What Is a Microaggression Definition and Examples

A microaggression is a subtle behavior – verbal or non-verbal, conscious or unconscious – directed at a member of a marginalized group that has a derogatory, harmful effect. Chester Pierce, a psychiatrist at Harvard University, first introduced the term microaggression in the 1970s.   Key Takeaways: Microaggressions Microaggressions are everyday actions and behaviors that have harmful effects on marginalized groups.Unlike other forms of discrimination, the perpetrator of a microaggression may or may not be aware of the harmful effects of their behavior.Experiencing higher levels of microaggressions is linked to lower mental health. Unlike some other forms of prejudice and discrimination, the perpetrator of a microaggression may not even be aware that their behavior is hurtful. While microaggressions are sometimes conscious and intentional, on many occasions  microaggressions may reflect the perpetrator’s implicit biases about marginalized group members. Whether intentional or not, however, researchers have found that even these subtle acts can have effects on their recipients. Categories of Microaggressions Derald Wing Sue and his colleagues have organized microaggressions into three categories: microassaults, microinsults, and microinvalidations. Microassaults.  Microassaults  are the most overt microaggressions. With microassaults, the person committing the microaggression acted intentionally and knew their behavior might be hurtful. For example, using a derogatory term to refer to a person of color would be a microassault.Microinsults. Microinsults are more subtle than microassaults, but nevertheless have harmful effects on marginalized group members. For example, Sue and his colleagues write, a microinsult could involve a comment implying that a woman or person of color received their job due to affirmative action.Microinvalidations. Microinvalidations are comments and behaviors that deny the experiences of marginalized group members. One common microaggression involves insisting that prejudice is no longer a problem in society: Sue and his colleagues write that a microinvalidation could involve telling a person of color that they are being â€Å"oversensitive† to a racist comment that was made. In addition to microaggressions perpetrated by a specific person, people can also experience environmental microaggressions. Environmental microaggressions occur when something in the physical or social context communicates a negative message to members of marginalized groups. For example, Sue writes, representations of people of color in film and media (or a lack of representation) can constitute a microaggression; for example, if a television show only includes white characters, this would be an environmental microaggression. Examples of Microaggressions To document the types of microaggressions that people of color experience, Kiyun Kim completed a photography series in which people held up signs with examples of microaggressions they have heard. One participant held up a sign saying that someone had asked her, No, where are you really from? Another person reported that hed been questioned about his racial and ethnic background: So, like, what are you? he wrote on his sign. While microaggressions have often been studied in the context of race and ethnicity, microaggressions can occur towards any marginalized group. Sue points out that microaggressions can be directed towards any member of a marginalized group; for example, microaggressions can be directed towards women, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ community. Sue explains that women may receive a variety of microaggressions based on gender. He points out that a woman might be criticized for being too assertive, while a man might be praised for the same behavior. He also gives the example that a woman working in a hospital might be assumed to be a nurse, when in actuality she is a doctor (something that has indeed happened to female doctors). To document microaggressions against the LGBTQ community, Kevin Nadal (a psychologist at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the City University of New York) took pictures of people holding signs with microaggressions they have heard. One participant in the project reported experiencing a microinvalidation, writing that he had been told, â€Å"I’m not being homophobic, you’re just being too sensitive.