Microaggressions in the

Tournament Environment A Presentation by James Eveland

Content Warning

This presentation will involve the discussion of

microaggressions, which, by nature, involve discussions of

racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and other types of

discrimination.

As such, there will be the use of language that some may

find difficult. If this language offends you, please feel free

to speak out. We are utilizing this language in the context of

education.

What is a Microaggression?

A microaggression is defined as “the everyday verbal,

nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, or insults, whether

intentional or unintentional, which communicate hostile,

derogatory, or negative messages to target persons based solely

upon their marginalized group membership.”

First defined by Chester Pierce, Jack Dovidio, and Samuel

Gaertner.

In simpler terms, they are statements, often unintentional,

that make those affected by them feel uncomfortable about

an aspect of their identity.

What is a Microaggression?

Microaggressions are often perpetuated by those

who consider themselves not prejudiced, and

often are not intended to be malicious.

Microaggressions can be made towards race,

gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, and

various other statuses.

Some Examples of Microaggressions

Likening members of a specific race group to a famous

person of that racial identity

Dismissal of the way someone acts, or acting refreshed at

acting different than their “stereotypical” identity.

Utilizing descriptions of traits to describe other things in a

derogatory manner.

More Examples of Microaggressions

Wearing clothing or utilizing items that can make others

feel uncomfortable with their identity.

Erasing the identity of a person or referring them in a

manner that they do not prefer.

There are many more types of microaggressions and this is

by no means a comprehensive list.

Microaggressions in Magic Tournaments

The following are examples from the diversity survey sent

out by the MTG Judge Diversity project.

“This incident occurred at an SCG Open Standard event in

Last Vegas after the SCG Invitational. It was in round 8

when I was 5-2 and my opponent was also 5-2. At this

point we both knew that there was no way for us to make

top 8 but we were in contention for money. After I led off

with a Cloudfin Raptor, he commented, "Great, another

gay ass Mono Blue deck. I hate playing against that gay ass

deck." I believe that my opponent did not know I am gay

at the time.”

Microaggressions in Magic Tournaments

“As a female judge, it is common for male players to

automatically assume that I am wrong. I have been

appealed more than any other judge I know with a similar

judging history.”

“I am of Jewish descent, and I have, on more than one

occasion, encountered and overheard casual anti-

Semitism, especially among younger players. This includes

comments supporting Nazis, referring to greedy business

practices as “Jewing", and the arrangement of magic

cards into swastikas.”

Microaggressions in Magic Tournaments

I was playing a match and some white guy was playing a seat away. Something happens and he goes “N***** please". Now even though it wasn't directed at me the audacity the he was comfortable saying it was ridiculous. Further more, there are people in the community that are racist and the way its showed is to subtle like saying I do things because I’m black or being called boy.”

“A situation arose where I had a player who was a previous friend call me by my old name loudly and outing me to many players while I was judging, upsetting me a lot”

Microaggressions and Tournament

Environments

The presence of microaggressions has a large effect on

tournament environments.

It can cause players to feel uncomfortable, unsafe, and

unable to focus on what they came for, to play Magic.

Microaggressions can also lead to more intense responses,

such as verbal arguments, threats, and physical violence.

Microaggressions and Tournament

Environments

There a variety of strategies to creating a welcoming

environment that is free from microaggressions.

These strategies can be utilized at all levels of

competition, from FNM’s to Grand Prix-level events.

In addition, these strategies can involve tournament

organizers in order to better implement them.

Strategies for Dealing with

Microaggressions

One of the main strategies for eliminating

microaggressions is to make the “invisible”

visible.

Encourage the education of others.

Appeal to the concept of making others more

comfortable.

More Strategies for Dealing with

Microaggressions

Try to avoid making the perpetrators feel guilty about

their microaggressions, as it will often lead to

defensiveness. Aim to educate.

Be welcoming in your tournament environment.

Take suggestions and listen to your players! Don’t

automatically assume you know what is best.

Microaggressions and the Judge Code

With the newly released Judge Code, it is important that

judges realize that the use of microaggressions is not

appropriate behavior for a judge.

In addition, all judges should strive to make their

tournaments fair and welcoming to all players.

From the Judge Code: “A judge should create a welcoming

environment”

As such, be active in making a welcome environment. Do

“not allow others to create a bad environment by

inaction.”

Breakout Session

Where do we go from here?

Strive to eliminate microaggressions from tournament

environments

Listen to those affected by microaggressions and value

their opinions and stories.

Educate players about their behavior so that they may not

demonstrate that behavior in the future.

Continue being leaders in your community, and avoid using

these microaggressions yourself to set an example for

others.

Thanks for listening!