Identifying Microaggressions

We have now developed an understanding of what a microaggression is. But how do we identify one? Sometimes it can be difficult to determine what a microaggression is, and this uncertainty can make it difficult to begin eliminating them in the workplace.

With this in mind, let’s learn more about identifying microaggressions now!

How Do We Know One When We See It?

Given that microaggressions are often a reflection of society, and that societal biases can be pervasive enough to seem “normal,” people may engage in these behaviours unintentionally, and often even unknowingly.

Understanding and recognizing microaggressions can therefore be challenging, as these behaviours are often subtle and not always intentional. General incivility and microaggressions are related concepts that both involve disrespectful or inappropriate behaviour, but they differ in terms of scope, intent, and impact. Therefore, it is important to briefly point out their main differences. General incivility encompasses a wide array of impolite behaviours that violate social norms, such as rudeness or interrupting others, and may or may not be intentional. It typically lacks the specific targeting of an individual’s identity or characteristics.

Microaggressions, although they fall under the broader category of incivility, are subtler and often unintentional acts that directly focus on an individual’s attributes such as their skin colour or gender. Microaggressions can have a profound impact, causing emotional distress, feelings of exclusion, and invalidation. Over time, repeated microaggressions contribute to a hostile environment and can detrimentally affect an individual’s well-being and mental health. In simpler terms, incivility is defined by what an individual does, regardless of the person they are interacting with, whereas microaggressions are determined by the recipient’s specific attributes. Microaggressions can have a profound impact, causing emotional distress, feelings of exclusion, and invalidation. Over time, repeated microaggressions contribute to a hostile environment and can detrimentally affect an individual’s well-being and mental health.