MicroaggressionsCP6651

Microassault

When racism, sexism, or heterosexism is deliberate – name calling, not considering women in top positions, giving little Indian kids fake popcorn balls at Halloween that say, “Go home to the reservation”…typically, however, only done when there is some anonymity, when it is shared with others who like doing the same, when they lose control (i.e. Michael Richards, Mel Gibson).

Microinsult

Unintentional behaviors or verbal comments – consistently asking males higher level cognitive questions, asking “do you know so and so questions?” (like minority people all know one another), telling about how the Atlanta Braves tomahawk chop, or name Washington “Redskins” is really honoring the Indigenous people of the country.

Microinvalidation

When someone adamantly endorses egalitarianism but really isn’t. When they appoint members of minority groups on all the diversity committees and diversity positions, and are constantly asked to “represent their people”, when they are only perceived as an ethnic, rather than an expert in their field.