† Other participants in the project reported being asked inappropriately personal questions or having people simply assume that they were in a heterosexual relationship. Effects of Microaggressions on Mental Health Although microaggressions may appear more subtle than other types of discrimination, researchers believe that microaggressions can have a cumulative effect over time, which impacts mental health. The ambiguous and subtle nature of microaggressions makes them especially frustrating for victims, since they may be unsure how to respond. Researchers have also suggested that experiencing microaggressions can lead to frustration, self-doubt, and lower mental health. In one study, Nadal and his colleagues  looked at the relationship between experiencing microaggressions and mental health. The researchers asked 506 participants to indicate whether they had experienced different microaggressions in the past six months. Additionally, participants completed a survey assessing mental health. The researchers found that participants who had experienced more microaggressions reported higher levels of depression and lower levels of positive emotions. Importantly, Sue and his colleagues write that microaggressions may make psychotherapy more complex for members of marginalized groups. Therapists may inadvertently commit microaggressions during sessions with clients who are members of marginalized groups, which can weaken the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client. Consequently, Sue and his colleagues explain, it’s important for therapists to examine their own biases in order to avoid committing microaggressions during therapy. Microaggressions in Education Microaggressions can contribute to a campus climate where individuals who are members of marginalized groups may feel unwelcome or doubt their place at the institution. In one paper, Daniel Solà ³rzano at the University of California, Los Angeles interviewed Chicano and Chicana scholars about their experiences in academia. Solà ³rzano found that participants in the study often reported â€Å"feeling out of place,† as one study participant put it. He found that the participants reported experiencing microaggressions and feeling ignored or devalued by their peers and professors. Simba Runyowa, writing for The Atlantic, reported  a similar experience. He explained that microaggressions can make students of color feel that they don’t belong at universities. Runyowa suggested that experiencing microaggressions can also lead to feelings of imposter syndrome, in which students worry that they are not qualified or talented enough. Addressing Microaggressions Sue explained  that people are often reluctant to admit that their actions may be microaggressions: because we like to think of ourselves as good people who treat others fairly, realizing that we have said or done something insensitive can be threatening to our sense of self. Writing for the American Psychological Association, Nadal explained  that it is crucial to say something when we see someone else committing a microaggression. If we don’t speak out, Nadal explains, we may end up sending a message to the perpetrator and victim of the microaggression that we think that what happened was acceptable. As Sue explained, it’s important to become aware of microaggressions so that we can begin â€Å"to make the invisible visible.† Sources and Further  Reading DeAngelis, Tori. â€Å"Unmasking ‘Racial Micro Aggressions’.† American Psychological Association: Monitor on Psychology 40.2 (2009): 42. http://www.apa.org/monitor/2009/02/microaggression.aspxNadal, Kevin L. â€Å"Featured Commentary: Trayvon, Troy, Sean: When Racial Biases and Microaggressions Kill.† American Psychological Association: Office of Ethnic Minority Affairs (2012, July). http://www.apa.org/pi/oema/resources/communique/2012/07/microaggressions.aspxNadal, Kevin L., et al. â€Å"The Impact of Racial Microaggressions on Mental Health: Counseling Implications for Clients of Color.† Journal of Counseling Development 92.1 (2014): 57-66. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262412771_The_Impact_of_Racial_Microaggressions_on_Mental_Health_Counseling_Implications_for_Clients_of_ColorRunyowa, Simba. â€Å"Microaggressions Matter.† The Atlantic (2015, Sep. 15). https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2015/09/microaggressions-matter/ 406090/Seghal, Priya. â€Å"Racial Microaggressions: The Everyday Assault.† American Psychiatric Association Blog (2016, Oct. 17). https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/apa-blog/2016/10/racial-microaggressions-the-everyday-assaultSolà ³rzano, Daniel G. â€Å"Critical Race Theory, Race and Gender Microaggressions, and the Experience of Chicana and Chicano Scholars.† International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education 11.1 (1998): 121-136. http://archive.advance.uci.edu/ADVANCE%20PDFs/Climate/CRT_RacialMicros_Chicana.pdfSue, Derald Wing. â€Å"Microaggressions: More than Just Race.† Psychology Today: Microaggressions in Everyday Life (2010, Nov. 17). https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/microaggressions-in-everyday-life/201011/microaggressions-more-just-raceSue, Derald Wing, et al. â€Å"Racial Microaggressions in Everyday Life: Implications for Clinical Practice.† American Psychologist 62.4 (2007): 271-286. http://world-trust.org/wp-cont ent/uploads/2011/05/7-Racial-Microagressions-in-Everyday-Life.pdf

