Microaggressions

I have witnessed a microinsult between two co-workers and friends, years ago. Interestingly enough I never forgot this interaction. It made me feel uncomfortable as the insistence of the questions made showed an obvious stereotype. I remember that not only “Ben”(I cannot remember his name) seemed troubled, awkward and self-conscious. It seemed like the people listening to this interaction felt as uncomfortable as he did. I thought that she made a gaffe and insisted on it. She also seemed confused, for a moment, when she realized the obvious, that although he looks Asian, he is as Canadian as anyone born in Canada.

Amanda is  Italo-American, from NY and “Ben”  Asian-Canadian, both well educated, traveled, teachers. 
We were all in a party at a friend’s apartment in Doha, and she fired: 
Amanda: “Where are you from?”
Ben: “From Canada”
Amanda:”No, but where are you really from? ”
Ben: “From Alberta, Canada, Amanda!”
Amanda: “Where were you born?”
Ben: “I was born and raised in Alberta, Canada.”

The studies this week have educated me to the fact that microaggressions have severe consequences once it accumulates and alienates the receiver, in addition, to sabotage the receiver's sense of belonging, and self-esteem. Research has shown that microaggressions marginalize and infer inferiority; therefore, they cause acute psychological stress.