Diversity & Inclusion: Microagressions
As we explore and learn topics around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, one word that comes up is "microaggressions".

Microaggressions are defined as intentional or unintentional verbal, nonverbal or environmental slights/insults that communicate hostile, derogatory or negative messages to people based upon their marginalized group.

I have been in many places and experienced all forms of microagressions. I can tell you that having grown up experiencing this, I got used to it. I have received comments like "Where from Mexico are you from?" to "You speak very good English for someone who was not born in this country." The list goes on and on. 

I should tell you that as we continue to open our doors to more diverse communities in CCL, you will find that many people are less tolerant of microagressions and will call you out on it. In our environmental space, we want to be very aware of these things and avoid (to the best of our abilities) to hurt someone. Which is why I will make it a point to talk about these issues as often as possible. 

Recommended videos and readings for this Friday

What is the definition of microaggression?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjzWENcW6NQ
From Quartz

It 'makes you feel invisible': When people can’t tell their co-workers of color apart, it’s a constant reminder that you’re an outsider
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2019/05/02/co-workers-keep-mixing-up-people-color-office-its-more-than-mistake/?arc404=true
From Washington Post

21 Racial Microaggressions You Hear On A Daily Basis
https://www.buzzfeed.com/hnigatu/racial-microagressions-you-hear-on-a-daily-basis
From Buzzfeed.com

I am available for conversations about any topic regarding Diversity & Inclusion if you are interested. Just send me a line on Community or email me at karina.ramirez@citizensclimate.org.

Have a wonderful Friday! 
6 Replies
John Sabin
494 Posts
Thanks, Karina! These are great resources!

john
Mindy Ahler
194 Posts
When I notice a microagressions from others around me, do you have advice on how to reply or correct them?
Thanks to your guidance and others, I'm becoming more aware of them and want to be part of the solution!
Mindy
Sorry, it took so long to respond Mindy Ahler‍.

This response is from a toolkit I am presently reading; "If you commit a microaggression and someone calls you on it, stop and listen to that individual. Do not dismiss someone when they feel a microaggression has occurred. Try and avoid becoming defensive. Instead, be open to discussing and clarifying the matter. Afterward, acknowledge your own cultural conditioning and biases which may have contributed to your actions and think about how to challenge those personal biases".

And here are some other examples of microaggressions and possible hidden meanings behind them:
  • A white person grabs their purse or wallet as an African American or Latino approaches them. (This is an assumption of criminality.)

  • A white individual waits to ride the next elevator when a person of color is on it. (This is also an assumption of criminality.)

  • Mistaking a person of color as a service worker (Treating an individual as a second class citizen)

    Verbal examples and possible hidden meanings are:

    • “You are so articulate.” (Believing people of color are less intelligent than whites)

    • “I don’t see color.” (I don’t want to acknowledge race)

    • “You speak great English.” (Assuming someone is foreign-born)

    • “I’m not racist. I have several black friends.” (Denial of any individual racism – because I have friends of color I can’t be racist)

 
Brett Cease
3862 Posts
Thanks so much Karina Ramirez‍ for you and diversity team's important work in helping us all become more self-aware and grounded! 😀
Clara Fang
223 Posts
If you see someone else committing a microaggression, you can gently call them out by saying, "Excuse me, I know you meant to pay her a compliment, but what you just said is actually a type of microaggression." Hopefully this gives you an opening to talk about what this means. Acknowledge that they had positive intent, that it's easy to make such a mistake, and don't call anyone a racist. 
John Sabin
494 Posts
Thanks, Clara! This is good advice!

john

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