Microaggressions

Microaggressions are brief, commonplace, verbal/ nonverbal insults against someone based on their identity.

They do not have to be intentional. They are subtle everyday interactions or behaviors that communicate some sort of bias toward an identity.

Call out/ Call in

Work with who you are

Ask questions

Key people

Employ distraction techniques

Active bystanders avoids the "diffusion of responsibility" by stepping in when needed.

There are 5 possible ways to do this:

1. Direct - verbally address the incident and respond in the moment

2. Distract - defuse the situation by shifting focus or attention

3. Delegate - entrust the response to another individual who may be better able to approach and respond

4. Delay - discuss the situation with the perpetrator/victim at a later time and/or in a different setting

5. Display Discomfort - express nonverbal discomfort or concern in response to the incident