Microaggressions Towards Black People We’re Tired Of Hearing

What is a microaggression and why is it so harmful? It can be a statement or action that is used to discriminate against someone from a marginalised group. In this case, we’ll focus on its impact towards the black community. It can be intentional or unintentional, but creates a hostile environment. Exposing prejudice and bias that still exists. I thought I would highlight a few racial microaggressions that you may or may not have come across. Proving both prejudice and racism towards black people is still alive and thriving in 2020! Let’s take a look…

“You’re pretty… for a black girl.” Back-handed compliments are the worst. It’s better to not make a comment in the first place! It stems from the idea that you cannot be black and beautiful, which is probably one of the biggest lies ever told! Black beauty comes to us in numerous forms, from the different textures of our hair, to the various shades of our complexion. I could go on… There shouldn’t be a cut off point that stops black people from being attractive. And we definitely will not adhere to the biased beauty standards of today, as they appropriate a black woman’s natural features yet fail to acknowledge her as the inspiration.

“You’re not loud like those other black girls.” This microaggression claims ALL black women act the same. Not the case. It’s baffling when someone you don’t know assumes you act a certain way because of the colour of your skin. But then again, some people choose to be ignorant. In addition to the lack of diversity in societies and the misrepresentation of the black community in the media, it’s not that surprising. Our portrayal in certain TV shows and film makes it out that the majority of black women are loud, over the top and aggressive. I know so many black people who are all so different, your race shouldn’t define your personality in that respect.

“You’re so well spoken.” I didn’t realise I had to be a certain race to be articulate and eloquent! This comes from a place of immaturity and ignorance. *To be honest, a lot of these microaggressions do.* Everyone’s upbringing is different, the people you surround yourself with, what type of area you grew up in. A lot of social and environmental factors contribute to how you speak, how you carry yourself. Not at all based on your race. I think black people need to be held accountable to this too. Sometimes we disregard one of our own because of how they speak. “yOu SoUnD wHiTe?”… But what does that even mean though? They may sound different to you but that shouldn’t diminish their blackness.

“I don’t see colour.” Oh? So then what do you see? You’re choosing to act colourblind and with that, you’re not acknowledging that my race exists. *Scary.* To be able to disregard my skin colour and think racism and inequalities towards my community aren’t real, speaks volumes of the white privilege you hold. Check your privilege. *I will be touching on ‘White Privilege’ in a future post so stay tuned for that!*

“All lives matter.” No one is saying that they don’t. This phrase should be boycotted because it can actually start a race war we’re trying to avoid! When we think of the Black Lives Matter movement, we don’t ONLY mean black lives matter. Of course all lives do, to an extent. But we just want to be treated equally, because at times it feels like we’re not. The fact that black people have to get into discussions about whether or not our lives matter speaks for itself. *Imagine having to debate your life’s worth.* It says a lot about how far we still need to go until we are treated with the same amount of respect as our white counterparts. Take a look at my previous article The UK is (still) Not Innocent for more views on racism.

“We are all one race… the human race.” *At this point my eyes have rolled to the back of my head.* Yes we are all humans but not all humans are treated equally, some for good reason. This idea dismisses the culture and history our black people embrace and have fought to uphold. If in certain situations black people were treated like humans, maybe this statement could hold value. But the reality is, we have a harder time.

We are tired. I speak for myself but I’m sure some readers can agree. The stereotyping and indirect hostility towards our people needs to stop. We do not want to be labelled, but rather have control over our individuality. To be comfortable in our own skin.

–Seraphina