Microaggressions are subtle, everyday acts of discrimination that are often directed at marginalized groups. The term "microaggressions" was first coined by psychiatrist Chester M. Pierce in the 1970s to describe the ways in which racism is perpetuated through small, often unconscious acts (Sue et al., 2007). Since then, the concept has been expanded to include other forms of discrimination, such as sexism, homophobia, and ableism. In the Palestinian diaspora, microaggressions can take many forms. For example, Palestinians in non-Arabic speaking countries may be subjected to stereotypes, such as the idea that they are all terrorists or that they are all refugees. They may also have their experiences and history erased, such as being told that Palestine is not a real country or that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is too complicated to understand.
In 2021, Takolia, a Palestinian journalist based in the UK, wrote about the ways in which anti-Palestinian racism manifests itself in the UK. She noted that Palestinians face discrimination and microaggressions on a daily basis, such as being asked where they are "really from" or having their accents mocked. These small acts of discrimination can have a significant impact on individuals' sense of belonging and well-being. Microaggressions can also have a negative impact on mental health. A study by Shaikh Abdulrahiml and Carpenter-Aeby (2018) conducted on American Muslims found that microaggressions can lead to psychological distress. While this study did not specifically focus on Palestinians, it highlights the negative impact of microaggressions on individuals' mental health.
The experiences of Palestinians in the diaspora have been explored by scholars and activists. Nahla Abdo and Ronit Lentin (2010) edited a book that includes essays on the experiences of Palestinians in Europe. The authors discuss issues related to discrimination and racism that Palestinians face in the diaspora. Similarly, Rita Giacaman and Penny Johnson (2003) explored the experiences of Palestinians in the diaspora and their efforts to maintain connections with their homeland. These works provide insight into the challenges that Palestinians in the diaspora encounter and how they navigate these challenges.
References:
Abdo, N., & Lentin, R. (2010). Palestinians in Europe: Exile and displacement. Palgrave Macmillan.
Giacaman, R., & Johnson, P. (2003). The Palestinian diaspora: Formation of identities and politics of homeland. Routledge.
Shaikh, N. S., Abdulrahim, S., & Carpenter-Aeby, T. (2018). Microaggressions and psychological distress among American Muslims. Journal of Muslim Mental Health, 12(1), 43-57.
Sue, D. W., Capodilupo, C. M., Torino, G. C., Bucceri, J. M., Holder, A. M. B., Nadal, K. L., & Esquilin, M. (2007). Racial microaggressions in everyday life: Implications for clinical practice. American Psychologist, 62(4), 271-286.
Takolia, N. (2021). Palestinians in the UK: Navigating anti-Palestinian racism. Open Democracy. https://www.opend