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These kinds of "compliments" are anything but complimentary. Microaggressions hold a model minority in contrast with other people of their race/gender.
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This means that this comment comes at the expense of other people who share a student's race/gender.
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It is important to not be condescending and patronizing when complimenting students of color, white women/girls, students with disabilities, or other students who are marginalized by society for breaking stereotypes.
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Students of color and white women/girls tend to have a good understanding of the stereotypes teachers and others hold about them.
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As a result, these "compliments" are typically condescending.
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These are incredibly harmful and damaging statements.
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It’s especially dangerous because they are small statements that are easier to go unnoticed or unchecked.
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Students are likely to be distrusting of the intentions of teachers and others who give out these kinds of compliments.
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These kinds of compliments can also seriously impair student-teacher relationships, even if they come from good intentions.
- Good intentions do not prevent statements from being harmful.