How to deal with Microaggressions
Microaggressions are subtle acts of discrimination that can be verbal, nonverbal, or environmental. They can be intentional or unintentional and can have a negative impact on the individual who experiences them. In this post, we’ll explore the types of microaggressions, how to identify and address them, and how to deal with them.
Types of Microaggressions
There are many different types of microaggressions, but some common ones include:
Microassaults – These are explicit acts of discrimination or bigotry, such as using racial slurs or making derogatory comments about someone’s gender or sexuality.
Microinsults – These are subtle put-downs or demeaning comments that are often disguised as compliments or jokes. For example, telling a woman that she’s “pretty for a scientist” or asking an Asian person where they’re “really” from.
Microinvalidations – These are comments or behaviors that dismiss or invalidate a person’s experiences or identity. For example, telling someone that their experiences with discrimination aren’t real or important.
Environmental Microaggressions – These are subtle forms of discrimination that are embedded in the environment, such as not having accessible entrances or elevators for people with disabilities.
How to Identify and Address Microaggressions
Identifying microaggressions can be challenging because they are often subtle and disguised as innocent comments or actions. However, there are some signs to look out for, such as:
- Feeling uncomfortable or offended by a comment or behavior
- Feeling like your identity or experiences are being invalidated
- Feeling like you’re being singled out or stereotyped
- Feeling like you’re being treated differently than others
If you suspect that you’ve experienced a microaggression, it’s important to address it. Here are some tips for addressing microaggressions:
Stay Calm and Assertive – When addressing a microaggression, it’s important to stay calm and assertive. Avoid becoming defensive or aggressive, as this can escalate the situation and make it more difficult to resolve.
Explain Why the Comment or Behavior Was Inappropriate – It’s important to explain why the comment or behavior was inappropriate and how it made you feel. Be specific and clear about the impact that the microaggression had on you.
Use “I” Statements – When addressing a microaggression, it’s important to use “I” statements instead of “you” statements. For example, instead of saying “You’re being racist,” you could say “I feel uncomfortable when you make comments like that.”
Seek Support – If you’re unsure how to address a microaggression or if you feel like you need support, reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or colleague. They can provide emotional support and help you come up with strategies for addressing the situation.
Dealing with Microaggression as an Employee
As an employee, dealing with microaggressions can be a frustrating and challenging experience. Microaggressions are subtle acts of discrimination that can be verbal, nonverbal, or environmental. They can be intentional or unintentional and can have a negative impact on the individual who experiences them.
Here are some strategies you can use to deal with microaggressions as an employee:
- Educate yourself – It’s important to educate yourself about microaggressions so that you can identify them when they occur. You can read books, articles, and attend workshops that focus on diversity and inclusion in the workplace. The more you know about microaggressions, the better equipped you will be to deal with them.
- Speak up – When you experience a microaggression, it’s important to speak up and address it. You can do this by calmly and assertively stating that the comment or behavior was inappropriate and explaining why. You don’t have to be confrontational or aggressive, but it’s important to let the person know that their behavior was not acceptable.
Set Boundaries – If you’re experiencing microaggressions from a specific person, it’s important to set boundaries. This could mean limiting your interactions with that person or communicating your boundaries clearly.
Take Care of Yourself – Dealing with microaggressions can be emotionally draining, so it’s important to take care of yourself. This could mean practicing self-care activities like exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.
- Seek support – Dealing with microaggressions can be emotionally draining, so it’s important to seek support from your colleagues, friends, or family. Talking to someone who understands what you’re going through can help you process your emotions and come up with strategies to deal with future incidents.
- Document incidents – If you experience multiple incidents of microaggressions, it’s important to document them. Write down the date, time, and details of the incident. This can be useful if you need to report the incidents to your supervisor or HR department.
- Report incidents – If you experience a microaggression that you feel is serious or ongoing, it’s important to report it to your supervisor or HR department. They have a responsibility to address these incidents and ensure that they don’t happen again.
In conclusion, dealing with microaggressions can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that you have the right to a safe and respectful workplace. By educating yourself, speaking up, seeking support, documenting incidents, and reporting incidents, you can take steps to address microaggressions and create a more inclusive workplace.