There is no denying that life is more politically charged in our society. Everyone seems to have a personal opinion about everything, from drag queens reading kids’ stories to walking down the street at night as a proud Black man. Tack on top of the unique situations we get into at work, school, social engagements, and simply meeting up with friends, and you have a melting pot of emotions that can quickly boil over.

Part of these problems arise from microaggressions. About 1 in 3 Black adults (roughly 32%) report receiving microaggressions from others acting “better” or “more informed” based purely on the color of their skin. This can come from service providers at a restaurant to coworkers in a professional setting.

The more we allow psychosocial topics to dictate our attitudes and intrinsic bias to unearth hidden bigotry, racism, or sexism – the greater the risk of violence that can harm our personal safety. Understanding microaggressions is crucial to improving our culture as a society.

What are Microaggressions?

Microaggressions come from everywhere. They are the verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights or snubs we receive. These can be intentional or unintentional, but always communicate hostility through derogatory or negative messages.

In most cases, microaggressions are directed at another person’s marginalized group membership. Anything from pointing out that a person of fewer financial resources is “stupid” or someone in the LGBTQ+ community must also be a pedophile directly lessen the worth of one another – not to mention are 100% untrue.

We see this happen all the time in the post-Trump world, where the acolytes of the former President hold up his mug shot to demonstrate his freedom of speech. Such devotion from the top is trickled down so that those who identify as a “Trumper” are quick to point fingers at marginalized groups like the Chinese, the gay community, and even those with disabilities in the press. That leads to such controversial stances sure to incite violence.

Most microaggressions fall into one of three categories. 

• Microassaults: Explicit derogation characterized by verbal or non-verbal attacks meant to hurt the intended victim through name-calling, avoidant behavior, or purposeful discriminatory actions (locking the car doors as a POC walks near a car).
• Microinvalidations: Communications that subtly exclude, negate, or nullify the thoughts, feelings, or experiential reality of a person from a marginalized group (saying “I don’t see color” to invalidate a POC’s struggle).
• Microinsults: Communications that convey rudeness and insensitivity and demean a person’s racial heritage or identity (telling someone of Asian descent they are “good at math.”).

How to Respond to Microaggressions

Responding to microaggressions involves several strategies. There is no 100% surefire way to answer that will de-escalate a situation. We might find a blended option that addresses the participants’ unique fears, emotions, and struggles at any time. Some ideas to help would include:

• Ask for Clarification or More Information: Give people the benefit of the doubt. It could be there was a simple misunderstanding. They are open to learning more about how their statement was inappropriate.
• Acknowledge the Feelings Behind the Statement: Give context whenever possible. Remember, acknowledging what was said doesn’t mean you agree, but instead that you are working to explain why those actions may be hurtful, even when not intended that way.
• Separate Intent from Impact: It’s important to distinguish between the intent of the person making the comment and its impact on the recipient. Often, people who commit microaggressions are unaware of their biases.
• Share Your Process: Microaggressions may be a teachable moment. Allies can use these to demonstrate how they overcame such beliefs.
• Express Your Feelings: Speak up. Expressing your feelings can humanize the impact of microaggressions and help the speaker understand the consequences of their words.
• Challenge the Stereotype: This is probably the most common microaggression. Stereotypes exist because of social norms through media and history. We can challenge those by demonstrating the difference in standing right before another human being.
• Appeal to Values and Principles: Often, people don’t realize that their comments are at odds with their values or the values of the organization or group they are part of. This is especially true for religion, philosophy, and politics.

Ways We Can Improve Cultures of Microaggressions

Improving the culture around microaggressions is crucial to developing a safer, more resilient society. We must raise awareness as to how microaggression affects the world around us. That involves speaking up when it happens and providing honest feedback as to why that matters.

There is something to be said about expressing empathy to everyone involved, especially the victims of microaggressions. If we approach such instances as opportunities for an “open-door” dialogue and action, we can transform the way perceptions have led to so many violent confrontations.

There is no better example of this than the police and POC. The constant fear from police that they will be attacked during a case has to be balanced with the disproportionate ways POC are treated that have been proven time and time again. For that, and the increasing number of microaggressions occurring daily, there is technology that can help.

How ANJEL® Helps

In the current climate, where microaggressions can impact one’s sense of security, the ANJEL app offers a novel solution. This cloud-based technology provides a personal security system, including live streaming, location mapping, and auto-notification.

ANJEL® Tech is designed to enhance your safety by connecting you with loved ones during critical moments. Whether providing evidence of microaggressions or ensuring immediate help, ANJEL Tech acts as a guardian in your pocket.

Whether dealing with something as extreme as a stalker or the everyday appearance of a “Karen” as you try to purchase a coffee from your local café, ANJEL® ensures you have a tool ready to document and boost your safety and credibility.

Final Thoughts

Microaggressions affect our daily lives and personal safety in profound ways. Addressing them requires awareness, dialogue, and practical tools like ANJEL® Tech. As we navigate a post-Trump world rife with racism and insults, it’s crucial to equip ourselves with resources that not only protect us but also empower us to stand against subtle acts of aggression.

Download the ANJEL® app today and take a significant step towards safeguarding your safety in a world still learning to respect and value every individual’s unique life experience.

Download ANJEL®: Apple | Android