In this third week of building positive friendships, we discussed about international friendships and microaggressions. In our boarding community, we have more than 100 different nationalities, which allows our students to connect with people from all around the world.
International friendships enrich our lives by exposing us to diverse perspectives, cultures, traditions, and ways of thinking. These connections foster mutual understanding, breaking down barriers and promoting global harmony.
However, international friendships can lead to unintended microaggressions due to cultural differences and misunderstandings. It’s crucial to approach these relationships with open-mindedness, cultural sensitivity, and a willingness to learn to avoid unintentional microaggressions and foster genuine understanding.
But, what are microaggressions? These are subtle insults, or problematic statements, typically directed at marginalized groups. They are typically based on race, ethnicity, or gender. And the statements or actions are often ambiguous enough to elicit plausible deniability. Sometimes when we try to call someone out on it, it can lead to a denial that there was any ill intent.
