Microaggressions

Although student-run organizations have made an impact on the local community, they still face resistance from peers, social media and the administration. The clubs are also tasked with addressing microaggressions—indirect, subtle or unintentional discrimination.

“Students are always saying the N-word, associating themselves with people who have been outwardly racist or are racists themselves,” Amanuel said. “In general, McLean fosters a lot of racial hostility, whether it be colorism, the enforcement of negative stereotypes, saying slurs [or] making fun of Black people and their culture.”

Jokes targeted against the cultural background of a person are may not be overtly discriminatory. Still, they reinforce racist stereotypes against minorities.

“I think at this point, pretty much all Asians have experienced the classic small-eyes joke or your-food-smells-bad joke,” said senior Songhan Pang, the co-president of McLean’s Asian American Association.