Meaning

(sociology) A form or instance of microaggression that demeans a person's racial heritage or identity..

Definitions by Sense

1. (sociology) A form or instance of microaggression that demeans a person's racial heritage or identity.
2. (rare) To engage in the practice of making microinsults.

Example Sentences

In contrast to microassaults, microinsults and microinvalidations function as unconscious expressions of sexist ideals, making them more difficult to detect. Microinsults are characterized by covert expressions of ethnocentrism and patriarchy. Gender-based microinsults convey hidden offensive messages, while the perpetrators may remain unaware of the negative connotations reflected by their words and actions.

For example, changing seats to be further away from a^([sic]) LGBT person would be microinsulting, while creating an environment where someone feels pushed to "stay in the closet" can be considered microinvalidating. Second, the heterosexist and homonegative behaviors may appear to be harmless but may have a cumulative impact on the LGBT recipient of these microaggressions.

Depending on the consciousness and intent of his actions, these may be considered microassaults or microinsults. Similarly hostile sexism may also take microassaultive, microinsulting, or microinvalidating forms.

Word Forms

• microinsults
• microinsulting
• microinsulted

Related Words

When Should You Use Microinsult?

Use microinsult when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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