Microaggressions in the heartland “flyover” region: history, progress, lessons learned and challenges

• Date: 05 December 2023
• Pages: 531-550
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-12-2022-0364
• Published date: 05 December 2023
• Author: Lyle Foster,Ximena Uribe-Zarain,Tayo Obafemi-Ajayi

Microaggressions in the heartland

“flyover”region: history, progress,

lessons learned and challenges

Lyle Foster

Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Missouri State University, Springfield,

Missouri, USA

Ximena Uribe-Zarain

Department of Counseling, Leadership and Special Education,

Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri, USA, and

Tayo Obafemi-Ajayi

Engineering Program, Missouri State University, Springfield, Missouri, USA

Abstract

Purpose –This article sheds light on the impact of collective characteristics of microaggression in a

community and how this affects the perception and experiences of its underrepresented members through the

lens of critical race theory (CRT). Using the Springfield community of the southwest Missouri Ozarks region in

the United States of America as the authors’focus, the authors explore the barrier of microaggression in the

lived experiences of a community striving for diversity and inclusion.

Design/methodology/approach –The authors performed a systematic analysis using four CRT tenets: race is a

social construct; racism is systematic, racism is commonplace and listening to lived experiences is essential. A sample of

underrepresented professionals from the region was surveyed to obtain their lived experiences. Qualitative media

analysis on varied media pieces wasconducted to obtain contextfor t he environment that precipitated these experiences.

Findings –When residents from marginalized backgrounds face consistent microaggressions, their sense of

belonging and contributions to the community significantly diminish, which has adverse implications for the

community. If these issues are unaddressed, they might choose to leave due to feelings of underrepresentation.

Community leaders must proactively implement strategies to welcome an evolving population and educate

stakeholders about the detrimental effects of microaggressions on community cohesion.

Originality/value –Historically, the heartland of the United States of America has been a bellwether of the

pulse of its average citizen. This region is currently experiencing an increase in diversity along with a

significant rise in persistent microaggressions. Using CRT to analyze the impact, lessons learned and

challenges,the authorsprovide recommendations for potential changesthat could benefit thenation as a whole.

Keywords Qualitative research, Racial discrimination, Critical race theory, Microaggressions

Paper type Research paper

Introduction

The American Midwest, historically viewed as the heartland and barometer of the nation’s

ethos, is undergoing a demographic transformation. Amidst its celebrated sensibilities and

plain-spoken wisdom, the region –particularly the enigmatic Ozarks, a picturesque realm of

prairies, lakes and towns –harbors an undercurrent of microaggressions.Nestled between the

progressive narratives of the East and West coasts and deeply rooted in conservative and

religiousvalues, the Midwest’s changing tapestrypresents a complex backdrop. This paradox

of open-heartedness and latent biases casts a shadow on the everyday experiences of its

systemically marginally minoritized residents. This study ventures into this juxtaposition,

seeking to unveil the nuanceddynamics of microaggressions in thistransformative heartland.

The Ozarks are known for a deeply troubled racial history that has included sundown

towns (Loewen, 2005), lynchings, hate groups (Malloy, 2017) and a mild tolerance for racism

Challenges in

the heartland

flyover region

531

The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.

The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:

https://www.emerald.com/insight/2040-7149.htm

Received 30 December 2022

Revised 7 September 2023

Accepted 25 October 2023

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

An International Journal

Vol. 43 No. 3, 2024

pp. 531-550

© Emerald Publishing Limited

2040-7149

DOI 10.1108/EDI-12-2022-0364

(Holman, 2017). This less-than-noble history has been chronicled in several articles, films and

even books, with one of the most memorable titles being White Man’s Heaven (see Harper,

2012). White supremacy groups have moved to the Ozarks from other parts of the nation to

leave the increasing diversification of those areas (Segal, 2015). The relative demographic

homogeneity of the Ozarks has made it a “last resort”for them, a haven that is not only

overwhelmingly white but also rural and secluded.

The Ozarks region is slowly becoming more diverse as people from different cultures and

backgrounds migrate into the area. Its natural beauty, an oasis from the big metropolitan

cities and reduced cost of living has impacted the region’s diversity. By 2050, the USA is

expected to be a majority nonwhite nation (Passel, 2020). In light of this, it’s imperative to

study how regions like the Ozarks, particularly areas like Springfield, Missouri, can foster a

more inclusive environment. This research investigates the current daily experiences of its

residents and identifies ways these regions can become more welcoming to diversity.

A growingmetric for community quality of life isgenuine sense of belonging and inclusion

felt by its members (May, 2011,2013). Social belonging, the feeling of forming posi tive

connections with others, is a basic human necessity (Cacioppo and Patrick, 2008). Individuals

outsidethe dominantculture mightencounter microaggressionsthat adverselyshape theirdaily

experiences. Though these microaggressions might seem minor, they accumulate into

significant, detrimental effects (Embrick et al., 2017, pg. 196). Microaggressions, defined as

brief, everyday verbal, behavioral, or environmental insults that can be intentional or not,

convey derogatory or negative racial, gender-based, or religious messages (Pierce and Arieti,

1974;Pierce et al., 1977;P

erez Huber and Solorzano, 2015;Sue, 2010;Sue et al., 2007).

A comprehensive survey in Sue et al.(2019)highlighted the pervasive nature of

microaggressions and their consequences. The survey revealed that routine discrimination

primarily faced by people of color, substantially elevated their stress levels, leading to poorer

health. A strikingly high percentage of African Americans reported facing discrimination daily.

Asian Americans, Latino/a/x and Native Americans similarly reported significantdiscrimination

experiences. These ranged from police interrogations or threats, receiving substandard

healthcare, facing workplace biases, enduring disrespectful treatment, being perceived as less

capable, to confronting antagonistic neighbors, all of which exacerbated their life challenges.

Theoretical framework

This research employs critical race theory (CRT) as its primary analytical lens, specifically

focusing on experiential knowledge and intersectionality (Crenshaw, 2013), to delve into the

ramifications of microaggressions on marginalized groups and their broader contributions to

society. CRT underscores the significance of lived experiences of historically racialized

communities in understanding race and its interplay (Delgado and Stefancic, 2012). It

facilitates an understanding of how both overt and covert forms of racism influence ethnic

minorities (Yosso, 2016). One cornerstone of CRT is the valorization of experiential

knowledge for academic exploration. As emphasized by Delgado and Stefancic (2012), there is

an intrinsic value in amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, facilitating their

narrative sharing and community-building.

Tenets of CRT have evolved over the years. In this work, we utilize four of the set of CRT

tenets as described by Lantz (2021):

(1) Tenet 1: Race is a social construction. How race is defined and experienced is a result

from social and political thought and actions that change over time.

(2) Tenet 2: Although individuals can indeed be racist, racism and its outcomes are

perpetuated in society through social processes above and beyond individual actions,

including cultural norms, institutional rules and laws and regulations.

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