microinsult meaning: definition, etymology and quotations

microinsult

noun

Etymology From micro- + insult.

Human sciences, Sciences, Social science, Sociology A form or instance of microaggression that demeans a person's racial heritage or identity.

In contrast to microassaults, microinsults and microinvalidations function as unconscious expressions of sexist ideals, making them more difficult to detect. Microinsults are characterized by covert expressions of ethnocentrism and patriarchy. Gender-based microinsults convey hidden offensive messages, while the perpetrators may remain unaware of the negative connotations reflected by their words and actions.2017, Kevin L. Nadal, The SAGE Encyclopedia of Psychology and Gender, SAGE Publications, →ISBN, page 1182:

verb

Etymology From micro- + insult.

Rare To engage in the practice of making microinsults.

For example, changing seats to be further away from a^([sic]) LGBT person would be microinsulting, while creating an environment where someone feels pushed to "stay in the closet" can be considered microinvalidating. Second, the heterosexist and homonegative behaviors may appear to be harmless but may have a cumulative impact on the LGBT recipient of these microaggressions.2010, Kevin L[eo] Nadal, David P. Rivera, Melissa J. H. Corpus, “Sexual Orientation and Transgender Microaggressions: Implications for Mental Health and Counseling”, in Derald Wing Sue, editor, Microaggressions and Marginality: Manifestation, Dynamics, and Impact, Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley, →ISBN, part III (Other Socially Devalued Group Microaggressions: International/Cultural, Sexual Orientation and Transgender, Disability, Class, and Religious), page 223:
Depending on the consciousness and intent of his actions, these may be considered microassaults or microinsults. Similarly hostile sexism may also take microassaultive, microinsulting, or microinvalidating forms.2010, Michele Antoinette Paludi, Feminism and Women's Rights Worldwide, →ISBN, page 163: