Microaggressions, Essay Example

Introduction
Microaggressions represent small exchanges between individuals that have negative undertones towards a person’s group, whether it is based on race, sexual orientation, or other factors (Sue, 2010). These statements, looks, actions, or otherwise represent a challenge for individuals because they are often viewed as “subtle insults” by one person towards another person and may led to larger conflicts between individuals and groups (Sue, 2010). Therefore, it is necessary to consider these concerns and how they translate into larger problems in many situations and may bring other concerns to light that might be brewing under the surface (Sue, 2010). It is important to recognize the challenges that microaggressions introduce into the lives of individuals in different forms and the steps that are required to reduce tensions between groups and improve relations. Microaggressions create significant concerns for many women, gays and lesbians, and people of color, as many persons continue to express thoughts regarding racism and discrimination towards others in even the most subtle ways (Sue, 2010). It is necessary to address these concerns and to take steps to resolve these concerns as best as possible to avoid increased levels of conflict that could lead to negative consequences in different forms (Sue, 2010). In spite of the desire to maintain peaceful relations between different groups, there are many individuals that possess specific perspectives and issues with individuals that often come out through comments in public settings. Therefore, these comments often lead to critical consequences that must be addressed so that additional tensions are not escalated to larger level across different communities. Finally, the intent of society is to promote equality for all persons and to refrain from allowing specific prejudices or beliefs to take over when interacting with members of specific groups because these experiences may have negative and potentially permanent consequences.

Body
The development of a successful approach to supporting persons of all social groups requires an examination of real life settings and the types of interactions that occur on a regular basis. These efforts require individuals to consider their surroundings, who they are with, where their interests lie, and if they have any issues with members of specific groups. The democratic approach to society considers methods to overcome these prejudices and to take steps to move forward in achieving positive relationships with individuals towards a set of common goals and expectations (Colin and Heaney, 2001). It is important to consider how individuals interact in real life settings in order to determine where strengths and weaknesses lie and the steps that are required to overcome these obstacles and to make positive and lasting relationships with others.
Within the context of real life settings, there are many different encounters that may lead to different perspectives regarding individuals within specific groups. Across these settings, microaggressions take place on a regular basis, many without even recognizing that they might be offensive to one or more individuals. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the different obstacles that occur and create tension in daily living. Social groups may appear to accept others from unique groups on the surface, but their prejudice is shown in other ways. In addition, there are significant factors associated with expressing one’s viewpoint because it might demonstrate negative connotations and strain relationships in different ways. These microaggressions might be stated without much thought, without the consideration of those that are around, and naivety regarding how these comments might impact others. Therefore, it is important to recognize the different contributors to these practices and the steps that are required to ensure that individuals exercise caution when saying something that might be offensive to another person or group. This is a critical component of the microaggression process and how it impacts different populations and groups in unique ways. In addition, the media, movies, television, and music often contribute to these microaggresions in different ways by capturing the attention of the masses when negative statements are made regarding a person from a different group. This is common practice in many areas of society and must be addressed more effectively to ensure that individual insults or otherwise do not lead to greater conflicts and poor outcomes for these individuals.

Conclusion
As members of social groups, it is important not to allow microaggressions to get in the way of positive and meaningful relationships. How individuals interact with each other is critical to the success of these relationships and may have very positive benefits for society. However, when negative comments, attitudes, and actions get in the way and insults or other derogatory comments are made against individuals from specific groups, these behaviors are not desirable and lead to negative outcomes. It is expected that in some cases, these comments and/or actions may also lead to larger consequences when large groups are impacted by these comments. Therefore, microaggressions, which may start out as small instances, may create much larger complications for individuals and groups. It is necessary to consider these challenges in the context of stating opinions and making comments regarding individuals that may create problems in the short and long term. If an individual exercises his or her freedom and exhibits microaggressions, then it is possible that these actions or statements will create a significant divide between one or more groups and also hamper progress within these same groups over time. It is expected that microaggressions will continue to prevail and cause problems in groups, particularly when some persons are unwilling to accept diversity in society and the freedoms that people have to exercise their rights as they choose across different environments.

References
Sue, D.W. (2010). Sue, 2010: Taxonomy of Microaggressions. From Microaggressions in Everyday life: race, gender, and sexual orientation. John Wiley & Sons.
Sue, D.W. (2010). Sue, 2010: The microaggression process model: from beginning to end. From
Microaggressions in Everyday life: race, gender, and sexual orientation. John Wiley & Sons.
Colin, SAJ, and Heaney, T.W. (2001). Negotiating the democratic classroom. From New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, 29-37.