Both microaggressions and bullying are a huge deal in the United States. While almost everyone experiences some form of bullying, not everyone can experience microaggressions. Microaggressions can only be experienced by those experiencing systematic oppression. Systematic opression is defined by the national equality project as the intentional disadvantaging of groups of people based on their identity while advantaging members of the dominant group (gender, race, class, sexual orientation, language, etc.). Systematic oppression can only be experienced by minority groups. Types of systematic oppression include racism, classism, sexism, transphobia, and homophobia. So what’s the difference between just bullying and microaggressions? Many people are misinformed, and think that just anyone can experience racism and homophobia. This is simply not true. Unless you are a part of the minority, you cannot be subject to systematic oppression because you are who the system is set up to advantage. For example, if you are white, you cannot experience racism. This is because society is unfortunately set up to where white people are more advantaged and have more opportunities than people of color. This is seriously unfair. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t be bullied for being white. Anyone can experience targeted bullying, but just remember, there’s a difference between oppression and bullying.

If you are interested, there are many ways you can help stop systematic oppression. You can visit aclu.org, the national equality project, encourage people to sign petitions, donate money, and overall be aware of minorities and stand up for them. Do not put their struggles down because you have experienced bullying. We can all work together to help end systematic oppression.