Beowulf Characteristics Of An Epic Hero - 978 Words

Ahissa Rice Mrs. Scheel 2Y English 12 20/11/17 Beowulf: Characteristics of an Epic Hero In Anglo-Saxon literature and culture, to be considered a hero was to also be considered a warrior/ soldier. To be a hero, you had to not only be strong but you also had to be smart, and have plenty of courage. These warriors were willing to face any type of trials and tribulations at any odd. These types of heroic warriors would fight to the death to obtain glory and save their people. The Anglo-Saxon hero needed to possess all of these characteristics, and still be kind hearted and humble regardless. Beowulf, arguably is, the best example of an Anglo-Saxon hero that we have in modern literature. Beowulfs most important traits as an epic hero are as†¦show more content†¦Fate, which was often believed to be unchangeable in the Anglo-Saxon culture, seems to often bend in favour for a mighty hero who shows a pure heart and plenty of courage. Beowulf tells Hrothgar he will kill the monster Grendel, and Beowulf tells the Danes that he plans to fight the monster unarmed and naked . â€Å"My lord Higlac Might think less of me if I let my sword Go where my feet were afraid to,..† (Beowulf, 264-265) This quote demonstrates how honorable and courageous Beowulf really is even in the face of such an adversary. Beowulf then speaks to the Danes before jumping into the lake to fight Grendels mother. â€Å"..let My famous old sword stay in your hands: I shall shape glory with Hrunting, or death Will hurry me from this earth!† (Beowulf, 463-466) Beowulf displays courage, and the attitude of a true Anglo-Saxon warrior during this passage. Death is often seen as one of the highest honors for a warrior who dies fighting for what he believes in and for the greater good of others. Courage is shown through the many deeds a hero does, and that includes a hero giving his own life in order to save others, just like how Beowulf gave his to save his people from a dragon. â€Å"..the gray-bearded lord of the Geats Had ended those flying, burning raids Forever.† (Beowulf, 803-805) A hero is willing to die in order to achieve glory not only for himself but also for those he protects just as Beowulf died to protect his people from the dragonShow MoreRelatedBeowulf : Epic Characteristics Of An Epic Hero862 Words   |  4 PagesEvery epic hero acquires certain heroic characteristics. The poem, â€Å"Beowulf, is about the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon period. Beowulf is a warrior from Geatland that comes to help Hrothgar, the king of Danes, defeat the monster Grendel who has been killing men in their kingdom. Beowulf defeats the unstoppable beast, Grendel. Then Grendel’s mother comes to try to avenge Grendel’s death, and Beowulf slaughters her in her underwater lair. After 50 peaceful years of ruling the Geats, Beowulf in hisRead MoreThe Characteristics Of A Hero In The Epic Of Beowulf746 Words   |  3 PagesBeowulf Essay A hero in the modern world is hard to define and in some places even harder to find. Stories such as Beowulf are continually told in order to help define what a hero should / could be. Heroes in these stories possess traits such as bravery, great strength, or great cunning. However, while a true hero needs some of these traits they don’t define that person as a hero. What defines someone as a hero is daring to go and do what ordinary men wouldn’t in order to save innocent lives, knowingRead MoreComparing Beowulf, The Wanderer, And The 13th Warrior1731 Words   |  7 Pagesalways reappears is What is an epic hero? Or better yet an epic hero in Anglo Saxon culture. I believe there is more to being a hero than just being strong or intelligent. An epic hero in my eyes is oneself who comes to portray the beliefs of the society in which the tale/story is depicted. A few great examples of the Anglo Saxon epic hero are the literary characters in Beowulf, The Wanderer, and Th e 13th Warrior. These are all outstanding examples of Anglo-Saxon epic heroes because they all cameRead MoreBeowulf : An Epic Hero930 Words   |  4 Pages The story of Beowulf shows its reader many characteristics of why this Anglo-Saxon poem is an epic. First of all, Beowulf is a warrior of epic renown by the time he formally introduces himself in the poem. Next, Beowulf is the warrior that many strive to be in life. In addition, Beowulf finds himself tackling many quests that involve dangerous beasts, or