The definition of a “microaggression” is a term used for brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional.

It was a term I was unfamiliar with so I thought I would do some research.

The most detrimental forms of microaggressions are usually delivered by well-intentioned individuals who are unaware that they have engaged in harmful conduct toward a person or group.

These everyday occurrences may on the surface appear quite harmless, trivial, or be thought of as “small slights,” but research indicates they have a powerful impact upon the psychological well-being of that person (or group).

I feel like these transgressions have become commonplace and thought that the first step in eliminating microaggressions is to make them a bit more “visible”.

I am hopeful that this article may stimulate discussion, self-reflection, and possibly a clearer understanding of the impact a “simple” statement can have.

Below are some examples of how these simple statements may be taken in a different light.

• “My co-worker is crazy.”
  • Be aware of how this may be interpreted by others.
• “Your name is impossible to pronounce.”
  • It’s their name and important to them, just ask them how to pronounce it.
• “Let me interrupt you for a second.”
  • Please respect and allow them to finish what they are saying. Listening is an art.
• “When I was your age.”
  • They are not your age and they aren’t you.

Thank you for taking the time to give this a little thought.  I am hopeful that this article may open the door for more discussion and awareness.

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Tori Goodrich is a life, business and professional; What Should I Do Now coach. She is also the co-owner of Gener8tional Connections helping companies work through the great divide. Contact Tori by telephone at 610.613.2127, on the web at www.victoriagoodrich.com, or via email at tgoodrich@vista.today.