Microaggressions:
‘Words That Sting, Subtly’
By Pavithra Raman
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Illustration representing all microaggressions often heard in Malaysia
A tone-deaf inquiry regarding the ethnic origin of a naturalised citizen. A cringe-inducing surprised compliment on the English proficiency of a native speaker only because she is not of the white race. An unwanted remark about an Indian man’s skin tone.
These phrases may seem racially charged, yet they are not the typical language of traditional racism. Instead, it is racism that has nonchalantly adopted a form that is considered somewhat acceptable in society.
In an endless barrage of articles, blog posts, academic papers, and student discourse, they all reflect the hazy terrain of the social justice buzzword, microaggressions, that is used to describe the subtle ways in which racial, ethnic, gender, sexuality and other stereotypes could manifest painfully in a society that is growing increasingly diverse.
'It's the little (racist) things that hurt'
“They are not obvious or blatant, but they are still incredibly racist if you ask me,” said Jessyca Hanjaya (below), a naturalised citizen whose family moved to Malaysia when she was just one years old.
"They are the words that sting when you hear them, but since they are uttered in a very subtle way, you won't realise it right away."
Hanjaya claimed that being a Chinese Indonesian is accompanied by a variety of microaggressions.
“When people ask me where I'm from, and when I say Indonesia, they usually look at me and go, 'No, where are you actually from?” she added.
“It's as if they want me to say China without hesitation, even though I've never been there in my life,” Hanjaya said with a snicker.
Microaggressions could also take the shape of backhanded compliments, according to Hamizah Ariff (left), a native English speaker who is often complimented by her peers for her articulation and proficiency.
“People are usually shocked by that and they don't realise that they are only saying it to me because I'm not white because If I were, this wouldn't be a thing to be praised for,” she said.
As a native of Sabah, Safi Nabilah (Right) acknowledged that there is still a widespread stereotypical notion that the residents of the eastern region live in the forests.
"It can be a real put down when that's the first thing someone you're introduced to makes a joke about; it may be a harmless joke to them, but it's just not the same for me," Safi added.
'Depressing reminders of what society thinks of you and your community'
Sadivaran Alagan (left), a handyman based in Cheras, said microaggressions are an everyday part of his life.
“It’s almost scary the way that this disguised racism can affect you, it could ruin a very good day, hinder your success and could even put you in a depressed state at some point,” he said.
Sadisvaran said that he has been subjected to microaggressions countless times.
“Some are right on the nose and some, you will only realise after a while but yeah, I have seen them all.”
As an Indian man with a swarthy complexion, Sadisvaran asserted that a significant proportion of microaggressions that he encountered stem from racism and colorism.
“The common one is, of course, the “I can’t see you, it’s so dark in here,” which they think is hilarious,” he said.
“But I also have had people come up to me and recommend whitening products without my asking.”
“Most of the time, people either think they’re being funny or helpful but in reality, they are just insensitively making derogatory comments regarding my appearance, about which I am already secure and confident,” he continued.
According to Sadisvaran, most of these throwaway comments and remarks reflect an underlying bias or preconception that could make the recipient feel inferior in a matter of seconds.
In addition to these verbal microaggressions, Sadisvaran also emphasised the nonverbal microaggressions he encounters in Malaysia. A nonverbal microaggression is an action rather than a statement, such as refusing to sit next to someone on the bus solely on the basis of their race.
"These are all depressing reminders of what society thinks of you and your community, and I don't think they'll ever go away."
“People locking their cars or clutching onto their handbags when they see me or any Indian man walking by, as if we are trying to rob them is the most common nonverbal microaggression that I encounter on a day-to-day basis,” Sadisvaran asserted.
He proceeded by stating that witnessing a microaggression against one's own community could also have a detrimental impact on a person.
'Staying silent should not be an option'
It is undeniable that microaggressions have the ability to make people feel uneasy and apprehensive, but there are ways in which these individuals are fighting back with courage and dignity.
When Hamizah’s English proficiency receives accolades, she now replies: “Thank you. I would hope so since it is my mother tongue.”
By drawing attention to the message veiled within the statement, Hamizah responds to the microaggression in the same subtle manner in which it is hurled.
“I also try to always be aware of my own biases since no one is perfect,” she added.
Meanwhile, Hanjaya countered, “I try my best to disarm their microagression and make them explain as to why they made such statements.”
“I look them directly in the eyes and ask, “What do you mean by that? Or “what makes you say that?”
“I would not let go until they feel embarrassed and realised what they have just said,” she added.
As for Sadisvaran, the ideal approach is to educate the "microaggressor" and make them hear their own words from his perspective.
“I would be straightforward and say, “I know you meant that to be funny, but imagine being in my position and experiencing everything I did as an Indian male in this country, and then tell me how you would feel if someone had said that to you?”
“I also believe that if you witness someone using microagression around you, whether it be within your friend group or on another person in front of you,” Sadisvaran said before adding, “Then you should most definitely intervene and educate that person right there on the spot.”
Sadivaran claimed that it is crucial to present a unified front in recognising these supposedly innocent and humorous microaggressions as a form of racism.
“If we all remain silent and chuckle awkwardly to avoid confrontation, then we are all complicit in allowing these statements to bring pain and sufferings to the recipients and in creating a narrative that racism is okay as long as it is subtle.”
