A microaggression is a statement, action or incident regarded as an instance of indirect, subtle or unintentional discrimination against members of a marginalised group such as a racial or ethnic group.
Microaggressions can be intentional or unintentional and they are based on biases associated with race, religion, belief, ethnicity, sexuality orientation, gender and disability,
Microaggressions can also:
- Threaten and intimidate
- Invalidate the target person’s lived experience
- Humiliate them on a personal level
Racial microaggressions are remarks and behaviours which might be experienced occasionally and brushed off as ‘rude’ or inconsiderate by people and are amplified by being a constant part of the affected person’s daily experience.
For example: Assigning the intelligence to a POC (person of colour) based on their race e.g. “You are so articulate,” “You are a credit to your race.”
A common theme of racial microaggressions is the denial of individual racism which is a statement made when people deny their racial biases. Examples include: “I’m not a racist. I have several Black friends,” or “As a woman, I know what you go through as a racial minority.”
Racial Microaggressions on Black Hair
Afro-textured hair is stigmatised and stigmatised throughout the world. Even in places where there are laws against race-based hair discrimination, Black women suffer the majority of the burden when it comes to hair bias.
Racial microaggressions on Black hair come under hair discrimination which is a form of social injustice where Afro-textured hair and coarse hair types are viewed negatively in society.
Common microaggressions on Black women’s hair:
- People making comments about a Black woman’s hair, even if it is framed as a ‘compliment’
- Asking a Black woman if you can touch her hair
- “Dreadlocks are too messy for work”
- “Your hair looks unprofessional”
The “Angry Black Woman” Stereotype
The ‘Angry Black woman’ stereotype has penetrated many parts of Western culture, including the workplace. This pervasive stereotype not only characterises Black women as more hostile, aggressive, overbearing, illogical, ill-tempered and bitter, but it may also be holding them back from realising their full potential in the workplace – and shaping their work experiences overall. For example: Addressing a Black woman as “aggressive” or “scary”.
The Significance of Black Hair
Black hair is an expression of identity and culture. It’s a representation of history and carries deep emotional significance since Black hair is a symbol of survival, resistance and celebration. It’s been used as a tool of oppression and one of empowerment. Historically, for some, Black hair has carried a profound symbolism. Different types of hairstyles like cornrows, dreadlocks, twists, afros, bantu knots, and more all have historic connections to Black pride, culture, religion, and history.
For most Black people, hair is a powerful symbol of identity, heritage, and self-expression. Black hair is a very important part of Black culture and identity. Throughout history, those of Black heritage have used their hair as a powerful expression of pride, celebration, and resistance.
In West African societies in the 1400s, people utilised their hairstyle to communicate with others; a person’s hairstyle could indicate their social rank, marital status, money, age, ethnicity, or even their own surname.