Abstract
Racial microaggressions are defined as subtle racial slights that can be offensive or hurtful. One of the defining characteristics of racial microaggressions is how difficult they can be to respond to, and the literature reports that not responding may be the most common response to microaggressions. This study addresses a vital gap in the existing literature by examining the extent to which the silence that characterizes face-to-face experiences with microaggressions extends into online social media spaces. Drawing on a dataset of 254,964 tweets over an 8-year period, we present and examine trends in the usage of the term “microaggressions” over time. Furthermore, we then generate a purposive sample of 1,038 of the most influential tweets to explore discussions and content themes through an in-depth qualitative analysis of these messages. Here, we find both a drastic increase in the usage of the term microaggression on Twitter over time and an intense contestation over its meaning and repercussions for both individuals and society. Implications of these findings in understanding the role of online social media discourse in challenging or reproducing hegemonic racial structures is discussed.
Highlights
Previous research defines microaggressions as brief indignities that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative racial slights (Sue et al, 2007). Sue’s (2010) typology of microaggressions includes three categories: microinsults, microinvalidations, and microassaults
We suggest that increased discourse around racial microaggressions subverts White supremacy, as the interpersonal manifestations of racism that that are typically ignored and go unchallenged are identified, critiqued, and denounced
Between 2011 and 2015, tweets containing microaggression increased between 183% and 203% each year
Summary
Previous research defines microaggressions as brief indignities that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative racial slights (Sue et al, 2007). Sue’s (2010) typology of microaggressions includes three categories: microinsults, microinvalidations, and microassaults. Previous research defines microaggressions as brief indignities that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative racial slights (Sue et al, 2007). Sue’s (2010) typology of microaggressions includes three categories: microinsults, microinvalidations, and microassaults. Microinsults are insensitive, negative, or demeaning messages about one’s race or ethnicity. These are often characterized by stereotypes, sexual or physical objectification, and/or the blaming or marginalized racial and ethnic groups, values, or traditions for racial disparities. Microinvalidations are messages that minimize or deny the experiences of racial and ethnic minorities. Microinvalidations are characterized by the color-blind ideology, the denial/minimization of racism, and the importance of seeing or discussing race and ethnicity. Microassaults are explicit racial disparages that tend to resemble “old-fashioned” racism because they are more conscious and overt
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