This scientist has an incredibly controversial theory about race

'Microaggression' is a common term people use when talking about racism in the modern day.

Microaggressions are subtle signs of racism or hostility directed towards an oppressed group of people.

They're usually hidden within ostensibly innocent words or actions, making it more difficult for the victim to respond.

The phrase was coined in the 1970s, and then later defined in a 2007 paper by psychologist Derald Wing Sue.

But this can also often things like racial slurs and swastika graffiti - and these are most certainly not 'micro'.

In a new review featured in Perspectives on Psychological Science, Scott Lilienfeld of Emory University says the term microagressions needs to be altered.

Lillienfield argues that the inclusion of these events s could make microaggressions appear responsible for harm, when really they are abuse.

He says the field of microaggression needs to be studied more closely.

He suggests that the word itself should be swapped for “perceived racial slight”.

Lilienfeld also argues that it isn’t clear if those using microaggressions are showing aggression against a group in the way we currently understand it.

HT Research Digest

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