Deconstructing Microaggressions

Deconstructing MicroaggressionsMULTICULTURAL STUDENT SERVICES

Ground Rules:

Be Present

Be Respectful

Use “I” Statements

Presentation Goals

Define Microaggression

Types of Microaggressions

Examples of Microaggressions

ActivityAction Steps to

address Microaggressions

Multicultural CompetenceAwareness of one’s own assumptions, biases, and values; Knowledge of the worldview of others; information about various cultural groups; Skills to implement appropriate strategies and techniques

“If Black people said the stuff White people did”HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=A1ZLZWTULIG

What are Microaggressions? Definition: Daily verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative slights and insults towards people

“Can occur by well-intended, moral, and decent [people].”

(Sue, 2010)

Three Types of Microaggressions:Microassaults

Explicit and intentional discriminatory actions of verbal or non-verbal attack against someone’s identity to hurt the person

Ex. Name-calling, avoidant behaviors

Three Types of MicroaggressionsMicroinsults

Characterized by non-verbal or verbal remarks that convey rudeness and insensitivity and demean a person’s identity

Ex. Questioning expertise, Mistaking a female doctor as a nurse

Three Types of MicroaggressionsMicroinvalidations

Characterized by verbal comments or behaviors that exclude, negate, or nullify thoughts, feelings, or experiential reality of a person’s identity

Ex. Saying, “I don’t see color” or “I am not homophobic. I have a gay friend” or “You speak English well”

SOURCE: BUZZ FEED

SOURCE: BUZZ FEED

ActivityGROUP ACTIVITY

ActivityDetermine: What type of microaggression was discussed?

Determine: Who was the perpetrator vs. victim?

Determine: What is the Response?

ActivityLARGE GROUP DISCUSSION

Activity Describe a time you witnessed a microaggression. What was the underlying message? How did you feel? What did you do?

Effect of Microaggressions:

Creates a Non-Inclusive Environment

Creates disparities

Lowers morale and engagement

Lowers self-esteem

What can we do to combat microaggressions?DISCUSSION

Combating MicroaggressionsBecome aware of our own bias and fearsActively listen when someone raises a concernDon’t be defensiveBe an ally-stand up, speak out!Educate others about microaggressions and how to stop them

Multicultural Student Services Location: Lib Jackson Student Union, A102 Phone: 843-349-2863 Email: BCFLADGE@COASTAL.EDU