Page 59 - Microaggressions in Everyday Live Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation

Microaggressive Themes 33

Table 2.1 (Continued)
THEMES MICROAGGRESSION MESSAGE
Two options for relationship LGB partnerships do not
status: married or single. matter/are meaningless.
An assertive woman is Women should be passive.
labeled a “bitch.”
A heterosexual man who Men who act like women
often hangs out with his are inferior (women are
female friends more than inferior)/gay men are
his male friends is labeled inferior.
a “faggot.”
Denial of Individual “I’m not racist. I have I am immune to racism
Racism/Sexism/ several Black friends.” because I have friends of
Heterosexism color.
A statement made when “As an employer, I always I am incapable of sexism.
bias is denied. treat men and women
equally.”
Myth of Meritocracy “I believe the most People of color are given
Statements which assert qualifi ed person should get extra unfair benefi ts
that race or gender does the job.” because of their race.
not play a role in life “Men and women have The playing fi eld is even so
successes. equal opportunities for if women cannot make it,
achievement.” the problem is with them.

Pathologizing Cultural Asking a Black person: Assimilate to dominant
Values/Communication “Why do you have to be so culture.
Styles loud/animated?” “Just calm
The notion that the values down.”
and communication styles To an Asian or Latino
of the dominant/White person: “Why are you so
culture are ideal. quiet? We want to know
what you think. Be more
verbal.” “Speak up more.”
Dismissing an individual Leave your cultural
who brings up race/culture baggage outside.
in work/school setting.
Second-Class Citizen Person of color mistaken for People of color are servants
Occurs when a target a service worker. to Whites. They couldn’t
group member receives possibly occupy high status
differential treatment from positions.
the power group.
Female doctor mistaken for Women occupy nurturing
a nurse. roles.
(Continued)

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