In the 1970s, Harvard University Professor Chester Pierce coined the term microaggressions to describe the subtle, everyday ways people of color experienced discrimination from their white counterparts. He coined the term in response to his observations of the interactions between the white and black students on campus where he heard indignities and insults members of marginalized groups endured in their routine interactions with people in all walks of life. Everyone makes comments that they wish they could retrieve the moment they pass their lips. Insults, slights and derogatory behaviors are evidence of implicit biases we hold that we sometimes don’t recognize exist.
This two-part training session explores microaggressions from their origin, intent, and impact on others. The trainers chronical their evolution, their connection to racism in America and how they are embedded in code language, whiteness, and racelighting. The trainers discuss how microaggressions can be mitigated through cultural humility. Participants will identify and practice strategies for addressing the hurt and trauma caused by microaggressions as well as for correcting microaggressions emitted due to an individual’s cultural history and group membership.