MICROAGGRESSIONS A Primer for the Food Allergy Community
MICROAGGRESSIONS A Primer for the Food Allergy Community
Understanding Microaggressions and Their Impact The term “microaggressions” gets thrown so much that it’s easy to think we know what the word means and how to avoid it. The truth is people can knowingly and unknowingly hurl microaggressions at others, causing a great deal of hurt and damaging relationships permanently. In this work, we will describe some of the microag- gressions or slights people living with food allergy often face and how the things others say can potentially be interpreted. First let’s start with a few vocabulary words. Microaggression: A microaggression is a result of our biases against others. They are everyday subtle slights and snubs that can often be indirect in nature conveying hostility towards minorities or those in marginalized communities. They usually happen unknowingly and can be directed at age, gender, race, religion, sexual orien- tation, or disability. Microinsult: A form of micro behavior, microinsults are directed specifically at a person’s ethnicity or heritage. They can be conveyed verbally or non-verbally. An example would be to say “you people are always looking for excuses for sympathy” (directed at a specific race/ethnicity). Micro assaults: Micro assaults, unlike the others mentioned above are directed intentionally and consciously. An example would be to purposely display something that was offensive to a co-worker or student. Now that we know what these are, we can talk about some of the slights that are directed at people in the food allergy community. Though most are unintentional, there are some that may be more direct and intentionally offensive. It may be hard to understand why some people would state some of the words you will find in the next few pages; however, the reality is that people have reported these statements as true as well as some of the feelings that accompany them.
STATEMENT 1 “Aww man, you don’t know what you’re missing. You are missing out on the best part of life not eating this.” Consideration: In many cases a person with food allergies may not have ever tasted the food others are talking about, therefore, they have no idea what others think they are missing. It is highly likely the food allergic person has found alternatives that suit them since they don’t have a reference point to miss. Keep in mind that there are far more things to eat than just those that contain the top allergens. Saying things like that can come across as if you might be assuming they’re not eating a particular food is a choice vs them putting their health and safety first. On the other hand, if someone has had a particular food before and can no longer have it, statements like this can cause sadness as feel- ings from time of diagnosis resurface. Put this in the context of a how it would land for a person with a physical disability if you said something along these lines. You’d likely never do that because you know it would be harming. With food allergies, we would be better served if we were more mindful of our words as well.
STATEMENT 2 “You can just eat a little bit (or in the case of relatives, they may say they want to sneak a small amount to a child or other person).” Consideration: This can be a very dangerous statement or action. Trace amounts of an allergen can cause harm to people with food allergies. On FAACT’s website, you will find more about this to increase your understanding. Meanwhile, remember that making jokes about this or trying to circumvent a parent or person’s decision to remain vigilant and safe is not something to take lightly. If a person is allergic to a food, be respectful of their health concern.
STATEMENT 3 “I hear there is a cure you can take for that stuff.” Consideration: Although there is a lot of research being done on food allergies, only a person’s physician can support them in making decisions about treatment options at a time they deem appropriate. Many times, people will share infor- mation about treatments etc. without having a full grasp of the information and offering medical or legal advice should be left up to the professionals.
STATEMENT 4 “No one can have that many allergies.”
Consideration: This statement can diminish the reality that many people manage on a day-to-day basis. People can have multi- ple food allergies and varying levels of ability to manage their health. This can be a signal to help you educate yourself on food allergies and finding better ways to becoming an ally with those you care for.
STATEMENT 5 “We didn’t invite you because you wouldn’t be able to eat.” Consideration: Generally speaking, being excluded from events where others you like or care for you can be very hurtful. Subsequently, being excluded due to a health condition you have no control over can be even more hurtful. It has the potential to send a message that inclusion is not at the forefront of your friendship or an event that is happening. It also sends a message that people are not willing to accommodate a real health issue and instead would prefer to treat the food allergic person as invisible because it is easier than dealing with change. This takes the power of choice from the person who may very well decide to eat before going to an event or bringing their own food so they could still enjoy being with others. A viable option would be to simply discuss dietary needs ahead of time to find a suitable meal, snack or drink they can have so they can come to the event and enjoy the company of friends, family, or colleagues. Valuing people matters.
STATEMENT 6 “Wow, you’re THAT ALLERGIC?!!! What did your mom eat to make that happen?”
Consideration: Plenty of people live with health challenges every day. It is a part of life. Food allergies, like many other health challenges are simple realities and trying to blame them on someone does not help the situation at all. Sometimes when people don’t understand the complexity of things, the immediate go to is to somehow blame it on a person instead of doing the work to research more about it. It is not the fault of the allergic person; therefore, making them feel bad about a health condi- tion that is beyond their control is not helpful to anyone. This is a very divisive statement that ultimately adds no value to your relationship.
