In recent years, college students have been becoming more aware of the word choices and actions of the people around them, especially other students and professors. Students are typically set off by the use of microaggressions, small actions or word choices that have no malicious intent but are misconstrued as a kind of verbal violence. In some cases these microaggressions could be considered racist, sexist, or prejudiced. Some students even opt out of readings or classes due to the microaggressions certain topics or readings discuss. Personally, I try to avoid using microaggressions because of the conflict that often arises after using the phrases. I also know they do tend to be racist, sexist, prejudiced, and I considered myself educated enough to know that stupid questions are indeed stupid and hurtful.
That being said, the fact that some teachers have to change the curriculum for the class because of the oversensitivity of students is absurd. You go to college to learn and be more educated, not shield yourself from necessary information for your field of study. If a person is triggered by microaggressions taught in a class, they should have the ability to excuse themselves, but the overall mental, emotional, and psychological well-being should remain in tact. If a student plans to pursue a career in law, they cannot avoid learning about certain taboo subjects. Although microaggressions do have the ability to harm the well-being of a student, that should be taken into consideration when choosing a field of study.
However, if a student is using microaggressions during class discussion, they should be educated on the hurtful manner of their words. Teachers should be able to teach their classes to the best of their abilities, but students should not chime in, when unrequired.
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