What Are Microaggressions?
Microaggressions are statements, actions, or incidents that are indirect, subtle, or unintentional forms of discrimination against marginalized groups. These often-overlooked behaviors can be harmful and are typically carried out by well-meaning individuals who may not realize the negative impact of their actions. Despite their often unintentional nature, microaggressions can cause significant distress, particularly when they occur frequently.

Common Groups Affected by Microaggressions
In Jewish communities, microaggressions commonly affect:

  • Jews of Color (JOC) and People of Color (POC)
  • Members of the LGBTQ+ community, including trans, gender-expansive, and non-binary individuals
  • People with disabilities
  • Larger-bodied individuals or those perceived as “fat”

Examples of Microaggressions
Microaggressions can take many forms, including:

  • Comments that question someone’s identity, such as “So, how are you Jewish?” often directed at a POC.
  • Misgendering individuals or making assumptions about gender identity, such as “He…they…whatever they call themselves.”
  • Assumptions about abilities based on visible disabilities, like saying, “I don’t think you can handle this activity.”
  • Stereotypical assumptions linked to race, such as assuming a Black person plays basketball.

These seemingly small comments can have a cumulative, damaging effect on those who experience them regularly.

The Impact of Microaggressions
Microaggressions are not just minor slights or everyday rudeness; they can lead to significant mental and emotional health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and even suicidality. Marginalized individuals often face a barrage of these subtle insults, leading to a feeling of being constantly invalidated or unwelcome.

The Importance of Disrupting Microaggressions
As Jews, the principle of “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof” (justice, justice you shall pursue) calls for an ongoing commitment to justice, including addressing microaggressions. This work is uncomfortable and often challenging, but it is necessary. Interrupting microaggressions requires courage and the willingness to stand up against casual racism, sexism, transphobia, sizeism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination.

How to Disrupt Microaggressions

  • Restate or paraphrase: Repeat what was said and ask for clarification. This can help highlight the problematic nature of the comment.
  • Separate intent from impact: Acknowledge that while the intent may not have been harmful, the impact was, and explain why.
  • Engage without overthinking: Don’t assume someone else will step in; your role as an upstander is crucial.

Disrupting microaggressions is not about perfection. It is often messy and uncomfortable, but stepping out of your comfort zone is necessary to challenge societal norms based on oppressive principles.

Responding When You Commit a Microaggression
We all commit microaggressions at times, and the key is to respond appropriately:

  • Breathe and listen without defensiveness.
  • Apologize swiftly without making excuses or centering yourself in the conversation.
  • Appreciate the feedback: Thank those who point out your mistake; it takes courage to do so.
  • Follow up: If appropriate, check in later to show your commitment to learning and improving.
  • Continue learning: Seek out resources to educate yourself on the experiences of marginalized groups.
  • Commit to doing better: Make a conscious effort to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Addressing microaggressions is an ongoing process that requires continuous learning and commitment. By acknowledging and interrupting these behaviors, we can create more inclusive and welcoming spaces for everyone.

This post has been contributed by a third party. The opinions, facts and any media content are presented solely by the author, and JewishPhoenix assumes no responsibility for them. MORE