Microinvalidations encompass ‘‘actions that exclude, negate, or nullify the psychological thoughts, feelings, or experiences of people of color’’ (Sue et al., 2008, p. 331);
micro-insults involve ‘‘actions… that convey insensitivity, are rude, or directly demean a person’s racial identity or heritage’’ (p. 331);
and micro-assaults include expressions similar to old-fashioned racism that are ‘‘most often deliberate on the part of the micro-aggressor, whose intent is to hurt, oppress, or discriminate … ’’
As we become more conscious of practices that exacerbate microaggressions, stereotypes and prejudice what can we do to end them? Have you ever personally experienced or overheard a microaggression, microinvalidation, micro-insult, or micro-assault at work? How did you handle it? How do you wish you would have handled it now? How would you work to change that behavior in the future?
Sample Solution
