What Are Microaggressions?

Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional verbal, behavioral, or environmental slights that communicate hostility toward marginalized groups. First coined by Dr. Chester Pierce in the 1970s, these actions create significant psychological harm despite their "micro" label.

Key Definitions:

Dr. Derald Wing Sue: "Daily verbal/behavioral indignities communicating racial insults"
Dr. Ibram X. Kendi: Considers them "racist abuse" due to their cumulative harm

Why "Micro" Is Misleading

Many scholars now drop the "micro" prefix because:
- The impacts are significant (anxiety, depression, racial trauma)
- They reinforce systemic oppression
- Frequency creates chronic stress for marginalized groups

3 Types of Racial Aggressions

1. Verbal Microaggressions

Examples include:
- "You're so articulate for a [racial group]"
- "Where are you really from?"
- "I don't see color" (colorblind statements)

2. Behavioral Microaggressions

Common scenarios:
- Clutching belongings when BIPOC individuals approach
- Store employees following customers of color
- Consistently mispronouncing ethnic names

3. Environmental Microaggressions

Systemic examples:
- Confederate flags in public spaces
- Office decor only featuring white professionals
- Inaccessible buildings for disabled individuals

The Psychological Impact

Research shows microaggressions:
- Reduce workplace psychological safety (per Harvard studies)
- Create "racial battle fatigue" from constant stress
- Lower productivity and mental health outcomes

How to Interrupt Microaggressions: 4-Step Framework

1. The Mindful Pause

Before responding:
- Notice physiological reactions
- Identify which value was violated
- Choose response aligned with your principles

2. Effective Communication Approaches

Try these phrases:
- "Help me understand what you meant by..." (clarification)
- "That comment could be heard as..." (impact vs intent)
- "In my experience..." (challenging stereotypes)

3. Repair Strategies

When you commit a microaggression:
1. Apologize without excuses
2. Acknowledge the specific harm
3. Commit to changed behavior

4. Organizational Prevention

For workplaces/schools:
- Conduct implicit bias training
- Create DEIB accountability partners
- Audit environmental messaging

Healing Meditation Exercise

Practice this reflection when processing microaggressions:
1. Recall a related experience
2. Notice where you feel it physically
3. Identify which values were compromised
4. Visualize repair and forgiveness

Continuing Your Learning

Next steps:
- Download our [Microaggression Response Guide]
- Find a racial healing accountability partner
- Explore our full [Racial Healing Series]

Articles tagged "workplace-inclusion"

Articles tagged "workplace-inclusion"

Understanding Microaggressions: Impact & Healing