10 Common Microaggressions and How to Address Them

October 10, 2025|Bethanie Belisle|

Microaggressions are subtle, everyday comments or actions that send negative messages to people because of their race. They are often unintentional but can cause real harm. Unlike overt racism, microaggressions are more complicated to pinpoint, making them confusing and frustrating for those who experience them.

Understanding and addressing microaggressions is key to moving beyond just “not being racist” to actively creating a more inclusive environment.

Here are 10 common microaggressions and simple ways to respond:

1. “You speak good English.” / “Where are you from?”

  • The Hidden Message: You’re not a “true American” and are a perpetual foreigner in your own land.
  • How to Address It:
    • Directly ask for clarification: “I’m from here. Why do you ask?“
    • Explain the impact: “That comment implies I’m not a native English speaker, which is demeaning”.

2. “I don’t see color” / “We are all human beings”

  • The Hidden Message: Your racial identity and unique experiences are being ignored or dismissed.
  • How to Address It:
    • Explain the invalidation: “Saying ‘I don’t see color’ ignores my experiences as a person of color.“.
    • Point out the issue: For White individuals, this can be an excuse to deny their own prejudices.

3. Assigning intelligence based on race / “He only got the job because he’s [racial minority]”

  • The Hidden Message: Your achievements are due to your race, not your abilities, or your intelligence is being judged by your race.
  • How to Address It:
    • Use a quick reaction: “Ouch!“.
    • Challenge the assumption: “Why would you assume race was the primary factor, not their qualifications?”.
    • State disagreement: “I don’t agree with what you just said.“.

4. Being mistaken for a service worker / Treated as a “second-class citizen”

  • The Hidden Message: You are seen as inferior, overlooked, or devalued.
  • How to Address It:
    • Clearly state your role: “I am not a service worker.“
    • Assert your right: “Excuse me, I was next in line.”

5. Assumptions of criminality or dangerousness

  • The Hidden Message: You are being stereotyped as dangerous or untrustworthy because of your race.
  • How to Address It:
    • Directly confront the fear: “Relax, I’m not dangerous.“.
    • Broaden the perspective: “Crimes are committed by people of all races and backgrounds”.

6. Comments about physical appearance / “Black women are so exotic”

  • The Hidden Message: Your appearance or cultural differences are being criticized, exoticized, or sexualized.
  • How to Address It:
    • Set clear boundaries: “Please don’t touch my hair.” or “That’s an inappropriate comment.”
    • Interrupt and redirect: “Whoa, let’s not go there. Let’s stick to the topic”.

7. Using racial epithets or racial jokes “to connect”

  • The Hidden Message: Racist language or jokes are acceptable and can be used for bonding.
  • How to Address It:
    • Stop it firmly: “I do not want to hear that type of talk.“.
    • Express your feelings: “It makes me uncomfortable to hear that.“.

8. Denial of individual racism / “I’m not racist; I have Black friends”

  • The Hidden Message: The person denies their own racial bias, invalidating your experience.
  • How to Address It:
    • Focus on the impact: “I know you meant well, but that comment was hurtful.“.
    • Prompt self-reflection: “Do you realize what you just did when you said that?”.

9. Tokenism

  • The Hidden Message: You are included to fulfill a quota or are expected to represent your entire racial group.
  • How to Address It:
    • Question the intention: “Am I being included for my skills, or because I’m the only person of color?“
    • Seek external support: If it’s a recurring issue, report it to leadership or HR.

10. Environmental attacks / Exclusion

  • The Hidden Message: The environment is hostile or invalidating to your racial identity and heritage.
  • How to Address It:
    • Report it: Inform school, work, or community administrators about offensive symbols or exclusions.
    • Advocate for change: Work with others to push for more inclusive representation.

General Tips for Responding to Microaggressions:

Whether you’re the target or a bystander, your response can make a difference.

  • For Targets:
    • Prioritize your safety and well-being.
    • Remember you have a choice about how and when to respond.
  • For Allies and Bystanders:
    • Ask questions instead of making statements: “Why do you say that?“.
    • Appeal to their good nature: “I’m surprised to hear you say that, because I thought of you as open-minded“.
    • Share your feelings: “It makes me uncomfortable to hear that”.
    • Be respectful, not self-righteous.
    • Interrupt and change the topic when an offensive comment is made.
    • Explain the impact, even if the intent was not malicious.
    • Seek support from others or authority figures if the situation feels risky.
    • Choose your battles – decide when and where to engage effectively.

Active engagement in addressing these subtle forms of prejudice is crucial for building a more inclusive and equitable society.

Photo by Sven Brandsma on Unsplash