The military is known for its strict hierarchy and unwavering commitment to discipline. As such, soldiers are trained from an early age to respect their superiors and follow orders without question. This can create a culture where microaggressions and subtle exclusion become commonplace. Microaggressions are everyday verbal, nonverbal, or environmental slights, snubs, or insults that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages about marginalized groups. Subtle exclusion is when someone intentionally ignores, excludes, or isolates another person based on their identity. In this article, we will explore how soldiers interpret these behaviors within the context of hierarchical power dynamics.
Microaggressions can take many forms in the military, including racial, gendered, sexual, ableist, and classist comments or actions.
A white male officer might make a joke about black people being lazy or women being too emotional. These statements may seem harmless, but they reinforce stereotypes and perpetuate harmful beliefs. Soldiers may feel uncomfortable speaking up against these microaggressions because they fear retaliation or punishment from their superiors. They may also worry that challenging their commander's behavior could damage unit cohesion.
They may not be familiar with the language used to describe microaggressions and may not know how to address them effectively.
Subtle exclusion can also be prevalent in the military. A soldier who does not fit into the dominant culture may be excluded from important meetings, social gatherings, or decision-making processes. This can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and disempowerment. Again, soldiers may hesitate to speak out against this behavior because they do not want to rock the boat or jeopardize their position. They may also believe that their complaints will fall on deaf ears or be ignored.
To combat microaggressions and subtle exclusion, the military should provide training on recognizing and responding to these behaviors. Leaders should model inclusive behavior and hold themselves accountable for their words and actions. Soldiers should also feel empowered to report incidents of microaggression and subtle exclusion without fear of retaliation. The military should also prioritize diversity and inclusion initiatives to create a more welcoming environment for all service members.
Microaggressions and subtle exclusion are commonplace in the military due to its strict hierarchy and unwavering commitment to discipline.
They can cause harm to marginalized groups and erode unit cohesion. By providing education, training, and accountability measures, the military can create a safer and more equitable environment for all soldiers.
How do soldiers interpret microaggressions and subtle exclusion in contexts of hierarchical power?
Soldiers can perceive both intentional and unintentional acts of discrimination as examples of microaggressions and subtle exclusion. When they occur within hierarchical power structures, such as the military hierarchy, these experiences can be particularly damaging to morale and performance. Microaggressions may include dismissing someone's contribution, making jokes at their expense, ignoring them during discussions, or assuming that certain tasks are below their level.