Essay On Microaggressions

In the United States, there are several different types of racism, all of which still exist today. They are racial stereotyping/microaggressions, active bigotry, and institutional racism. Microaggressions are slights, indignities, putdowns, and insults that people of color, gays, lesbians, women, and those with disabilities face everyday in their interactions with people. Sometimes microaggressions come across as compliments, but are really hidden insults in disguise. For example, telling an immigrant that they speak English very well, could be considered a microaggression, because it could be conveying the message that he is not really an American. Microaggressions can also be nonverbal; for example, not entering an elevator because when the door opens an African American man is already in it. The hidden microaggression in this situation is the thought that many African Americans are criminals, or are up to no good. Active bigotry is being openly prejudice and discriminating without care. Active bigots make a conscious choice to discriminate. Institutional racism is racism that is implemented by social institutions, such as schools, banks, the United States Military and courts, giving negative treatment to a group of people based on their race.
In today’s society, we have seen an upward trend of police targeting minorities simply because of their race. The New York Police Department was
Stop-and- frisk has created uneasy tension between police and the citizens of New York City, especially those of minorities. African Americans and Hispanics that follow the law have been harassed and humiliated, and as a result, have become hesitant to come into contact with police for fear of unfair treatment. It is sad that the community has a relationship with the police that rests on thin ice because of