2017 NSO Language Matters

What's the big deal?...

There are many communities within the LGBTQA spectrum, and microaggressions occur around BOTH sexual orientation AND gender identity.

Ableism is very common in every day language, and can touch on broader issues such as mental health. When you use ableist language casually or as a joke, it makes it harder for people to talk about their experiences.

LOOKDIFFERENT.ORG

Microaggression:

The big impact of

"the little things"

Things that are gay:

"That's gay..."

Gay identified people

Gay bars/gay friendly places

Rainbow Flags

Translation: Something that is ineffective, annoying, and useless is being equated to people in the LGBTQ community

Things that are not gay:

Everything else

RESOURCES

Test your internal stereotypes:

{VERB}

to enter into an alliance; join; unite

ALLY!

Many microaggressions are committed from a lack of understanding and/or making assumptions about an other's experience. Every year, the Cultural Centers hold a week of events that challenge the entire campus to educate, explore, and advocate around allyship!

Of course there are times when actions are NOT micro, and you may want to reach out to a trusted staff or faculty member. You can also report instances of bias online confidentially.

That's Retarded...

Every October!

#RUAllyWeek

Move past stereotypes and perceptions...and get to know one another more authentically!

FIND COMMUNITY!

Community comes in endless forms here at Rutgers, but the Cultural Centers a great place to start! All of our Centers are open to all!

Asian American Cultural Center (aacc.rutgers.edu)

Center for Latino Arts & Culture (clac.rutgers.edu)

Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities (socialjustice.rutgers.edu)

Translation: When you do something clumsy or that something is worthy of reproach, you remind me of a person who has an intellectual disability.

Paul Robeson Cultural Center (prcc.rutgers.edu)

Dr. Derald Wing Sue

"the brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral, and environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative racial, gender, sexual orientation, and religious slights and insults to the target person or group."

REMEMBER:

But how do they play out in everyday interactions?

"Mental retardation" used to be a medical term, but now its purpose is negative. It enforces the stereotype that people with intellectual disabilities are less than or different from human.

You're so Bi-polar...

What is microaggression?

Thank you!

There are 3 forms of microaggression.

Microassault

Microinvalidation

Not committed consciously

Microinsult

More conscious than the other forms

Similar to overt bigotry, but only happens when it's "safe"

Invalidates and denies the realities and experiences of the victim and assumes that everyone's experiences are/should be the same.

Not committed consciously

Intended to hurt, intimidate, make victim feel unwelcome/unworthy

Subtle, but has an insensitive hidden message that demeans a person's identity group

For example:

*Asking an Asian or Latino person where they're from

*Denying that bigotry "still" exists/can make life difficult

*The "color-blind" mentality

For example:

*Using slurs

*Avoiding people

*Displaying offensive images

*Telling/laughing at bigoted jokes

For example:

*"You're strong for a girl."

*Assuming Asian people are good at math

*Crossing the street/checking your wallet when you pass a Black man

*Assuming LGBT people are promiscuous

It's not the same thing as hate crimes or overt bigotry

(Both of which still happen everyday!)

Microaggression is generally unintentional, and not hateful in intent. However, regardless of intent, they still make an impact.

TRY THIS!

Microaggression can be:

INSTEAD OF

Verbal

Nonverbal

Environmental

You don't even act Black.

Translation: I am devaluing part of your identity while at the same time boxing you into a stereotype of what it means to be Black.

Every person experiences their ethnicity differently.

Language

Matters!

What does it even mean to "act white?"

Oreos are cookies, not people.

...You're making a

big deal out of nothing.

Actually, it is a big deal and it goes deeper than just words...

You play ball like a girl!

Victims of microaggression often feel unsafe & not included

Am I overreacting?

Did that really just happen?

Should I respond?

It causes significant long-term harm.

It wouldn't do any good, anyway.

What are the negative consequences if I speak up?

Victims are affected physically, cognitively, emotionally, and behaviorally.

Am I a coward?

I'm sure my friend wouldn't hurt me on purpose.

Can feel exhausted and depleted and class/work/relationships suffers

More at risk for illness and a decreased immune system

Microaggression contributes to serious anxiety and depression.

It's not good for the perpetrators, either.

Not "bad" people; usually "good" people socialized by dominant culture.

A good person who has buried biases can experience warped reality, anxiety, & guilt.

Constantly being on the receiving end of microaggression can have a deep and negative impact on the experiences of your peers, and...

Don't want to acknowledge it, so avoid/lie to themselves and others.

Microaggressions are more common than you may think!

For more info, check out

"Microaggressions in Everday Life: Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation"

by Dr. Derald Wing Sue.

Anything else?

The Sandlot

Translation: Women are unable to achieve at the same level as men, femininity is negative

This language devalues the power and worth of women and girls.

SHARE YOUR OWN STORIES:

There's a difference between

"Diverse" vs. "Inclusive"

Someone who I am perceiving as Muslim makes me feel unsafe and uncomfortable

"They look like a terrorist..."

Translation:

So...WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Compiled by the Cultural Centers @ Rutgers University

Adapted from UMD Inclusive Language Campaign