What is a microaggression? What is the root-cause of workplace microaggressions? Even well-intentioned professionals can inadvertently say things that can insult or hurt a colleague. Learn about the causes of microaggressions and find out how you can avoid them. Initially introduced in the 1970s by Chester Prince, microaggressions referred to the treatment of Black Americans in the workplace as “subtle, stunning, often automatic, and nonverbal exchanges which are ‘put-downs.’” Over the years this definition has evolved to recognize that various groups of people can be microaggressed. In 2007 Derald Wing Sue defined microaggressions as “brief, everyday exchanges that send denigrating messages to certain individuals because of their group membership.” This microaggressions presentation will challenge participants to examine their inherent bias and will provide tools for overcoming the inherent bias that we all possess. The following subjects will be discussed: program ground rules; defining microaggressions; reviewing the terminology; identifying microaggressions (interactive activity); common responses to microaggressions; examining oneself; recovering from mistakes; and application to professional practice.
Monday, January 30 from 12:15 to 1:45 in 2w11. Questions? Email Dawn Shafer at dshafer@ssw.umaryland.edu.