Common Micro aggressions: African Americans and/or Black People
Anonymous asked: What are some common micro-aggressions that a black american will regularly have to deal with?
Behold! This masterpost of common micro-aggressions towards African Americans and/or people in the African Diaspora.
Micro-aggressions are the “little” incidents of racism that may not be so obviously racist, but come from a place of ignorance or stereotyped views
Micro-aggressions can be perpetuated by White people as well as fellow Black people and People of Color.
Several of these may be applicable to other People of Color.
We (Black mods writing this) live in different Westernized countries & have personally experienced every one of these or know someone who has.
For a fuller understanding of micro aggressions and the affects it has on individuals overtime, please see this: “These incidents may appear small…”
Use of microaggressions in writing
This is just to give a thorough understanding of some of the things a Black person (often in America or other western countries) deals with.
Unless writing about racism, we would not recommend overpacking your Black character with every one of these experiences, or at least not within the narrative.
Sprinkling in a few here and there is acceptable and adds realism.
Do not forget to include reactions to these micro-aggressions and when they occur, show they’re not okay somehow in the text.
The micro aggressions tag has plenty of applicable advice.
General Micro-aggressions
People excusing blackface.
Having our grammar and annunciation corrected.
“I don’t see you as a Black person/ I don’t see colour.”
Calling Black people ghetto, thugs, rachet, sassy, urban…
People debating why they should be allowed to say the n-word.
Then saying the n-word anyway.
Whispering, spitting, or stumbling over the word “Black” as if it’s a curse.
Refusing to pronounce your name right, or just calling you by a different name that’s easier.
Alternatively, “jokingly” calling you a “ghetto” name.
Constantly mixing up unrelated and not even resembling Black people, because you know.. ‘Black people all look the same.’
Dismissing our experiences as “just overreacting,” defending the wronging party, or using our plight to talk about one’s own experience (e.g. “well as a gay man i’ve got it rough…”).
Telling racist jokes and calling you sensitive when you don’t find it funny.
“______ is the new civil rights movement!” Black folks are still fighting for their rights, so…
Caricatured depictions of Black people on TV.
Casting calls for Black people only tailored for “race roles.”
Media treating white criminals and killers better than Black victims (see these headlines).
Assuming you only listen to rap/hip-hop/r&b.
Assuming you love chicken, Kool-aid, and/or smoke weed.
Assuming you’re good at sports.
Assuming there’s no father in the picture in Black families.
Assuming all Black people (see: young girls) have children.
Calling Black people who don’t conform to preconceived images of Blackness “less black,” acting white or an “oreo.”
Non-Black People mimicking/imitating AAVE.
People falling into AAVE when talking to Black People.
“Why don’t Black people speak real English instead of ‘ebonics’?”
Insults/doubting intelligence:
“You take advanced classes?!”
“How did she get into that [prestigious school and/or program]?”
“They only got x because they’re Black/Affirmative action.”
Assuming a Black person (usually male) attends college because of a sports scholarship.
Counselors discouraging Black students to take prestigious coursework, assuming it’s too difficult for them.
“You’re a credit to your race.”
“I’m glad you’re not like those other Black people. You’re not ghetto or listen to that rap stuff..”
Tone policing: dismissing someone’s reaction/argument/etc. because they are too “emotional.” Thinking that we need to be calm in order to be taken seriously.
Pitting African immigrants against African Americans, especially those coming to America for education, aka “Good Blacks.”
Beauty Standards and Dating
“You’re pretty for a Black girl.”
“You’re pretty! Are you mixed?”
“I don’t usually date/aren’t attracted to Black people.”
Calling attraction to Black people “jungle fever.”
People asking you what you are or where you’re really from.
Referring to Black people or our features as “exotic.”
Referring to Black people’s skin as chocolate or other foods.
Assuming dark skin doesn’t need sunscreen. Like other humans, we do!
Saying Black women are ”strong, independent and don’t need no man.“
Calling Black women ”sassy“ or angry if she shows passion/emotion.
Overreactions/exaggerating our actions. This often involves assigning aggression where there is none. (Black person speaking firmly is yelling. A Black woman disagrees with someone: “why are you attacking me?”)
Referring to white and non-black women as “girls” and “women” while calling Black women “Females.”
Men who apply courtesy to white women (holding doors, giving up seat) but don’t apply the same to Black women.
Referring to Black women on government assistance as “welfare queens” (While ignoring that white people, white women especially, get more government assistance than Black people in the USA).
“Black women All woman are beautiful.” (Stop. That. Please.)
People touching/petting your hair without consent.
“So is that your real hair? Are those extensions?”
Calling natural black hair unprofessional.
White people appropriating Black hair styles (dreads, twists, etc) and being praised as edgy, while it’s “ghetto, unprofessional, and unclean” on our own heads.
“Do you live in the ghetto?”
“Here are the value prices of this product…”
Racial Profiling + Criminalization:
Crossing the street to avoid passing Black men/people.
Following in stores, assuming Black people are stealing.
Moving aside when we pass, clutching purse, locking doors.
Asking Black people for I.D. when paying with card (while white people are not asked).
Being pulled over + arrested at astonishingly higher rates than white people.
