Microaggressions In The Twentieth Century

Since joining the PAC-12 in 2011, the University of Utah has become a virtual juxtaposition between the twentieth century and the modern era. Near ubiquitous construction has spread across campus like wildfire, resulting in gleaming new colleges, libraries, and exercise facilities. Aging relics, such as the Behavioral Sciences Tower, urgently await demolition. Yet, these changes only account for what is physically observable, speaking little to a remarkable intellectual transition amongst students. With the emergence of microaggressions has come a clear departure from the classic values of the past, forming a society that abstains from offensive thought. A term coined by Harvard professor Chester M. Pierce in 1970, the word “microaggression”
According to Dr. Derald Sue of Columbia University, “microaggressions are often unconsciously delivered in the form of subtle snubs or dismissive looks, gestures, and tones.” If a minority student were to walk into a building, observe murals of white men on the walls, this would constitute an environmental microaggression. The aforementioned student would feel underrepresentation, in addition to a litany of other daily discriminatory interactions. Indeed, while racism is illegal, it still haunts minority
Yet beneath each of these quotes, there is a portrait of a white male, leaning back in his office chair. On a single wall is a painting of a female, but even she is white. Talk about unabridged irony, and a failure by college administrators to adequately support their message. See, therein lies the problem with microaggressions; they have simply lost meaning. Instead of promoting intellectual discussion of racial injustice, microaggressions have polarized college campuses nationwide. College students that belong to the majority group usually aren’t fond of being told that their unintentional actions mean they’re actually a racist. Conversely, those who support these checks on language grow more angry, discouraged that their majority counterparts cannot agree with strict rules on communication. Whenever something offensive is spoken, students adopt a victimized sense of self, creating a tirade of upheaval. Rather than developing mob mentality, calling for major change, peaceful discussion should instead be