27 Racial Microaggressions People Of Color Are Tired Of Hearing
Because words mean things. And also, you don't want to offend anyone.
1. "Sorry. I don't date outside of my race."
What people of color hear: Wow. Major loss for you, sucker.
What you could say: I've never had the privilege of dating someone outside of my race.
2. "What do you mean you're not good at math?"
What people of color hear: Wow. You're all so smart, why are you the exception?!
What you could say: How long did you study to prepare for the quiz today?
3. "You're not like other [insert race here] people."
What people of color hear: You're cool, unlike the rest of those crazy brown people that look similar to you.
What you could say: You're a really unique person.
4. "So...what are you mixed with?"
What people of color hear: Wait, am I a recipe? I'm not "mixed" with anything.
What you could say: Are you biracial?
5. "I'm blacker than you."
What people of color hear: Or nah...
What you could say: I apologize for being absolutely insufferable.
6. "So...is it true what they say about [insert race here] guys?"
What people of color hear: Cool. Thanks for reducing me to my reproductive organs.
What you could say: I'm going to remove myself from your presence until I learn how to properly speak to people.
7. "Why are Asians always so quiet?"
What people of color hear: I'm using a tired generalization of the Asian population, but please, answer my question anyway.
What you could say: You seem like a shy person.
8. "Why does your religion condone terrible things?"
What people of color hear: Why is this person ignoring the fact that there's a very popular western religion that's responsible for millions of deaths?
What you could say: I'm gonna take the initiative to learn more about your religion so that I don't sound like an ass.
9. "It's crazy you don't have an accent!"
What people of color hear: It's blowing my mind that you're saying words that I, a normal human, can comprehend. Good job!
What you could say: Your voice is soothing to my ears.
10. "I don't see color."
What people of color hear: What do you see then? I'm right here and you don't see me?
What you could say: I don't judge people based on their skin color.
11. "I can't believe you listen to NPR."
What people of color hear: People of color don't care about the news, right?
What you could say: What's your favorite show on NPR?
12. "So, are you allowed to marry whoever you want?"
What people of color hear: Your culture is so weird. It's so crazy how they just force you to do things you don't wanna do.
What you could say: Are you dating anyone?
13. "You're really pretty for a [insert race here] girl."
What people of color hear: For a brown person, you really stand out. Bravo!
What you could say: You're gorgeous.
14. "Don't even think about pulling the race card."
What people of color hear: This person thinks talking about race is a just a fun thing to get people riled up.
What you should say: I will be quiet and listen, especially since I am in no way able to tell you about the plight of your people.
15. "Why do your people speak so ghetto?"
What POC hear: Y'all sound like a bunch of bumbling idiots.
What you could say: I appreciate your culture. It's interesting.
16. "Why is blackface bad, but white face isn't?"
What POC hear: I'm oblivious to the the last 200 years of American History.
What you could say: I'm not sure why blackface is offensive, but I'll research it.
17. "Why are black girls always so angry?"
What people of color hear: Damn, IDK. Should I phone the rest of the black women on Earth and hold a summit about why we're all so "angry?"
What you could say: Is something bothering you today?
18. "Can Asian people see just as well as white people?"
What people of color hear: White people are the norm. Don't you wish you were more like them?
What you should say: You have stunning eyes.
19. "You're really cute for a [insert race here] person."
What people of color hear: For a brown woman you're really doing well to not look like a frog.
What you should say: You look great today.
20. "God, it must be so easy for minorities to get into college."
What people of color hear: You guys can just check your race on college applications and you're in!
What you could say: What's your safety school?
21. "Why do you always do your hair so weird?"
What people of color hear: Your hair looks terrible. You should maybe conform and wear it straight, like normal people.
What you could say: That's a beautiful hairstyle.
22. "Why do you talk like a white person?"
What POC hear: Thank you for not speaking ebonics around me. I feel so much more comfortable.
What you could say: I would love to hear you give a speech.
23. "Why are Latinos always so loud?"
What people of color hear: Those darn hispanics are always so rambunctious, please speak for an entire population of people. You all do think alike, right?
What you could say: Wow. You really know how to bring a room to life, don't ya?
24. "So...what are you exactly?"
What people of color hear: Are you of this planet?
What you could say: Where are you from? Where did you grow up?
25. "I don't see you as black."
What people of color hear: So...you see me as Ebony? Are we playing a synonym game?
What you could say: Race doesn't hinder me from wanting to get to know you.
26. "You're really articulate."
What people of color hear: You speak real good for a darkie. Where'd you learn to talk like'at?!
What you could say: You have an enchanting voice.
27. "No, but where are you really from?"
What people of color hear: You're SO much different from me. You couldn't possibly have been born in the same place I was.
What you could say: Did your family move around a lot when you were growing up?
