I do agree that microagression is far more dangerous than overt expressions of gender and racial bias because it is more deep-seated. This is due to the fact that these are often indirect comments that may seem innocent at first glance, but can cause emotional distress when looking deeper into the matter. Due to the fact that it is shielded by innocence, it may not be connected directly to racism and bigotry but it definitely is, as anything that belittles people on the basis of stereotypes is offensive. However, it is harder to judge microagression as there isn’t a defined line between what can be a compliment versus an offence. With that said, it does not mean that we should exaggerate in order to be politically correct at all times, rather more conscious about what we intend to say, and the words that we use in order to convey the message. It is definitely the new form of racism and something that we should look out for as it is very ingrained. The main issue with this new phenomenon is that perpetrators of microagressions are often unaware of themselves sending degrading messages to marginalised groups of the society. The fact that these interactions happen on a daily basis all around the world makes this new phenomena alarming, especially as we set out to achieve equality in society.
From Mr Omar Al Awadi
Medical student based in Dublin
I disagree that microagression is more dangerous than overt expressions of gender and racial bias, because essentially, microagression appears on a subconscious level. The comment might actually be meant as a compliment but due to different perceptions, the person receiving it might interpret it as an offense. I do not think that this is a new form of racism because this type of aggression has been around for a long time. It has nothing to do with racism - it is just a new way of insulting others in an indirect way. However, in most cases where microagression occurs, it is unintended. If we are going to focus on being politically correct at all times, we will end up not getting anything productive done and in turn, the message may lose its meaning. No one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes. However, I do not think that microagression is limited to belittling people on the basis of stereotypes.
From Mr Ahmad Al Suwaidi
Business human resource management student based in Dubai
Microaggression is just as dangerous as overt expressions because both of them are deep-seated. Just because someone is open or reserved about it doesn’t mean there is a difference in how they feel, only in how they choose to act. I think that any type of discrimination can be classified as microaggression. It doesn’t need to have a background of having a stereotype. Sometimes, I feel that political correctness may be overrated and just cause unnecessary boundaries that not everyone requires. However, it always depends on the situation. The important factor is that nobody is getting hurt (physically or emotionally), and if you feel like what you are doing or saying could hurt someone, then stay away from it. People need to be educated on why these things are politically incorrect, not just be told they are, because otherwise nothing is really solved. I believe that being racist isn’t restricted to physical actions. If you are narrow-minded enough to dislike an entire group over a stereotype, then that counts as racism too. Every race, culture, gender and even species needs to be respected even if you don’t understand it. What defines our humanity is our kindness and respect towards everyone, not just the people we select.
From Ms Rayan Moghrabi
Media graduate in Sharjah
Microagression is the new type of cultural and racial discrimination, which is causing the fall of society. People prefer to relate to the person that they are communicating with either on a cultural or regional level in order to feel more comfortable. This is especially common in the younger generation, whereas the older generation is still very conservative. Microagression will become a concern if it is not tackled by all people of society, as it will then result in the breakout of a racist war. We have so much to learn from the different cultures around us, however, it is vital to be able to adapt to other ways of living. On the contrary, it’s found that human beings are often scared to break from their daily routine in order to go out and explore, whether it with regard to meeting new people, learning about new cultures, languages and so on. To some extent, it feels like political and geographical boundaries play an important role in relation with this phenomenon. In any country, people become what they are lawfully instructed to be (to some extent). In such cases, culture plays an important role, but at the same time, all that is ruled cannot be made into a way of life until it is accepted wholeheartedly by the people of society. People are found to have prejudices due to their own mindsets and if we do not make a move, no one else can make it happen. It’s simply the stigma we have in our minds. I feel that the UAE is one of the best examples where various cultures and people from all corners of the world have come together and are living in peace. In a place like this, one needs to be open-minded in order to understand the different cultural, regional and international differences to avoid hatred, discrimination and prejudices that belittle people and segregate them from others.
From Ms Sudha Kathuria
Principal based in Dubai
Anyone who says that they do not engage in such activities knowingly or unknowingly would be lying, as we see microagression happening every day. It is based on assumptions and stereotyping rather than overt racism and bigotry. The human brain tends to form assumptions about people who are different from themselves and that is essentially where racism emerges. I wouldn’t say that it is more dangerous than overt expression; however, it is more of a hidden message, which can only be interpreted if you dig deep into it. It can be harmful, depending on the intention of the person, but it is very hard to judge, as the distinction is vague. I disagree with belittling people on the basis of stereotypes as every individual is different and you can’t really label people, but the issue has been around for ages and is difficult to bring to an end. If we are going to go around and analyse everything we say before we actually say it, it will definitely become counter productive. Microagression, whether intentional or unintentional, does play a significant role in creating equality. However, as for the effects of it, it’s impossible to judge, as any message we send can be interpreted in a different way than what we intended to.
From Mr Eisa Al Bannai
Engineer based in Abu Dhabi
