What are Microaggressions?
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What is a Microaggression? by Professor Sue
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According to Columbia University Professor Derald Wing Sue, microaggressions "are the everyday slights, indignities, put downs and insults that minorities experience in their day to day interactions with well-intentioned individuals who are unaware that they have engaged in an offensive act or made an offensive statement."
These comments are normally related to a person’s race, gender, sexual orientation or disability status, and may seem like a compliment to the person speaking them, e.g., “Your English is so good!” In aggregate, comments like this contribute to a stressful and unpleasant environment for members of under-represented groups.
For examples of common microaggressions, or how to respond in different situations—when someone points out that you have made a microaggression, if you are the recipient of a microaggression, or when you witness a microaggression—here are some thoughtful articles:
- 14 Things People Think are Fine to Say at Work—but Are Actually Racist, Sexist, or Offensive - Business Insider
- The Importance of Understanding Microaggressions at Work - Culture Amp Blog
- 4 Workplace Microaggressions that Can Kill Your Confidence—and What To Do About Them - CNBC
- How To Shut Down Microaggressions at Work - Fast Company