Understanding Microaggressions

Diversity Matters with Oscar Holmes IV

Season 4 Episode 1

Episode Title: Understanding Microaggressions

Guest: Dr. Kevin Nadal

 

Diversity Matters with Oscar Holmes IV is a podcast that explores all things diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) related. In each episode, Oscar and his guests have lively discussions around DEI topics, explore the latest research on the topic, and discuss the implications so that listeners will be more knowledgeable about the topics and be able to apply the insights to their lives.

 

Show Summary: "All forms of discrimination are hurtful, all forms of bias are harmful, and we should all be doing the work to demonstrate that this needs to stop."

 

Microaggressions are often subtle but harmful acts that convey negative messages toward people of color, the LGBTQ+ community, and other historically marginalized groups. Despite being subtle, they can have a devastating effect on individuals and communities. Research shows that these experiences can lead to a range of adverse outcomes, such as decreased self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and even physical health problems.

 

This is why we have professor, author, psychologist, and activist Dr. Kevin Nadal on the show, one of the leading researchers in understanding the impacts of microaggressions. In this episode, he shares the research surrounding microaggressions, their effects on mental and physical health in marginalized communities, the various forms they take, and how we all can work towards creating a more inclusive society. 

 

3 Exceptional Highlights:

 

• Microaggressions are covert acts that may not be intentional or perceived as harmful by the perpetrator. The focus is on the manifestation of the act rather than the impact. 

• Leaders can model accountability by creating a culture where people feel comfortable discussing issues of race and diversity and by holding themselves responsible for any harm they may cause or microaggressions they may commit. 

• The normalization of microaggressions within marginalized communities, particularly those with intersectional identities, is a systemic issue that causes significant harm and suffering.

Show Highlights: 

 

The history of microaggressions and how the research began

 

2:28  Dr. Kevin Nadal

 

• Microaggressions were first coined in the 1970s by a black American psychiatrist named Chester Pierce, and the term was revived in 2007 by Dr. Derald Wing Sue at Columbia University to study subtle forms of discrimination, specifically towards people of color.

• Research has since grown to include other historically marginalized groups and the term has spread into mainstream vernacular.

 

How he addresses the accusations of bias in the scholarly work which may dismiss his research as unscientific

 

15:52 Dr. Kevin Nadal

 

• I feel more connected and passionate about topics that are relevant to me personally, and it shows in my work. When others criticize my research or accuse me of bias, it often reveals more about them than about me. It demonstrates that they may not feel connected to certain communities or issues, and they may hold colorblind ideologies or even white supremacist beliefs.

 

His advice to people who experience and deal with microaggressions constantly

 

20:47 Dr. Kevin Nadal

 

• While it is not our responsibility as targets of these microaggressions to educate others, it can be helpful to call out the behavior, personalize the harm caused, and walk away. I encourage externalizing racism by naming it and recognizing that it's a systemic issue, not a personal one.

 

His advice to scholars, and people in general, on how they can do rigorous work, while keeping the importance of activism at the forefront of their efforts

 

31:58 Dr. Kevin Nadal