Microaggressions:

The Effects on the Community

WHEE Lead 2020 Presentation

Elijah R. McCoy ┃Killian 106

Experiential
Activity
SCENARIO #1

SCENARIO #2

SCENARIO #3
 What is Microaggression?

“Microaggressions are derogatory slights or insults directed at a

target person or persons who are members of an oppressed group.”
(Torino, Rivera, Capodilupo, Nadal, Sue, 2019)
 Types of Microaggressions

Blatant verbal, nonverbal, or intentional action

Microassault
done to convey discriminatory and biased
sentiments

Verbal and non-verbal communication that

Microinsult subtly convey rudeness or insensitivity or
demean a person’s identity

Communication that exclude, negate, or

Microinvalidation dismiss the psychological thoughts, feelings, or
experiential reality of a non-dominant
population
 Privilege & Microaggression

Privilege demonstrates “how

economic and class politics, SOCIAL
GENDER
WHITE &
complicated by intersections PRIVILEGE
CLASS
PRIVILEGE
CISGENDER
PRIVILEGE
of various identities,
especially race, gender, class,
sexuality, can precipitate HETERO-
ABILITY CHRISTIAN
SEXUAL
forms of social exclusion and PRIVILEGE
PRIVILEGE PRIVILEGE

limitations” (Harris, 2016)

 How it Affects The Community?

Microaggressions can cause the

following problems:

● Negatively impact one’s

ability to concentrate, to
solve problems, and to learn
new material
● Affect work productivity
● Impact mental and physical
well-being
Reflect & Discuss
 The Concept of Micro-Resistance

Micro-resistance are “incremental daily efforts to challenge white privilege” and

other kinds of privilege based on gender, sexuality, class, etc.

Suggestions for Practice

● Acknowledge and apologize when you are the perpetrator

● Build connections with those of varying identities
● Diversify social media
● Participate in diversity events
● Educate others On microaggressions
Final Thoughts
&
Questions
Image Courtesy of the Ohio State University
Thank You!
 References

Harris, T. A. ( 2016) Privilege. Critical Quarterly, 58: 100– 102.

Torino, G. C., Rivera, D. P., Capodilupo, C. M., Nadal, K. L., Sue, D. W. (2019).
Microaggression theory: Influence and implications. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley &
Sons, Inc.