Tuesday, October 6, 2015

MICROAGGRESSIONS MATTER


“They may not always be ill-intentioned, but the slights illuminate deeper problems in America”
By: Simba Runyowa
Level of Difficulty: ***
EXAMPLES OF MICROAGGRESSION:
WHAT IS MICROAGGRESSION: A DETAILED LOOK
QUESTIONS
1.       Read the examples of microaggression provided in the first three or four paragraphs of the text. In what way are such remarks different from insults?
2.       The fact that the remark made about the writer’s name involved no bad intentions helped lessen the impact / helped increase the impact / had no impact.
3.       What does “This” refer to in the phrase “This particularly matters…”?
4.       Why exactly do people of color, LGBT people and the like feel alienated on campuses?
5.       We understand from the text that microaggression can lead to………………………………which involve a host of psychological effects.
6.       Those who encourage political correctness are accused of ……………………..and………………………
7.       The changing demographics of campuses necessitate…………………… but it is vital that these new perspectives be motivated by…………………………….
8.       Addressing some on as “Ms.” Rather than “Miss. or Mrs.”, demonstrates……………………..
9.       The way to gain status according to the victimhood culture involves focusing on……………..Yet what such people should be focusing on is………………………..
10.   Would Friedersdorf agree or disagree with the stance taken by the website “Oberline Microaggressions”? Why
11.   The argument that a victimhood culture is being created is justified / is not justified according to the writer because minorities who encounter microaggression wish to be seen as victims/ wish to be silenced / wish to silence everyone / wish to solve the problem.
12.   Mark the wrong answer(s): The existence of sites like Oberlin Microaggressions proves that there is a problem that needs to be addressed / people should not be touchy / people wish to be organized / aggressive racism still exists / people like to make a fuss.  
13.   Microaggressions are important when…………………………………………………………………………….
14.   A more inclusive society with greater empathy can only be created if……………………………
WRITING TASK
Use the information you have gleaned to discuss how seriously microaggressions should be taken and why.
MICROAGGRESSIONS MATTER KEY AND TEACHER’S NOTES
This text tackles a serious but often trivialized problem: microaggression and its implications. It also provides reasons why it should be taken seriously. There are a lot of people who have encountered micro aggression but may not know that there is a word to describe it. Hopefully, this activity will provide a good learning opportunity in more senses than one.
1.       They do not necessarily reflect malicious intent
2.       Had no effect on the impact
3.       Exercising vigilance in interacting with those whose lived experiences are different than our own
4.       Because microaggressions point out cultural difference in ways that put the recipient’s non-conformity in sharp relief
5.       Imposter syndrome or stereotype threat
6.       Creating victims and evangelizing a new kind of moral righteousness
7.       More complex views of the world, empathy
8.       An acknowledgement of that person’s innermost identity (conferring both respect and dignity)
9.       Oppression and social marginalization; their strength or inner worth
10.   He wouldn’t; because he would see Oberlin as the archetype of a malignant victimhood culture
11.   Wish to solve the problem
12.   People like to make a fuss and people should not be touchy
13.   They expose the internalized prejudices that lurk beneath the veneer of our carefully curated public selves / OR: They are linked to implicit biases

14.   Microaggressions are called out

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