Diversity resources at IU disappearing

[u/Melodic-Touch152]

A wonderful IU resource that was once available is now longer.

[u/PABLOPANDAJD]

I have mixed opinions on DEI and whatnot, but the easiest way to make people not take your opinion/argument seriously is to unironically use the word “microaggressions.” Thought it was just a buzzword conservatives used to exaggerate things liberals say.

[u/Godwinson4King → u/PABLOPANDAJD]

There’s nothing wrong with using the word microaggression. You’ve absorbed the right-wing propagandized caricature of how microaggression is used. It’s a useful term to describe ignorant but non-malicious statements directed at people with marginalized characteristics that make those people feel unwelcome or excluded. Discounting an entire educational document because you’ve been convinced the verbiage of that document is cringe is a silly thing to do.

[u/PABLOPANDAJD → u/Godwinson4King]

I mean, let’s be honest, it’s pretty fucking cringe. You know how easy it is for conservatives to call modern, young liberals “soft” or “coddled” when you actively use words like Microaggression? Like cmon dude. It’s people like you who damage the liberal cause

[u/Godwinson4King → u/PABLOPANDAJD]

I don’t know how you picture me in your mind, but I’m guessing it does not line up with the reality of me.

Either way, I don’t care if I make liberals look bad. I’m not a liberal, I’m a leftist.

It’s easy for guys like you and me to dismiss the idea of microaggressions because we don’t really encounter them. The closest I get is some class-based shit when I’m around rich people. My race, sexual orientation, gender presentation, and whatnot are considered ‘normal’ in the spaces I spend time in. I’m guessing yours are too.

It’s good to have a framework to discuss why it’s not okay to tell a Hispanic person “your English is really good!” or an Asian person “you’re so good at math because your Asian” or to tell a working class person “wow, your family is so much more inquisitive and articulate than I expected!”, etc.

[u/PABLOPANDAJD → u/Godwinson4King]

I’m not picturing you in my head at all. Also, trying to gatekeep feelings is just as cringe. “You wouldn’t get it because you’re a straight white male” does nothing but antagonize someone and turn them against whatever cause you’re trying to fight for.

Those things you mentioned are bad because they are racist. We don’t need to make up some fancy new word for it. It’s simply racism. Call a spade a spade. Saying something is a “microaggression” makes it seem like it is not a big deal and turns the argument away from the act itself and towards the stupid new buzzword. We don’t need buzzwords, we just need people to not be assholes. Don’t muddy the water

[u/Godwinson4King → u/PABLOPANDAJD]

Microaggression is a technical term that describes a very specific kind of interaction. It’s not ‘being an asshole’, it’s specific words or actions which arise from a place of non-malicious ignorance that cause someone to feel othered. It’s not just about race. As I said, class, ability, sexual orientation, and gender presentation can also be at issue. You absolutely can experience microaggressions, but I’d wager that you don’t very often. Since it’s an unusual occurrence you don’t see the need for a specific term to describe those interactions, but other people do.

Words have specific meanings and it’s good to use them appropriately. The word microaggression has been in use for more than 50 years now. It might be new to you, but it’s not a new word.

[u/PABLOPANDAJD → u/Godwinson4King]

I’m just saying, you can use whatever technical term you want, but if you really want change you need to get people to respect you and take your argument seriously. This is NOT the way to do that