Racial Microaggression In Academic Settings: A Focus On University Students
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Date
2016-02
Authors
Lino, Mitshel
Journal Title
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Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
This study explores racial microaggression - a modern type of racism that is subtle, often undetected and its existence may not be realized by the perpetrators and the victims but commonly found in everyday circumstances. Malaysia is a multicultural nation that encourages harmonious co-existence among different ethnicities and condemns the act of overt racism. Consequently, the suppression of overt racism act may sublimate into more subtle and indirect form. The present research objectives are to: (i) Draw the themes of racial microaggression, (ii) Explore the personal and situational characteristics and (iii) Examine reaction and coping strategies in among Malaysian undergraduates at a public university in northern region. Qualitative study was conducted through face-to-face, one-to-one, in-depth interviews with 40 Malaysian undergraduates of 4 major ethnic groups (Malay, Chinese, Indian, and “Others” – Sabahan, Sarawakian and mixed racial parentage group) recruited through purposive and snowball sampling. The collected data was analysed using Interpretational Phenomenological Analysis. Results indicated 16 racial microaggression themes such as “Paradox of over-scrutiny/ overlook”, “Assumption of superiority/ inferiority/ intelligence due to ethnicity” and “Alien in own land”. The personal and situational context whereby the racial microaggression acts took place including university club, event or group assignment meeting. Reactions comprise of both positive and negative aspects and passive and active coping strategies were mainly adopted by the recipients of racial microaggression. The present study provides educational insights into the reality of inter/ intra-ethnic interaction in university setting and therefore, the need to raise awareness and to develop effective measurements to reduce such behaviours.
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Keywords
Racial