UNIVERSITY OF COLOGNE

Microagressions

Microaggressions are everyday, verbal,  nonverbal comments, questions, actions that are harmful because they perpetuate/ communicate hostile and  negative stereotypes, usually about marginalized groups. Microaggressions happen all the time. And while they often aren’t intended to be hurtful, they can make people feel unsafe and uncomfortable. Microaggressions might seem small or insignificant in the moment, but they add up and can make people feel like they don’t belong. The everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, or insults, whether intentional or unintentional, which communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to target persons based solely upon their marginalized group membership.

Racial Microaggression
Racial microaggressions are constant stings and barbs. They are  common place verbal or behavioral,  whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate or imply hostile or derogatory racial slights and insults toward people of color (e.g. asking a person of color “How did you get your job?” to imply they are not qualified). They negatively impact job satisfaction, university performance, self-esteem, and mental health issues.

The following links provide an overview of the topic of microagressions:

• What to know about microaggressions
  https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/microagressions?msclkid=14a1e642cf8c11eca16a189c613b8c9b