Privilege, Power and Everyday Life

Privilege, Power and Everyday Life

Microaggressions are defined as subtle, intentional — and oftentimes unintentional — everydayinteractions or behaviors that communicate hostile, derogatory or negative racial messages orassumptions toward historically marginalized groups.

“You are so articulate.” Presumes that black people are not usually capable of competent conversation.

 “Who are you? Do you live here?” Asking someone to identify themself in their own garagehome or car and prove they ‘belong’ sends a message they are not welcome.

,“Can I touch your hair?” Or worse touching without even asking. Curiosity is ok but invadingsomeone’s personal space is not. This can make someone feel like they are an animal on display.

The difference between microaggressions and overt discrimination, is that people who commitmicroaggressions are often unaware they are doing these things – and if you point it out tthem, they say, “That wasn’t my intention, you are being too sensitive.” Which is yet another microaggression.

 The weight of these daily interactions underpins very real consequences in marginalizedgroups... stress, anger, frustration, self-doubt and ultimately feelings of powerlessness and invisibility.

We are looking for artwork that encourages dialog about implicit bias and stereotypes. Our hope is to make the invisible, visible as a path towards a more inclusive culture.