“Microaggression” is not just another buzz term when it comes to barriers to real equity within the workplace. These common, “everyday” snubs and slights experienced by people from marginalized groups have been proven to have a detrimental impact on people and workplace culture. While microaggressions are subtle, they create huge challenges for groups who already feel excluded in the workplace.
Anyone can find themselves unintentionally communicating a microaggression. Privilege can act as a metaphorical veil to the ways in which we might cause harm in the words and phrases we use, particularly towards those who hold marginalized identities. In some cases, microaggressions may have an undertone of “fun” or “just kidding!” These statements and behaviors are a result of discomfort and unconscious biases. Much like all topics or words centered around challenging our biases, even mentioning the word “microaggression,” may cause the perpetuator to become defensive. While the intent of a microaggression might be lighthearted, the impact can leave those subjected to them feeling devalued or demoralized.
One of the reasons microaggressions are particularly harmful is that people are often characterized as being “too sensitive” when they display discomfort related to experiencing a microaggression. In addition to being the recipient of hurtful words or behavior, the victim is now challenged with pretending that the subtle abuse has no effect on their mood or well-being or justifying why they were impacted. This requires emotional labor and can be taxing to those who experience this dynamic often.
People are often characterized as being “too sensitive” when they display discomfort in experiencing a microaggression. The victim is now the recipient of hurtful words or behavior AND challenged with pretending that the subtle… Click To TweetA microaggression is a much larger act than it may sound. One of the best analogies I’ve seen likens microaggressions to mosquito bites (check out the video below).
Sure, the “one-off” microaggression or mosquito bite might not cause as much discomfort; but imagine experiencing them often (the compounding impact of microaggressions) or encountering a mosquito that carries a disease (microaggressions are as a result of perspectives that can influence broader social systems). It would be undermining and harmful for the person with the occasional mosquito bite to tell the person that is constantly being bitten that they are “overreacting,” when in fact their experiences are entirely different.
It is very important that all realize and remember that marginalized groups in the workplace are more than likely on the receiving end of microaggressions on a consistent basis. Consider the fact that unconscious bias shows up in very subtle ways. Make a decision to be aware of the judgmental thoughts that you may be feeling, and even more aware of how you might be speaking or acting in a way that demonstrates that judgement.
Make a decision to be aware of the judgmental thoughts that you may be feeling, and even more aware of how you might be speaking or acting in a way that demonstrates that judgement. Click To Tweet
