Theory Of Microaggression Analysis

Often times, discussions of race leaves many of those within the dominant group becoming defensive and angry, as they unconsciously deliver microaggressions, deny marginalized groups’ experiences, and attempt to compare it to other irrelevant and incomparable issues. As a result, those of color also become upset in these discussions when whites fail to understand these types of affective dynamics at play, referred to as “critical consciousness,” and thus a nonproductive, monologue type argument ensues (233). When this occurs, whites often become more firm in their beliefs, while the racial group only leaves the discussion feeling upset, belittled, and denied. It is important that instructors knows how to adequately encourage students to listen and learn from others’ diverse and cultural experiences, while being aware of their own biases (234). …show more content…
This occurs because of “internal causation” and the beliefs that poor educational performance is due to internal characteristics of the marginalized group and that their culture contributes to their perceived failures, as a form of victim blaming (237). This is the belief that other external factors are hardly, or not influential at all, and often associated with terms like “deprived” or “deficient,” and sends the message that those of underrepresented groups, “lack the right culture.” When an individual idealization is assumed, it puts pressures on individuals and their inner and outer being, blames them entirely for their failure, and believes that hard work will always eventually lead to success