Blog written by Fairoze Maisha, Youth Community Animator – TERT, BCS.
Numerous microaggressions have happened to me throughout my life; while they may not seem like much on their own, they have a compounding effect. Despite being less obvious than overt racism, these covert forms of prejudice nonetheless have equally subtle effects. Overcoming these obstacles has required perseverance and a resolute dedication to genuineness.
One persistent form of microaggression is presumptions made about my accent because of my cultural upbringing. People say they’re surprised that I don’t fit their preconceived notions. Furthermore, remarks like “I thought you’d have an accent from back home” or “You speak English so well!” imply something negative about my heritage.
When I question cultural presumptions, I’ve also encountered microaggressions like being called “too sensitive” or incapable of taking a joke. When I bring up my Bangladeshi heritage, for example, I get contemptuous comments like “it’s just beside, south asian cultures are all the same.” Rather than remain silent, I face these prejudices head-on and gently inform people about South Asian customs.
Despite the difficulties, self-expression and unity have been powerful. Making connections with people who have gone through similar things has given me support and validation. Together, we fight against prejudice and promote acceptance.
My journey underscores the power of resilience and self-affirmation in facing discrimination. Rejecting limited perspectives, I’ve taken back my own identity. With every triumph, we get closer to the day when microaggressions are no longer relevant.
If you have any feedback about this blog or would like to contact the TERT campaign, please email us at YouthResilient@bangladeshi.ca. Thank you!
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