“A microaggression is a comment or gesture (whether made intentionally or not) that feeds into stereotypes or negative assumptions created around oppressed or marginalized groups of people. The term was first used in the 1970s by Harvard's Chester M. Pierce, MD. They tend to be based on a person’s race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability—and to the recipient, can feel like an attack.” June 11, 2020 Oprah Magazine article.

Conversation Prompts:

• How do you handle microaggressions? What’s the worst one? What’s the statement that is so seemingly neutral but cuts you to the core?
• Can you think to a time you might have committed a microaggression?
• A list of microaggressions to discuss:
• All lives matter.
• You’re so white sounding.
• Can I touch your hair?
• Where are you from? I mean, really.
• I don’t see color.
• You’re an inspiration.
• What is your accent?
• You’re so articulate.
• I love your hair.
• Do you believe a person should be fired for a microaggression?
• What advice do you have for people who hear a microaggression?
• What advice do you have for people who worry that curiosity and/or connection is hindered by some of the more neutral microaggressions?

Sources:

Tiffany Alvoid, Eliminating Microaggressions: The Next Level of Inclusion, TEDxOakland, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPqVit6TJjw

Side Effects of White Women, Small Doses with Amanda Seales, https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/small-doses-with-amanda-seales/id1333316223?i=1000412578866

https://www.npr.org/2020/06/08/872371063/microaggressions-are-a-big-deal-how-to-talk-them-out-and-when-to-walk-away

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/02/28/what-microaggressions-small-slights-serious-consequences/362754002/

https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/05/health/racial-microaggressions-examples-responses-wellness/index.html

https://www.oprahmag.com/life/relationships-love/a26294696/what-is-microaggression/

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-06-28/chief-district-judge-los-angeles-steps-down-racially-insensitive-comments

https://www.oxfordcartographers.com/our-maps/peters-projection-map/

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