Research Guides: FYS 101: Microaggressions

Microaggression Resources: Videos

Microaggression Resources: Podcasts

Microaggressions Are A Big Deal: How To Talk Them Out And When To Walk Away
Kevin Nadal, a professor of psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, has spent years researching and writing books on the effects of microaggressions. The "micro" in microaggression doesn't mean that these acts can't have big, life-changing impacts. They can, which is all the more reason to address them when you see them.
Microaggressions and Where They Happen
This episode series is a place for calling folks in and calling them out. Each installment of this podcast will feature one contextualized story of a microaggression and break it all the way down. The goal? To examine the ways that history, intent, bias, and stereotypes can affect the people we interact with, talk to, and even love everyday.
Racial Microaggressions and Political Correctness
Dr. Derald Wing Sue and Dr. Miguel E. Gallardo discuss racial microaggressions, why they matter today, and dispute the opinion that talking about micro and macro aggressions stifles our capacity to have courageous conversations on race and racism.

Microaggression Resources: Websites

Project Implicit
Ever wondered about your own biases? Check out the implicit bias tests from Project Implicit.
Microaggressions: Power, Privilege, and Everyday Life
This blog seeks to provide a visual representation of the everyday of “microaggressions.” It is about showing how these comments create and enforce uncomfortable, violent and unsafe realities onto peoples’ workplace, home, school, childhood/adolescence/adulthood, and public transportation/space environments.

What are Microaggressions?

Microaggressions: the everyday, subtle, intentional — and oftentimes unintentional — interactions or behaviors that communicate some sort of bias toward historically marginalized groups (Kevin Nadal, John Jay College of Criminal Justice)

These hidden messages may invalidate the group identity or experiential reality of target persons, demean them on a personal or group level, communicate they are lesser human beings, suggest they do not belong with the majority group, threaten and intimidate, or relegate them to inferior status and treatment (Derald Wing Sue).

Microaggression Resources: Articles

Microaggression Resources: Books

Microaggressions and Philosophy by Lauren Freeman (Editor); Jeanine Weekes Schroer (Editor)
ISBN: 9780429663611
Publication Date: 2020-04-03
This is the first book to offer a philosophical engagement with microaggressions. It aims to provide an intersectional analysis of microaggressions that cuts across multiple dimensions of oppression and marginalization, and to engage a variety of perspectives that have been sidelined within the discipline of philosophy. Microaggressions and Philosophy features cutting-edge research on an important topic that will appeal to a wide range of students and scholars across disciplines. It includes perspectives from philosophy of psychology, empirically informed philosophy, feminist philosophy, critical race theory, disability theory, philosophy of language, philosophy of science, and social and political philosophy.
The Ethics of Microaggression by Regina Rini
ISBN: 9781351762892
Publication Date: 2020-10-29
Slips of the tongue, unwitting favoritism, and stereotyped assumptions are just some examples of microaggression. Nearly all of us commit microaggressions at some point, even if we don't intend to. Yet over time a pattern of microaggression can cause considerable harm by reminding members of marginalized groups of their precarious position. The Ethics of Microaggression explains what microaggression is and offers strategies for combating it. Assuming no prior knowledge of the topic or philosophy, it demystifies a controversial and extremely important topic in clear language.
Overcoming Everyday Racism by Susan Cousins; Cheryl Hill (As told to)
ISBN: 9781785928512
Publication Date: 2019-07-18
This enlightening and reflective guide studies the psychological impact of racism and discrimination on BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) people and offers steps to improve wellbeing. It includes definitions of race, racism and other commonly used terms, such as microaggressions, and evaluates the effect of definitions used to describe BAME people. Each chapter of the book focusses on one category of wellbeing - self-acceptance, personal growth, purpose in life, positive relations with others, environmental mastery, autonomy - and includes case examples, spaces for reflection and practical, creative exercises.
Microaggressions and Modern Racism by Charisse C. Levchak
ISBN: 9783319703312
Publication Date: 2018-03-15
Microaggressions and Modern Racism: Endurance and Evolution explores the causes, manifestations, and consequences of microaggressions, macroaggressions, and modern racism within society. Using surveys and interview data alongside examples in mainstream media, Levchak provides a comprehensive analysis of modern racism on college campuses, in workplaces, and in various media. In so doing, she expands microaggression theory and explores race-based aggression and race relations through sociological and social justice frameworks.
Microaggressions in Medicine by Lauren Freeman; Heather Stewart
ISBN: 9780197652497
Publication Date: 2024-02-27
In a world that too often marginalizes people based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, body size, or disability, medicine can often be no different. Guided by diverse patient testimonies and case studies, Microaggressions in Medicine focuses on the harms that such patients face. It amplifies their voices, stories, and experiences, which have too-often been excluded from mainstream bioethical, medical, and popular discussions. Microaggressions in medicine are not rare, but frequent in the healthcare experiences of marginalized patients. Freeman and Stewart offer practical strategies for healthcare professionals to reduce microaggressions in their practices.