Microaggressions are words or actions that have an aggressive component, but that in one way or another cover up or distort the violent content that they transmit.
The most typical example is that of the person who does not respond to the doorman or secretary's greeting because it seems like a waste of time.
In most Western countries, discrimination on grounds of gender, race, social class or beliefs is legally prohibited. However, many have not yet grasped the meaning of this prohibition, so they continue to discriminate or reject those who dictate their prejudices.
Sometimes, these microaggressions are reproduced unconsciously. They are common places, gestures or phrases made, which, however, have a violent component directed at a person or a group.
For example, when someone interrupts another person while he is speaking and does not let him finish exposing his idea. This is not done with power figures. It is usually done with someone who the other sees as inferior.
Some think that what others call microaggressions are nothing more than harmless expressions without much importance. They question the hypersensitivity of those who take some comments seriously, which in their opinion are casual.
After all, in social relationships, especially in the field of jokes, there is always something irreverent.
This could be true in some cases. Not every seemingly sexist, classist or racist comment has a content of hate. It can also be a cathartic way to recognize a certain tension or to ridicule certain postures.
The problem with microaggressions is their systematicity and their intentionality. If these comments, jokes and sarcasms are constant, they are more likely to end up affecting the other person.
A joke may not hurt, but hundreds of jokes can end up affecting the other's self-esteem and sense of dignity.
