"We are here to unlearn, to build knowledge, to break cycles of racism that have been embedded in this country since its birth. We are here to be a part of the solution. We are here to do the work." - Rachel Cargle
Goal: In this module students will learn about microaggressions in the classroom and how they can respond should they witness them (as a bystander).
Objective: By the end of this modules students will be able to identify microagressions when they occur and describe various strategies they can use to address the situation (again, as the bystander).
Please note that for the rest of the conversation around microaggressions, the focus will be from the perspective of the bystander. Should you find yourself a victim of microaggressions, your response may be rightfully different than what is presented here (resources for response as a victim found in the link below).
Read through the Responding to Microaggressions document
Responding to Microaggressions (Bystander)
Complete the Responding to Microaggressions Reflection document
This will be a starting point for group discussion during the Application Phase
Resources will be provided by the instructor
KEY TAKE AWAYS: adapted from Clay (2017)
Be an ally. When the targets of microaggressions complain, the microagressor may dismiss them as biased or over-sensitive. It is important for allies to know that their voices can sometimes be heard more powerfully than those of the people directly affected by microaggressions.
Speak for yourself. Don't try to speak on behalf of the person who has experienced the microaggression. Doing so can be a form of microaggression itself.