STATEMENT 7 “What can you eat?”
Consideration: The World Economic Forum released information noting there are around 200-300,000 edible plants available though people don’t consume anywhere near all of them. It is clear there are a lot of foods available to eat so a person should not be diminished to only choose from those things that they have been diagnosed as aller- gic to. When asked this question, it can be quit insulting. It can make a person feel as if somehow, they are inferior because they can’t eat one or a few of the things a person mentioned. People with food allergies can thrive while still avoiding the things they are allergic to.
Reference: World Economic Forum “Why do we only consume a tiny fraction of the world’s edible plants?”
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/01/why-do-we-consume-on- ly-a-tiny-fraction-of-the-world-s-edible-plants
STATEMENT 8 “You’re dragging it. You’re being dramatic. You are going overboard. You’re being a helicopter parent. You are trying to get attention.” Consideration: All of those statements noted can be used to gaslight others. They have the potential make people feel sad, angry, frustrated, left out and under- valued. Helping people learn to take food allergies seriously is one of the things FAACT and others strive to do. Knowledge matters. WE know that there are some tell-tale signs of food allergies that can cause things like anaphylaxis. Check out FAACT’s ‘Know the Signs and Symptoms poster to gain more information. One allergic reaction may look a little different than another which could make some people wonder why this time you had hives or another time you had other symp- toms accompany one another. Understanding the FACTS about food allergy will help people realize that the immune system could handles this health concern in a variety of ways, yet it is still something to take seriously. When someone says they are allergic to xyz…. it’s best to believe them and let them manage their health the way their physician has advised them to. Unsolicited opinions, comments and judgments can be insulting at best and have the potential for a dangerous situation at worst.
STATEMENT 9 “That couldn’t be me, I couldn’t go with out xyz” Consideration: It is easy for people to say what they would or would not do when not faced with a particular situation. Food allergies don’t discriminate. It could be you, me, or anyone for that matter. When a person is diagnosed with a food allergy it has the potential to be life-threatening. The good thing about humans is that we have the ability to change to meet the needs of our environment in most cases. This is exactly what happens when a person knows the dan- gers of eating their allergen. Someone who has been diagnosed by a board-certified allergist realizes they have to make changes. Con- stantly making statements like that above often indicates that some- one has not fully understood what the impact of a diagnosed food allergy is and why it is important to remain vigilant about safety. This presents an opportunity educate people and create an even deeper, more meaningful relationship.
STATEMENT 10 “People like you are always looking for attention.” Consideration: The statement “people like you” can cause offense in a host of ways. That statement has been used in the process of othering to offend people based on race, religion, sexual orientation, age, social class, gender and more. Othering can be seen as an unconscious and a conscious verbal attack on people. Being mindful of generalizations and making as- sumptions about people or invalidating their experiences is not a supportive mindset.
MICROAGGRESSIONS A Primer for the Food Allergy Community Inclusion is an ever-evolving space. Whether it be race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, social class, or even geographic location there will always be something to work towards as it pertains to in- clusion and equity. As we increase our knowledge about the different dynamics of family structures, physical health concerns and mental health concerns the potential to pull people in closer will continue to demand intentional work to overcome biases. Allowing yourself to be open to things you don’t know or don’t know enough about is like the ultimate scavenger hunt with something new and marvelous at every twist and turn. While on this new journey of understanding microaggressions, be sure to show compassion toward yourself and others. This added layer of compassion can help serve as a gentle nudge into more inclusive thinking spaces as you work to diffuse the impact of both conscious and unconscious bias. For more information, continue checking back on the FAACT website as we refresh our resources regularly.
MICROAGGRESSIONS A Primer for the Food Allergy Community
The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team Whether you are newly diagnosed or a long-time member of the allergy community, FAACT is your home for education, advocacy, and connections with other parents and adults affected by food allergies and life-threatening anaphylaxis. FAACT’s mission is to educate, advocate, and raise awareness for all individuals and families affected by food allergies and life-threatening anaphylaxis. Whether it’s keeping children safe at school, responding to food allergy bullying, traveling, preparing for college, dealing with workplace issues, or simply taking the family out for dinner, FAACT has the facts you need to manage food allergies and stay healthy. FAACT is your voice for food allergy awareness. Join us for educational training and support, summits across the country, and many program offerings. Connect with FAACT through social media for the latest food allergy and anaphylaxis research. Be sure to support our mission and “SUBSCRIBE” to receive our monthly e-newsletter with news and practical tips.
FAACT is here to support you in managing your food allergies – today, tomorrow, and into the future. We #KnowTheFAACTs about food allergies and anaphylaxis!
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