You are just too sensitive.

You are just too sensitive. You are a snowflake. You are making yourself a victim.

Common "defenses" used when a person of color, or social justice advocate calls out someone who is making prejudicial remarks that are often categorized as "microaggressions".

In this day and age - post civil rights movement - we have seen a decline in what researchers call old fashioned racism and we are now seeing modern racism. Modern racism is more subtle than older forms and therefore more complex.

Modern racism, due to its subtly, is more likely to be "disguised and covert" and,therefore, more difficult to identify. But when you see it - you know its happening. And when you feel it - there is no denying it is happening. People of color often experience microaggressions on a daily basis - causing an extreme amount of internalization and pain.

Despite what some might think, most racist comments and microaggressions go unnoticed by those of the dominant group and many people of color avoid addressing the discomfort they feel. In the video below, individuals were asked why they don't always confront the person using microaggressions and one Harvard student, Collin Marts, stated that "you don't know how to respond, you don't want to make it a big deal - but - it is, and you almost regret some of those moments". Another student from MIT, Chibueze Amanchkwu, stated "There might be a comment I don't want to think too much into because I'd rather just ignore it, and then move on". Amanchkwu added that it is empowering to see individuals who are trying to do something to stop microaggressions.

So microaggressions may seem harmless to some - and often are said by well-intentioned people. However, here in lies the problem. Microaggressions are so common that many people see them as normal. As society is changing and more awareness is spread about the harms of microaggressions many conservatives have developed a defense against being called "racist" or "prejudice". People of color, womxn, and other marginalized groups are being called "too sensitive" whenever they may attempt to stand up for themselves against their oppressors.

This ideology, is perpetuated by many political elite, specifically white men. According to these individuals, marginalized groups should continue to be silent and learn to "tolerate difference in opinion". Thomas Sowell, of the National Review, states that "The concept of 'microaggression' is just one of many tactics used to stifle differences of opinion by declaring some opinions to be “hate speech,” instead of debating those differences in a marketplace of ideas." So lets talk about that - shall we?

Specifically, in regards to the recent campaign of Roy Moore in Alabama. Moore stated during a speech, “I think it was great at the time when families were united — even though we had slavery — they cared for one another…Our families were strong, our country had a direction.” This is a prime example of a prejudiced language that may even be too obvious to be considered a microaggression. But, nonetheless, how could a statement like this be be taken as anything but racist? Is it okay to be intolerant of an opinion that disregards the enslavement of millions of people? Still, after these comments were made many individuals claimed those who spoke out against Moore were too sensitive and coddled by their own ideas.

Why do so many white people in America fight so hard to preserve racism and deny the perspectives of people of color? The answer: in order to protect their privilege and avoid feeling guilt and insecurity. According to Maahfio Otchere of Villanova University, "This [victim blaming] provides the white America an escape from the reality and allows them not to understand the other perspective, which, in turn, opens the space for prejudices and microaggressions. There is fear, discomfort and racial history wrapped into white guilt". We need to keep fighting to make the invisible - visible and stop avoiding the topic of racism. It seems those who resort to name calling and victim blaming may be acting out of defense in order to preserve their own social and political power. So which one of us is too sensitive?

Citation:

Sue, D. W., Capodilupo, C. M., Torino, G. C., Bucceri, J. M., Holder, A. M. B., Nadal, K. L., & Esquilin, M. (2007). Racial microaggressions in everyday life: Implications for clinical practice. American Psychologist, 62(4), 271-286.