Friday 22-10-2021 - 15:21

Let’s start with stereotyping. 

Racial stereotyping involves a fixed, overgeneralised belief about a particular group of people based on their race. 

Many of these stereotypes are formed in childhood; we all will unconsciously associate people with different stereotypes based on what we learn as a child.

Consider these statements: 

• “All White people are racist”
• “All Asian people are super smart”
• “All Black men are good at basketball”

Think about your own childhood: 

• How did the adults in your life treat people of different races? 
• Who were your childhood superheroes and princesses? 
• How were different races represented in media? 
• What stereotypes have stuck with you today?

Stereotyping can affect us in our daily lives. We need to be aware of our influences and do our best to avoid treating people based on these often problematic and unfair stereotypes. 

Racial stereotyping can lead to behaviours that can harm others. These behaviours are sometimes called Microaggressions. 

 

What’s a Microaggression?

"a statement, action, or incident regarded as an instance of indirect, subtle, or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalized group such as a racial or ethnic minority."

It's important to know microaggressions can happen unconsciously as well and consciously. Think before using language that could be considered a microaggression to avoid hurting others. 

The 3 types of microaggressions: Microassaults, Microinsults and Microinvalidations.

 

Microassault

Micro assaults are meant to hurt the victim. Conscious, deliberate, and explicit racist attacks. Name-calling, using racial slurs, avoiding and/or discouraging interracial interactions and displaying a swastika are all examples of micro assaults.

 

Microinsult

Often unconscious and much more subtle, these comments and actions can still be insulting to a person of colour. Imagine perhaps, mistaking someone for a service worker just because of their race, implying someone is hired just to reach a diversity quota or not attempting to say someone's name because it's unfamiliar.  

 

Microinvalidation

Microinvalidations are comments and actions that disregard the experience of others. An example of a microinvalidation would be a White person telling a Black person that “racism does not exist in today’s society."

 

How to respond to microaggressions?

 

Know that you are not the issue.

Racism is the issue! Never change anything about yourself or your behaviour to please others and to fit in.

 

Learn to walk away.

Know when you have reached your limits and walk away from a situation when you need to. 

 

Seek support 

If you experience microaggressions, especially at university please tell someone! Having conversations with supportive friends and family can also help a lot.  

 

Have a conversation with our advice team. 

unionadvice@uwtsd.ac.uk or 01792 482 100

 

Seek help from University Student Services.

Counselling is available for all students.

 

Do your part to stop microaggressive behaviour. 

 

Self-reflect

Think about the stereotypes and beliefs that you have developed from the influences around you. Think about times you may have said something or done something that could be considered a microaggression. What can you do differently in the future? 

 

Do not get defensive. 

You may unintentionally upset someone; try to put yourself in their shoes to understand how they may feel. Don’t panic, take a moment to consider your actions, be curious and ask the person about it. It's okay to ask questions.

 

Hold yourself and others accountable.

If you realise you are in the wrong, accept it, apologise and change. Call out the actions of others and help stamp out microaggressive behaviour and racism.