Common Reactions to Experiencing A Microaggression
ANGER & RAGE
Anger is justified. A microaggression is a personal attack - humans are wired to respond to attacks with anger.
SADNESS & SHAME
Shame is a normal emotion to feel when we have been put down or rejected. You may feel urges to hide, and avoid people or meetings.
FEAR & ANXIETY
Fear makes sense. Most people have to work to survive, & when your work feels unsafe, it threatens your stability. You may also notice anxiety about sharing opinions & ideas for fear of humiliation.
HIGH STRESS
Experiencing repeated microaggressions is traumatic. When our humanity & capabilities are devalued, safety is threatened & we feel powerless, this inevitably leads to stress reactivity. This can look like physical pain or illness, depression, anxiety & more.
SHOCK & DISBELIEF
Self-doubt is a common reaction. “Did they mean to say something so offensive?” “Did I mishear them?” “Am being too sensitive?” No you are not overreacting. You can trust your gut.
MENTAL & EMOTIONAL EXHAUSTION
When dealing with subtle & overt discrimination is your norm, it’s exhausting. You may be feeling bored & annoyed by this very training - you’re sick & tired of being sick & tired.