Whether it is at home, the workplace, school, or even in friend groups, many are put in the presence of a negative concept known as microaggressions. While many like to believe that they have no biases, they often have something called an implicit bias: an unknowingly created bias based on the recipient’s character that causes a change in attitude in the speaker.
As a result, the speaker may form microaggressions towards that person, hidden messages that often contain derogatory remarks or negative connotations even without the speaker realizing it. An example may be someone interrupting the speaker only when the speaker is a woman in a daily conversation. The result is a “substantial harm of exclusion” from the recipient that is amplified day by day by these microaggressions (Hansen).
On the contrary, many people are familiar with affirmations; they may be in the form of words, such as daily affirmations one may tell themselves to start the day, or kind acts that demonstrate approval to others. People seek out affirmations in order to feel wanted and heard in a world that may fail to do so. In fact, out of the five love languages — physical touch, quality time, words of affirmation, gift giving, and acts of service — words of affirmation is ranked as the third most popular love language in America (Orth). This goes to demonstrate the importance of affirmations, since it is a significant value that many people desire to have in their life.
Furthermore, with the rise of microaggressions in modern society, there is an increased need to counter it with something on the other side of the spectrum: micro-affirmations.Indeed, recognizing microaggressions and stopping oneself from hurting others is a good thing; thinking before speaking or acting in a biased way is a good measure to prevent such microaggressions from hurting others. However, this can be taken a step further with micro-affirmations, which makes others feel happy for who they are.Micro-affirmations are small acts that foster inclusion, equality, and general care for recipients by recognizing their importance and respect they deserve.
Examples of micro-affirmations include:
Actively listening to what the person is saying with no distractions
Showing genuine concern/interest in important conversations
Acknowledging the person’s accomplishments as their own
Smiling and nodding during a conversation
Being grateful to the person
Providing eye contact
These actions are small, yes, but they are far from insignificant; people from historically poorly treated communities, whether it be by race, religion, or gender, may have never become accustomed to respect, and by providing such micro-affirmations, provides a path into inclusion and pride to their characters. Practicing micro-affirmations consistently will allow for closer connections with others that may otherwise be harmed by microaggressions. Relationships thrive off of micro-affirmations, and without them fail to last. The kindness of a micro-affirmation can easily spread to others, creating a more positive atmosphere. You never know how much a singular affirmation could mean to someone; it may be the first one they have ever genuinely received, or one that lifts their spirits after a tough day.
Written By: Willy Do, Mental H2O Youth Resource Writer
https://today.yougov.com/society/articles/41009-what-are-americans-love-languages
https://sheridan.brown.edu/resources/inclusive-anti-racist-teaching/inclusive-teaching/microaggressions-and-micro-affirmations
https://www.employerscouncil.org/resources/its-the-little-things-that-count-how-small-actions-can-yield-big-results/
https://theglasshammer.com/2022/04/why-micro-affirmations-matter-as-a-leader/
