Prejudice is an explicit opinion, prejudgment, or attitude about a group or the group’s individual members. Example : A middle-class citizen referring to someone whose income is less than theirs as a “second-class citizen” or “lower class.” Stereotype is an exaggerated belief, image, or distorted truth about a person or group. Example : The belief that females are not as capable within careers fields that require a high proficiency in mathematical understanding. Macroaggressions Microaggressions are seen on a large scale within systems and organizations through laws and organizational policies that oppress a group rather than an individual. Examples of this include hair policies and gerrymandering laws. Microaggressions are conscious or unconscious actions that discriminate against members of an already marginalized group. The term microaggression was initially coined by Harvard psychiatrist Dr. Chester Pierce in 1970. The term is used to describe a more subtle type of racism. Today microaggressions are harder to pinpoint because they are considered more subjective. What one person may consider an aggressive action, another person may not (Cleveland Clinic, 2022; Turner et al., 2021). Microaggressions are broken down further into microassaults, microinsults, and microinvalidations. Microassaults are usually explicit, so they are intended to harm on purpose, while microinsults and microinvalidations are often implicit and are seen within daily interactions, with microinvalidations being the most common.
Video: Prejudice, Discrimination, Stereotype
A Macroaggression: Gerrymandering Gerrymandering comes into play when new boundaries are drawn to intentionally influence who will be elected. Once a decade, state and local governments begin redistricting based on the latest population and demographic data released by the Census Bureau. Redrawing the legislative and congressional district lines is essential for equal representation for voting citizens. However, gerrymandering occurs when unfair techniques are used such as cracking (splitting similar groups across multiple districts) and packing (packing similar groups into fewer districts), which instead build a purposeful biased advantage. In 2019, the Supreme Court ruled that gerrymandering for party advantage could no longer be challenged in federal court (Kirschenbaum & Li, 2021)..
Environmental microaggressions occur when microassaults, microinsults, and microinvalidations are reflected within an organization or system, including its culture and operating policies and procedures. Example : Deciding where to open a store in a community and fearing crime/stealing
Microinvalidations are attempts (usually through statements) that aim to exclude, negate, or dismiss a person’s thoughts, feelings, or experiences.
Microinsults are subtle but insensitive comments that convey a demeaning message to the recipient about their racial heritage or identity. Example: Assuming someone with English as their second language will not understand what you are saying
Microassaults are intentional insults or slights that are intended to hurt the person. Example: Name-calling or telling jokes that mock someone for race, disability, or gender
Example: Minimizing or discrediting someone who shares a time they felt disrespected or discriminated against
Note: From Cleveland Clinic, 2022; Norwood, 2022; Turner et al., 2021
As you watch the video, please note that the speaker accidentally says “microassaults” when she is sharing examples of microinsults. Video: Types of Microaggressions
Let’s walk through a few scenarios that highlight microaggressions and subtle microinsults. Meet the characters: ● Dr. Jessica Williams – a black female physician ● Dr. Michael Thompson – a white male physician ● Nurse Maria Rodriguez – a Hispanic female nurse ● Receptionist Karen – a white female receptionist ● Hospital Administrator Mr. Johnson – a black male administrator As you read through these four scenarios, remember Dr. Jessica Williams just recently joined this prestigious hospital as a new physician. During her first few weeks, she encountered several instances of microinsults and environmental microaggressions, creating a challenging work environment.
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Book Code: MMD0926
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