Types of Microaggressions
Using a racial slur or derogatory term towards someone
microassault
A female client has admitted that they feel emotionally exhausted and are having a difficult time completing work tasks because their male boss invalidates the work they complete and consistently assumes they are incapable.
Because of the microaggressions this client is facing, what are they experiencing?
Burnout
A professor says to an Asian student after a presentation:
“I knew you’d do well—you people are always good at this.”
What is this microaggression?
racial stereotyping
A coworker keeps interrupting you during meetings and talks over your ideas.
How could you respond?
"I would like to finish my point please."
"I believe it is my turn to speak."
etc. direct, boundary-setting
Before responding to a microaggression, a student pauses to notice their emotions and considers how their reaction might impact the situation.
Pause and Reflecting before speaking
"you are good at basketball, for a girl"
microinsult
A student in a residence hall hears jokes about their cultural food and traditions. Eventually, they stop attending group dinners and spend more time alone in their room.
Because of the microaggressions this student is facing, what are they experiencing?
social withdrawal/isolation
A female employee shares an idea in a meeting and is ignored. Later, a male coworker repeats the same idea and is praised.
What is this microaggression?
Gender Bias
You hear someone say: “That’s so ghetto” to describe something negative.
How could you respond?
“Hey, that term can be harmful, maybe we can use a different word.” etc.
address behavior w/o attacking
A person privately tells a friend, “Hey, that comment could be harmful, can we talk about why it came across that way?”
Calling in
"you are being too sensitive, it's a joke"
microinvalidation
A worker is consistently interrupted in meetings and has their ideas credited to others. Over time, they begin contributing less and their work performance declines.
Because of the microaggressions this worker is facing, what are they experiencing?
Decreased performance/reduced productivity
A coworker says:
“You don’t look gay at all!”
What is this microaggression?
stereotyping
A peer says: “You don’t seem like the type to go into social work.”
How could you respond?
“I’m curious what you mean by that?” etc.
-invite reflection
A social work intern notices they are feeling less patient with a client because the client’s lifestyle is very different from their own upbringing. They pause to reflect on how their personal beliefs and biases may be influencing their reaction before continuing the conversation.
self-awareness
Displaying a swastika or other hate symbol
microassault
A college student hears classmates repeatedly say things like “Wow, I did not expect you to be so smart.” Over time, the student starts second-guessing how they speak in class and wonders if they truly belong in their program.
Because of the microaggressions this student is facing, what are they experiencing?
Imposter Syndrome
A student says to another:
“You got into this school? That’s surprising.”
What is this microaggression?
Assumption of lower ability/intelligence based on background
A classmate says: “Your parents must be paying for everything.”
How could you respond?
“Actually, that’s not my situation. I work really hard to support myself.”
-corrects assumption, affirms oneself
A student publicly responds in a group setting: “That’s not an appropriate thing to say, and it’s important we address why it’s harmful.”
Calling out
"you speak english so well"
microinsult
A student who is an immigrant hears classmates casually joke about “people getting deported” and is repeatedly asked about their legal status. Even though nothing directly happens to them, they begin to feel anxious and unsafe on campus.
Because of the microaggressions this student is facing, what are they experiencing?
anxiety/fear about safety and belonging
A teacher says to a student:
“I’m just going to call you Alex—it’s easier than trying to pronounce your real name.”
What is this microaggression?
Dismissing cultural identity
A coworker says: “You’re surprisingly good at this.”
How could you respond?
“I would hope so, it’s something I’ve worked hard at.”
-reclaim competency in a respectful way
During a class discussion, a student hears a peer say, “People like that are always dependent on government help.” The student first pauses to recognize their own emotional reaction and bias. They then ask, “What do you mean by that?” to bring attention to the comment. Next, they calmly say, “That statement can be harmful because it reinforces stereotypes about entire groups.” Finally, they later speak with the professor after class to discuss how comments like this should be addressed in future discussions.
Micro interventions- making the invisible visible, disarming the microaggression, educating the perpetrator, and seeking external support