11 Microaggressions People are Sick of Experiencing

We want to believe that we live in a society where the colour of someone’s skin does not mean they are treated differently.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case and within our Annual Bullying Survey 2019 we learnt that one in ten people believed that they were bullied because of attitudes towards their race. 

We know that people of colour are disproportionately disadvantaged in society with oppression in the workplace and institutions such as schools and with authorities.

This may be out of our hands, but what we can control is the language that we use and create a more inclusive space around us for everyone.

Trigger warning – this article contains racist comments and micro-aggressions

Obviously, some racism is intentional and in your face. But there is another thing that people of colour are just plain fed up with: micro-aggressions.

Micro-aggressions are subtle, regular, subconscious discriminations made towards marginalised groups that may not seem like a big deal on their own but together they are a recipe for causing offence. They can be pretty rubbish to hear all the time because it basically means that, despite it being 2021, a lot of stereotypes are still alive and kicking. 

Here are some of the top culprits for micro-aggressions you may not even realise you are saying:

1) “Where are you actually from?”

Just because someone looks different to you, doesn’t mean they are not from the same place as you. Humans have travelled to every corner of the world over thousands of years and developed millions of different styles. Everyone is different so you should embrace it.

2) “So when did you move here?”

Assuming someone wasn’t born in the country just because of the colour of their skin or shape of their eyes is not a good look. In the UK we are a cultural melting pot and you can still be British and be lots of different races.

3) “Wow! Your English is just so good”

This person could be a native speaker, they could speak 4 languages, you never know. 

4) “It’s weird, I’ve never really seen anyone like you.”

THIS. Is something a lot of people are fed up of hearing. There is no right or wrong way and you saying that you don’t see someone’s race makes them feel erased.

5) “What kind of food do your people eat?”

Sigh…we all love different kinds of foods.

7) “Hey, can you tell us what your perspective is on this issue?”

It is not the responsibility of people to speak for their entire race and educate you. We are all separate people with unique thoughts and feelings.

8) “Wow, you really sound different than when you are on the phone”

What were you expecting? The common rhetoric that people of one particular race all sound a certain way or use ebonics is so reductive. The way you talk is usually influenced by your family or your social group or where you grew up.

9) “So is your dad black and your mum asian?”

So many people jump to thinking that mixed-race people all follow this formula in their genetic make-up. There are so many different variations of mixed race out there and assuming there is only one makes us all feel a bit crappy.

10) “That’s a weird name, its hard to pronounce is it okay if I call you Jim?”

A name is only weird to you because it’s not what you are used to. Learn someone’s name, learn how to say it, it will mean a lot to them and never just rename them to something you can pronounce! 

Recognise any of these? 

Don’t worry if you were guilty of making one of these mistakes. A lot of us are. Remember lots of different micro-aggressions built up over time can become mega-aggressions. So have a look at our tips to help de-programme your unconscious bias and try to communicate with empathy. Finally just remember the number 1 rule – don’t be a dick! 

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Have you been affected by bullying? You can speak to one of pour trained Digital Mentors here for one-to-one support and advice.