I Like the Old Rules Better

Microaggressions occur when people don't
conform to stereotypes (Buzzfeed)

Joe Biden, describing Barack Obama in 2007: [bold added]

"I mean, you've got the first sort of mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy. I mean, that's a story-book, man."

Mr. Biden's utterance was a textbook example of a microaggression:

a comment or action that subtly and often unconsciously or unintentionally expresses a prejudiced attitude toward a member of a marginalized group (such as a racial minority)

His statement, meant as a compliment to Mr. Obama, instead was taken as evidence of an old white guy's unconscious racism.

Under the new morality what were once regarded as insensitive remarks to be endured by minorities, women, and other "marginalized" people is now justification for public shaming and even firing from one's job. (Disclosure: I have been the recipient of such remarks in my 40+-year career, and, yes, it was unpleasant, but c'mon, no one should be fired because my feelings got hurt.)

Perhaps you don't micro-aggress, dear reader, but do you micro-cheat?

Micro-cheating refers to “a set of behaviors that flirts with the line between faithfulness and unfaithfulness,” says Maryland-based couples therapist Lindsey Hoskins. But much like full-blown infidelity, Hoskins says it’s near-impossible to concretely define micro-cheating because “the line is in different places for different people in different relationships.”

Virtually anything, from Tinder swiping for fun to flirting with a cute stranger, could be considered micro-cheating, depending on someone’s values and relationship priorities. But Hoskins says some of the most common transgressions she sees include frequent text or social media communication with a possible flame, regularly talking with an ex-partner and growing too friendly with a co-worker.

God may have retreated from the world, but an implacable, angry Judge has arisen in His place.