Derald Wing Sue, PhD, professor of psychology and education at Columbia University’s Teachers College, developed a Microintervention Toolkit. Here are practical strategies and examples of how to address microaggressions.
Stringer, H. (2023, July 1). Tactics to disarm and neutralize microaggressions. Monitor on Psychology, 54(5). https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/07/tactics-microaggressions
Strategy: Make the “invisible” visible
Challenge the stereotype
- “Robberies and crimes are committed by people of all races and backgrounds.”
- “That hasn’t been my experience at all.”
Broaden the ascribed trait
- “I think that applies to everyone.”
- “I don’t think that’s a gender thing. Men do it, too.”
Undermine the meta-communication
- “Not all Asian Americans are good in math.”
- “I was born and raised here.”
Disempower the innuendo by naming it
- “That’s a racist remark.”
- “That’s a microaggression.”
Strategy: Educate the perpetrator
Differentiate between intent and impact
- “I know you meant well, but that really hurts.”
- “You obviously wanted to compliment Xu; however, that comment also implied...”
- “I know you kid around a lot, but think about how your words affect others.”
Appeal to the offender’s values and principles
- “I know you really care about representing everyone on the team and being a good manager but acting in this way really undermines your intentions to be inclusive.”
Reframe the meaning of the statement or action
- “Is there another way to look at the situation?”
- “What would happen if...?”
- “Can you think of other reasons for Xu’s behaviors?”
