Intent vs. Impact

What are microaggressions?

• "Brief, everyday exchanges that send denigrating messages to certain individuals because of their group membership." -Derald Wing Sue

What are microaggressions?

• Jokes
• Slurs
• Assumptions about perceived identity
• Misuse of words

Not just Intent vs. Impact

• Meaning beyond what's on the surface
• Privilege/power differential
• Reflection of history of oppression

Criticisms of this concept

• Creates a victim culture
• Bullies people toward political correctness
• Restricts speech

My response

• Microaggressions have the potential to exclude
• The potential to condition
• The potential to numb
• Not about patronizing or victimizing--it's using empathy

Taking action

• Respectfully call out inappropriate jokes or comments--a member of the group does not need to be present
• Ask someone to clarify a statement
• Get to know what is important to someone you meet

Taking action

• Try not to make assumptions about someone's inclusion within a group
• Make mistakes and learn from them
• Respect your truth (and teach it)