as he might call them, demons. The next quality shown by Beowulf is his bravery and honor. The reader is able to easily identify this characteristicRead MoreBeowulf : An Epic Hero894 Words   |  4 Pages The character of Beowulf demonstrates several characteristics that make a great epic hero. Throughout his lifetime he displayed several characteristics such as honor, bravery, physical superiority, leadership, and glory. These characteristics all formed how the Anglo-Saxons believed one should live their life. Along with the valorous deeds that Beowulf accomplished he is considered to be a prime example of an epic hero. Be owulf would have even been considered a model human to the Anglo-SaxonsRead MoreBeowulf Is a Hero Essay877 Words   |  4 PagesBeowulf Essay Every epic hero possesses certain heroic characteristics. The epic poem Beowulf describes the most heroic man of the Anglo-Saxon times. Beowulf is the hero. He shows that he is a great man by always putting other things before his own needs. He is important and needed by his people and is known by many as a strong, courageous and a helpful person. He shows all of the qualities and traits that a true hero possesses. Beowulf, like other epic heroes, possesses the following heroic qualities:Read MoreBeowulf, The Epic Hero1373 Words   |  6 Pages 2015 Beowulf, The Epic Hero In Anglo Saxon times, Beowulf is considered a well known epic hero. â€Å"Epic heroes are literary characters from ancient mythology and other stories, which were written down in the form of long, narrative epic poems. The hero is the main character, or protagonist of the poem†(Epic Hero: Definition, Characteristics Examples.). The epic hero usually battles for accomplishments to a set of tasks to complete important goals. Beowulf is described as an epic hero becauseRead MoreBeowulf And The Epic Of Gilgamesh1667 Words   |  7 Pagestoday’s society, a hero is viewed as someone who embodies the characteristics of selflessness, courage, honesty, and integrity. The same characteristics were essential to be thought of as a hero 3,000 years ago as well. Two of the most widely known epic poems of their time were Beowulf and The Epic of Gilgamesh. Both Beowulf and Gilgamesh embody traits known exclusively of a hero. The poem of Beowulf and The Epic Gilgamesh both showcase t he characteristics required of being an epic, in that they includeRead MoreBeowulf : An Epic Hero978 Words   |  4 Pages Beowulf is a character that exudes the qualities of an epic hero. Throughout this epic, Beowulf is seen as a hero to many and a major threat to the evils he encounters. The values of the Anglo-Saxons, who would have read and admired this poem, included loyalty, bravery, and honor. Beowulf’s character exemplifies all of these qualities to the highest degree. The values and traditions of the original composers of this story cause Beowulf’s character to be the perfect example of an Anglo-SaxonRead MoreBeowulf s Heroic Qualities That Convey His Nobility And Courage887 Words   |  4 Pages Beowulf exemplifies heroic qualities that convey his nobility and courage. The poem named Beowulf has no known author. The author of the poem is known to be a Anglo-Saxon poet. The poem, Beowulf, is an Old English epic poem. The character, Beowulf, is a noble hero who offered to help King Hrothgar by fighting a demon named Grendal. He fought many enemies before and while becoming a king. Beowulf is a loyal and noble hero to the people of Geats and Danes. Epic heroes are defined with specific

Absolute Truth †Is There Such a Thing as Absolute Truth Free Essays

Is There Such A Thing As Absolute Truth? There are two answers for the question, â€Å"Is there such a thing as absolute truth? † The answer could be either yes or no. In my opinion, the answer is yes, because every individual lives his or her life in various experiences. Some people claim to know the absolute truth. We will write a custom essay sample on Absolute Truth – Is There Such a Thing as Absolute Truth or any similar topic only for you Order Now Individuals based their truth on experiences and emotions and at times not logically consistent. When force fields such as emotions are present decisions are made then opinions are formed. For example, politics, I state politics because it never has a common ground. In politics you’re either Democrat or Republican, and both parties feel their plan is the absolute truth. As an American, we have the right to our own opinion but realize that our opinion is not the absolute truth. To make the statement that there is no absolute truth is invalid. Because one plus one does equal two so there is absolute truth which can be proven and understood. Is there such a thing as absolute truth? Yes, because of human conscience that â€Å"duty† within