Microaggressions

Question 1

What is meant by the term microaggression?

Answer 1

Small barely noticeable actions
Can be unconscious
Insults or dismissals

Question 2

How do microaggressions impact a victim?

Answer 2

Cause a person to feel undervalued, demotivated, left out, offended

Question 3

What is the straw man effect?

Answer 3

Creating a distorted version of the original issue to avoid accountability

Question 4

What is cognitive dissonance?

Answer 4

When a person holds two or more contradictory beliefs/values
Experiences psychological stress if participate in an action that goes against one

Question 5

What can cause microaggressions?

Answer 5

Unconscious or implicit bias - our brains make quick judgement about people and situations
Influenced by our background, environment and experiences
Can lead to forming stereotypes which come out in microaggressions

Question 6

What is intersectionality?

Answer 6

The interconnected nature of social categorisations such as race, class and gender
create overlaps and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage

Question 7

What could you do if you are a victim of microaggressions?

Answer 7

Speak to person at time or after - explain impact
Speak to friend/family, personal tutor
Report anonymously to wellbeing advisor

Question 8

What could you do if you are told that you have committed microaggressions?

Answer 8

Do not get defensive - take a couple of mins
Listen
Apologise
Try to learn from the experience