education & Student Success 1/12

Learning Outcomes ● ● Attendees will gain an understanding of the definition of microaggressions Attendees will be able to define what a microaggression is Attendees will learn the three different types of microaggressions Attendees will learn how to combat microaggressions in the workplace and how to keep themselves in check 2/12

Previous workshops ● Allyship: Supporting People with Marginalized Identities ● Social Identities and Privilege Future workshop: ● Oppression 3/12

Definition of microaggression 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) - Merriam Webster Dictionary Example: You are very pretty for a dark skinned girl. 4/12

Where did the term come from? The term was coined by Dr. Chester Pierce in 1970 to explain the subtle racial putdowns that degrade physical health over time. Today’s definition of microaggression has amplified to include microaggressions beyond race; to include other marginalized identities. 5/12

Marginalized Identities: People who have been systematically excluded from full participation of the American dream. Examples: ● ● ● Women People with disabilities People of color (racial minorities) Sexual minorities Poor class and working class 6/12

Three types of microaggressions Microassault ● Explicit racial derogations characterized primarily by a verbal or nonverbal attack meant to hurt the intended victim through name-calling, avoiding behavior, or purposeful discriminatory actions Microinsult ● Characterized by communications that convey rudeness and insensitivity and demean a person’s racial heritage or identity Microinvalidation ● Characterized by communications that exclude, negate, or nullify the psychological thoughts, feelings, or experiential reality of a person of color 7/12

Warning: Language https: //youtu. be/h. Dd 3 bz. A 7450 8/12

How to combat microaggressions in the classroom? Name it: I think we just had a difficult comment What are people feeling in the room Model the behavior and will instigate a difficult dialogue Apologize and listen from the other person’s perspective 9/12

Keeping ourselves on check ● ● ● ● Mispronounce names Wrong pronouns Calling on men only Calling only on white students Scheduling tests/projects on religious holidays Disregards social economic status Heterosexist examples in class As faculty/staff we are responsible for everyone’s sense of belonging in our space 10/12

Self victimizing mentality? According to certain individuals microaggressions are made up by some individuals to feel offended for no particular reason to deal with made-up problems. The majority of persons who claim this are white males and/or come from affluent backgrounds. They blame marginalized populations for their continued “victim mentality. ” These individuals benefit from the oppression of others and yet blame others for their own “victimhood” when in reality there are years of historical and continued oppression that cannot be ignored or shaken off. 11/12

Questions for reflection ● ● ● How do some, particularly those who deny the existence of microaggressions benefit from the oppression of others? What is the difference between a microaggression and an open insult? How can we address a microaggression without seeing ourselves and/or others as continued victims? For questions or comments please reach me at: almatpie@crk. umn. edu Looking forward: Oppression workshop in early to mid May 12/12

References De. Angelis, T. (2009, February). Unmasking 'racial micro aggressions'. Retrieved March 25, 2020, from https: //www. apa. org/monitor/2009/02/microaggression D. W. Sue, C. M. et. all (May-June 2007) RACIAL MICROAGGRESSIONS IN EVERYDAY LIFE American Psychologist. Retrieved March 24, 2020, file: ///C: /Users/almap/Downloads/Racial_Microaggressionsshort. Version. pdf Microaggression. (n. d. ) In Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary. Retrieved from http: //www. merrian-webster. com/dictionary/microaggression