3 Types of Microaggression Defined

 In this follow up blog we look at the different types of microaggression and recap steps to managing microaggressions in the workplace. To reiterate microaggressions go beyond sex, race and ethnicity and can encompass a range of other characteristics. The types of microaggression are: micro-assault, micro-insult, and micro-invalidation.

·         Micro-assault: Intentional action intended to cause harm. Overt, explicit discrimination.

·         Micro-insult: Unintentional, insensitive and dismissive of one’s identity/ culture.

o   “Where are you actually from?”

·         Micro-invalidation: Unintentional and resulting in the dismissal of another’s feelings, and invalidating the reality of that person’s culture, identity or outlook.

o   “When I look at you, I don’t see color.” 

o   “You don’t talk like a black person.”

There is also Macroaggression, this type of behavior is less subtle and is based on overt discriminatory beliefs. As defined by the Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc macroaggressions is assigning negative characteristics to an entire minority group. Example: “All Mexicans are drug dealers.”

 Here are more examples of micro-aggression from Kimberley Doyle, Managing Director at Deloitte:

Verbal Microaggression

• You speak English so well. You are so articulate.
• What are you?
• Not a bad job, for a woman.
• You should smile more!
• Don’t be so dramatic.

Actions of Microaggression

•  Being interrupted or ignored in meetings.
•  Acknowledging comments or making eye contact only with certain people.
• Confusing the name of a person of a certain race/ethnicity with another person of the same race/ethnicity (or mispronouncing their name).

Steps for managing microaggressions:

Don’t

• Ignore it.
•  Excuse it.
•  Become immobilized by it.

Do

•  Address it.
•  Communicate with those involved.

Decide

•  Address it now, or address it later.