us that tells us that certain things are right and wrong. Therefore, our conscience let us know there is something wrong with pain, hunger, rape and makes us aware that love, peace, and charity are positive things for which we should strive for. In my opinion it so important to understand the concept of absolute truth in all areas of life this includes religion, because consequences exist in life for being wrong. For instance, a nurse can give a patient the wrong amount of a medication that can kill them; having an investment broker make the wrong monetary decisions can put you and your family in poverty; getting on the wrong bus will take someone where they do not wish to go; and dealing with an cheating spouse can result in the destruction of a family and potentially divorce. There are so many religions in this world that attempt to give their meaning and definition to absolute truth. Your existence is absolute truth which is simple. Through religion, mankinds seek God, we hope for the future, forgiveness of our sins, peace in the midst of struggle, and answers to our deepest questions. Religion is really proof that mankind is more than just a highly evolved creature. God implanted in man the desire to know him, and God is indeed the Creator, which makes Him the standard for absolute truth, and with His authority that establishes the absolute truth. How to cite Absolute Truth – Is There Such a Thing as Absolute Truth, Papers

Children of the City Essay Example For Students

Children of the City Essay Water Imagery in Children of the CityRain has always been an important symbol in life. It is one of very few actions that can be both destructive and harsh, but at the same time constructive and life-giving. Throughout literature the visual image of rain is usually connected to feelings of sorrow, death, and despair. The most commonly known example of this would be in Hemingways Farewell to Arms. Hemingway uses the rain to tell of peoples negative emotions, so it is easy to take that idea into other readings. Outside of literature, however, rain is seen as being connected to positive thoughts of growth, prosperity and cleansing. In this story of adolescent love the author uses the presence of water to saturate the subjects with these positive feelings. At the beginning the author introduces the rain as urban in contrast to field or shore rain. Immediately the image of urban rain is less threatening than that of a field or shore. It gives the reader a playful image of almost being teased by the rain. In the city one has to hide from it and jump from umbrellas to awnings, yet never has to worry about the danger of being caught in it for too long. These playful and teasing characteristics of the rain are the exact guidelines to the relationship between the two main characters. The rain represents the couples emotion and they experiment with it just like in a real adolescent relationship. They see how long they can be drenched by its passion, nevertheless they return to the overhangs not knowing how much of it they can handle. Looking at it in a biblical sense, the rain is both destructive to them and helping their relationship grow. God sent the flood down to man because of our sins causing much destruction, but at the same time givin g us a rebirth and purification. Too much rain may flood their relationship with emotion; however this urban rain teases them and lets them feel free and pure. The idea of the rain giving growth to their relationship is seen in the lines ending a scrawny tree, and their forested way. Alone they are fruitless and scrawny, yet together they are given life by the rain to create an entire forest. Conversely, after all that the rain has provided them with the authors last mention is that of a negative connotation. The rain has taken away their playfulness and has left them cold. The lighthearted tone is not lost though; it is instead carried on by more and more water. The author gives the image of skipping over dotted puddles like playing connect the dots all the way home. The building up of water is their emotions beginning to rise. They yearn for more passion, freedom, and innocence and therefore the author ends the water reference by surrounding them, fully enclosing and protecting them in the bathtub. It never rains, but it pours is a common idiom that can concentrate the main idea behind the authors water imagery. The simple statement shows how small occurrences, such as an urban rain, can snowball into new passion. The author hints at this idea in the beginning by giving credit to the rain for sending them to her room. The gathering and growing nature of the water as you travel further down the page lets the reader see their pleasure grow until it finally engulfs both of them in the end.