Objective: Microaggressions refer to everyday comments, phrases, labels that seem innocent, innocuous, or even complimentary to the speaker but feels offensive to the recipient. While the person makin

Objective:

Microaggressions refer to everyday comments, phrases, labels that seem innocent, innocuous, or even complimentary to the speaker but feels offensive to the recipient. While the person making the comment may think nothing of what is said, the recipient is reminded that, in some sense, they don’t belong or they are doing something wrong (even if whoever they are or whatever they are doing is out of their control). These comments put people in boxes - often boxes based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, social class, ability, body type, or some other aspect of their identity. Women receive more microaggressions, even more are women of color, and even more are transwomen of color. Please take care with this topic as there is discussion of sexual violence.

While we might expect microaggressions to be small or minor (“Your outfit will distract the boys from learning during class.”), many situations should more properly be termed macroagressions (“He sexually assaulted you because of what you were wearing that night.”). From a rhetorical point of view, these comments are problematic because they remind us that what speakers or writers intend is often less important than the effect on the audience of what is said or written. This further tests the nature and limits of what some would term “free speech.” I believe that Women’s Rights are “cousins” to LGBT Rights, so please use this week to navigate connections between the readings to prepare for the argumentative essay. Begin noticing around you how microaggressions/macroaggressions are deeply embedded in the use of our everyday language.

Readings:

Jamaica Kincaid - Girl

Vanity Fair - How the Atlanta Spa Shootings - The Victims, The Survivors - Tell a Story About America

Conservatives and Progressives Debate Feminism, #MeToo, and Donald Trump

"Rape Joke" by Get Lit

48 Things Women Hear In A Lifetime (That Men Just Don't)

Writings:

Just like sports or an instrument, writing also takes practice. Making meaning clear can be tricky, and you should plan on revising and, if need be, rewriting in order to get it right. Take this as an opportunity to get feedback on your work from several readers who can help you plan revisions. It is not only the instructor’s feedback that counts! At the same time, you learn from reading others’ work how they approached the writing task. In your responses, avoid being either too complimentary or too harsh. Then, it’s time to revise. Sharpen your focus, strengthen the argument, improve the organization, clarify, and of course - season that chicken! Be sure to manage your time so that your essay can “rest” for a few days and then you can come back with fresh eyes.

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