Microaggressions are defined as the everyday, subtle, intentional — and oftentimes unintentional — interactions or behaviors that communicate some sort of bias toward historically marginalized groups.
Microaggressions are more than just insults, insensitive comments, or generalized jerky behavior. They're something very specific: the kinds of remarks, questions, or actions that are painful because they have to do with a person's membership in a group that's discriminated against or subject to stereotypes.
The key difference between microaggressions and overt discrimination/macroaggressions, is that people who commit microaggressions are oftentimes not even be aware of them.
A key part of what makes microaggressions so disconcerting is that they happen casually, frequently, and often without any harm intended, in everyday life.
Research has shown that microaggressions, although they're seemingly small and sometimes innocent offenses, can take a real psychological toll on the mental health of their recipients. This toll can lead to anger and depression and can even lower work productivity and problem-solving abilities.
Microaggressions can also affect a work or school environment, making it more hostile and less validating and perpetuate stereotype threat (the fear of confirming existing stereotypes about one's group, which can have a negative impact on confidence and achievement).
Put some thought into the biases you might hold, become curious about the way your words and actions are perceived by others, listen when people explain why certain remarks offend them, and make it a habit stop for a beat and think before you speak, especially when you're weighing in on someone's identity.
Educating yourself is also essential. The victims of microaggressions should not bear the burden of educating those who subject them to this harmful behavior.
If you truly want to improve your understanding of microaggressions and prevent your biases from manifesting in ways that are harmful to others, you need to hold yourself accountable and take responsibility for educating yourself.
Five suggestions for things individuals can do to avoid them:
Be constantly vigilant of your own biases and fears.
Seek out interaction with people who differ from you (race, culture, ethnicity, and other qualities).
Don't be defensive.
Be open to discussing your own attitudes and biases ad how they might have hurt others or in some sense revealed bias on your part.
Be an ally, by standing personally against all forms of bias and discrimination.