Recognizing And Addressing Microaggressions in Everyday Life

What is a microaggression? Microaggressions are considered subtle and non-direct forms of discrimination, that could be verbal or behavioral, towards an individual from a minority group (ethnic, racial, sexual orientation, religious, gender, etc.). Because this form of discrimination is quieter and more discreet, one could easily not recognize it or intend it to be discriminatory. ?Nevertheless, microaggressions can negatively impact one’s mental health and wellbeing.?

How to recognize microaggressions?

This requires us to constantly check in with ourselves and our bodies, to notice when things start feeling off for us. Microaggressions can include:

• comments or behavior that indicate otherness
• indicate a negative connotation of others
• make assumptions based on inaccurate and negative stereotypes?

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What do microaggressions look like?

• Clutching your bag or moving away when a Black person or person of color approaches
• Assuming that an Asian person, or a visibly non-white person, is not from the US, but from a different country
• Assuming heteronormative relationships?
• Correcting someone or mansplaining

What if I experience a microaggression?

• Some suggest taking a deep breath, processing the comment on your own, and not addressing the other person due to high levels of emotional labor
• Others may suggest confronting the person, having a conversation with them, and explaining to them how their microaggression made you feel
• Use I statements and expressing how the comment or action made you feel
• Discuss your experience with microaggressions in therapy ?

Let's Talk has a diverse staff of counselors who can help

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What if I used a microaggression?

• Try to listen when approached?
• Try to lower your defenses; internally acknowledge any discomfort you feel
• Try to be more conscious of ways in which your comments or behaviors can be discriminatory, and avoid such behaviors in the future.?

All of us are susceptible to developing biases, but by practicing mindfulness we can help to avoid microaggressions.

To your mental well-being;

Dr. Nathilee Caldeira, PhD,

Founder of Let's Talk, Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Further Learning

• Dr. Chester Pierce is the person who coined the term “microaggressions.” Did you know he’s also responsible for the diversity and representation on Sesame Street?
• Psychologists have further broken down these types of comments into microinsults and microinvalidations.
• This episode of Life Kit discusses when to address microaggressions and when it may be better to walk away.