Microaggressions – Policing Everyday Life
When Small Talk Becomes a Crime
Once upon a time, an “aggression” meant something obvious — a shove, a slur, a real insult.
Enter microaggressions: the idea that tiny, often unintentional remarks are just as harmful as open prejudice. A clumsy compliment, a curious question, even body language — all can now be labelled offensive.
The result? Everyday life becomes a minefield, with everyone under surveillance.
Table of contents
What Are Microaggressions?
Coined in the 1970s but popularised in the 2000s, microaggressions describe subtle slights or comments that supposedly reinforce systemic prejudice.
Examples include:
- Asking “Where are you really from?”
- Saying “You speak English so well.”
- Assuming gender, pronouns, or cultural background.
They don’t require intent. Only perception. If someone feels offended, it’s a microaggression.
Buzzwords of Microaggressions
Like all Critical Theory spinoffs, it comes with its own vocabulary:
- “Impact over intent” – Even if you meant no harm, you’re guilty.
- “Everyday racism/sexism” – Ordinary interactions framed as oppression.
- “Safe space” – Areas policed to eliminate microaggressions.
- “Triggering language” – Words flagged as harmful regardless of context.
Translation: the smallest slip equals a big accusation.
How It Shows Up in Practice
- Universities train students to report professors for microaggressions.
- Workplaces hire consultants to run “microaggression awareness” workshops.
- Media amplifies incidents as proof of systemic bias.
- Politics drafts speech codes to outlaw “harmful” language.
Suddenly, clumsy phrasing at a meeting is treated like violence.
Why Institutions Promote It
Because microaggressions keep the grievance industry running.
- HR departments justify new policies, trainings, and compliance reports.
- Universities use it to expand DEI programs.
- NGOs frame it as proof that prejudice is everywhere, requiring endless funding.
- Corporations roll out language guides and brand themselves as “microaggression-free.”
Every slip-up = another workshop.
The Consequences
- Self-censorship. People avoid honest conversation.
- Paranoia. Ordinary socialising feels like walking on eggshells.
- Division. Innocent mistakes get rebranded as hate.
- Dilution. Real prejudice gets trivialised by lumping it with awkward small talk.
Microaggressions don’t fix society. They make society neurotic.
Why It Matters
This isn’t just academic theory. Microaggressions change how people talk at work, at school, and online. They turn normal human interaction into a permanent test of ideological purity.
It’s not about kindness. It’s about control.
From Awareness to Surveillance
The idea promised sensitivity. What it delivered was surveillance — a world where every word can be used against you.
FAQ
What are microaggressions in plain terms?
Small, often unintentional comments or behaviours labelled as discriminatory.
Where did the concept of microaggressions come from?
First coined in the 1970s, later expanded by Critical Theory and DEI culture.
Why are microaggressions controversial?
Because they judge intent as irrelevant and treat minor slips as major offences.
Who benefits from microaggression training?
HR departments, universities, NGOs, and DEI consultants.
How do microaggressions link to DEI?
They are central to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, used to justify constant workshops and speech policing.
