Sexism and Micro-Aggressions

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Sexism and Micro-Aggressions
Sexism refers to discrimination that is based on gender and sex differences (Serano,
7). Historically, women have been the most affected gender when it comes to sexism. In
contemporary society, cases of discrimination against women have reduced but are still
significantly prevalent. Women are usually discriminated against through such ways as lower
wages, domestic violence, and sexual assaults. There exists evidence to show that the best
way to solve cases of sexism would be to involve men. Microaggressions refer to subtle
forms of violence. Women are usually affected by these forms of violence. Due to their subtle
nature, they might never be detected. However, they have great negative consequences in the
long run. Microaggressions include microinsults and microinvalidations. This paper is going
to focus on everyday sexism and micro-aggressions.
Everyday Sexism
Sexism refers to discrimination on the basis of sex. Historically, sexism has mainly
been used to refer to discrimination against women. In modern society, the term applies
across the board. The term is used to mean discrimination against men/ women by the virtue
of being sexually different. Although this is the case, women and girls still remain the most
discriminated against group. This assignment is going to focus on sexism against women and
girls. Discrimination against girls and women happen virtually every day. In addition to this,
it happens in many parts of the world. It is important to note that although sexism is still

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widespread, it has greatly reduces compared to the past. This could be attributed to the
unending efforts of human rights groups that advocate for equality and non-discrimination.
One of the most common forms of discrimination that affect women in the
contemporary world is domestic violence. In most cases of domestic violence, women are
likely to be the most affected. They are affected physically, mentally and emotionally. It is
sad to note that the idea of male dominance is still popular in modern days. In most societies
across the world, there is a deeply ingrained belief that men are stronger than women. In
addition to this, women are socialized to believe that they are a weaker gender. Extensive
research has shown that this is what sets in motion sexism and discrimination against women
(Willie, 28). Sometimes, these beliefs are so deep that women and girls do not view it a
wrong thing to be discriminated against by men. Cases of domestic violence are still greatly
prevalent in contemporary society. It is sad to note that there are women who are injured
seriously or even killed through this form of violence. There is a need for more to be done to
ensure that sexism reduces.
Another great form of sexism against women is in the workplace. Since the beginning
of time, it has been a common phenomenon for women to receive lower salaries than men
even when they are in the same job groups. There is an argument that is usually put across to
justify this kind of discrimination. It is argued that women are not as productive as men.
Sometimes, there may exist greater productivity among men especially where masculinity
and energy are required. This is mainly for past jobs. In modern days, however, most jobs
require other expertise and skills other than physical strength. In light of this, it is important
for employers across the world to ensure that women are compensated as fairly as the men
are. It is a high form of discrimination to pay lower wages/ salaries to women just because of
their gender/ sex.

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Cases of rape represent another form of sexism/ discrimination among women.
Although most governments across the world have put in strict measures to end and deal with
cases of sexual assaults, women and girls still face numerous of these cases (Harding, 37). It
is important for stringent measures to be taken to curb this. There exists extensive evidence to
show that sexual assault has untold emotional, psychological and physical effects (Bates, 14).
In fact, some of these experiences may take years to heal. It is therefore important to ensure
that there are measures in place to bring to an end this form of discrimination against women.
Extensive evidence reveals that the best approach to bring sexism to an end is to
involve men. Men are usually the perpetrators of sexism and discrimination against women.
If they are involved in the process of eradicating these vices, then the fight is likely to yield
better results. To achieve this, men should start by acknowledging that sexism exists. After
this, they can take an active role in confronting sexism. There are several campaigns that
involve men with the aim of ending sexism and discrimination against women. Hopefully,
these campaigns will yield results and sexism will be a thing of the past.
Micro-Aggressions
Microaggressions are most common in the workplace. Recent studies show that
microaggression against women is still as high as 64% (Talbot, 77). This is a huge percentage
considering that we are living in the 21st century. At this day and age, one would be tempted
to believe that the concepts of justice, equity and equality are already known and appreciated
by every person. Most cases of microaggression that happen daily usually go unnoticed. They
are usually treated as minor and unimportant. This may explain why the percentage of
macroaggressions is still remarkably high.
Microaggression happens every day and may take different forms. They may be in the
form of environmental slights, insults, etc. In addition to this, microaggression may either be