Posting Tips: Avoiding Microaggressions and other Hurtful Comments

Sometimes, when making a post, or creating some other type of content we can accidentally do something that is hurtful to a group of people.

This post provides some tips to avoid inadvertently making such a mistake.

Am I using a term that refers to a group of people?

- If so, do I actually want to refer to these people or something that comes from these people? If not, I should consider why this term is being used and if it’s an appropriate option.

- Am I referring to the group in a positive, neutral or negative way? If negative, reconsider.

Some examples where this can be problematic:

Saying someone is great at doing something for someone who is part of a specific group. This implies that those in that group are generally below average at that skill.

Using an identity as an adjective, where that adjective is being used in a way to poke fun. There are a number of games which have done this in the past, the games themselves ore often fine, but the naming often implies that a group doesn’t understand things, does nonsensical things,doesn’t follow the norm, etc. A specific example is a gift exchange where people have the option to steal a gift that someone else has opened. A fun, non-offensive name for this exchange is a Dirty Santa Exchange. I have also seen this called other names, involving nationalities that have nothing to do with the game’s origin, these can be offensive.

Am I using an image that refers to a leader, group or symbolism that’s important to a group of people?

- Do I intend to use this image in a way that refers to the importance? If not, why am I using it and would it be better to use something else?

- Am I being respectful to the importance or am I insulting it in some way?

- Is there anything I should be aware of in terms of clashes between groups? Ie. Maybe a leader has purposely done a lot of harm to another group of people.

When giving a link, promoting something or celebrating something have I considered broader implications?

- On a link, besides the information I wanted to give someone, have I looked at what else is present? Are there things that are likely to be problematic? If so, can I give information in another way? Can I be specific about what I want to share there while also acknowledging what could be a problem so someone is at least prepared.

- Instead of promoting a person is it possible to promote the cause instead?

If a group has been marginalized or harmed by a dominant group in the past, use a bit of caution especially if information is put out by the dominant group.

- Are the terms, symbols, etc. being used ones that the group prefers to be used in relation to themselves?

If uncertain about information consider asking friends who identify with the group connected to what you’re considering posting; their perspectives can offer a great deal of insight

- Be considerate, people aren’t always open to talking although if being respectful many are willing to help and are happy to educate!

These tips are not an exhaustive list but they can help you to be aware of potential blunders.

Are there any tips you would add to this?

Thanks to @KimsonTheSteveFundYPOC for your feedback and suggestions with preparing this post!