Final answer:
Diffident deprecation is characterized by citizens' complaints marked with timid disapproval or hesitant criticism in the face of deep-seated biases and systemic humiliation.
Step-by-step explanation:
In context, diffident deprecation most likely characterizes the citizens' complaint as an expression of timid or hesitant disapproval. The language used in each context reflects a certain reserved and often powerless quality, where individuals either feel overwhelmed by deep-seated biases or resigned to a subordinate civic status. This can be seen in the expressions of discouragement and despair in the face of societal prejudice, as the affected group navigates the complex landscape of respectability and systemic humiliation.
The examples given suggest a pattern of self-effacement in the face of challenges, as well as an attempt to maintain dignity whilst facing disparagement or disdain. Whether faced with personal slights or broader societal dismissals, the subjects approach their criticism with a notable lack of confidence, often internalizing the negative views imposed on them by others. The use of such moderated language indicates not just the presence of criticism, but the nuanced manner in which it is presented.