Examples of Racial Microaggressions
Themes Microaggression Message
Alien in own land: “Where are you really from?” You are not American.
When Asian Americans and “Where were you born?” You are a foreigner.
Hispanic Americans are “You speak good English!”
assumed to be foreign-born
Ascription of certain “racial “You are a credit to your People of color are generally
characteristics”: race.” not as intelligent as whites.
Assigning intelligence to a A teacher is surprised that his All Asians are intelligent and
person of color on the basis new Korean student is not good at math.
of their race good at Math.
“You don’t act like a normal
black person, you know?” /
“Wow, you are not a typical
Asian, you are so out-going!”
(The speaker considers these
a compliment)
Color blindness: “When I look at you, I don’t Denying a person of color’s
Statements that indicate that see color.” racial/ethnic experiences.
a white person does not “I don’t really see you as a
want to acknowledge race black girl.”
“America is a melting pot.” Assimilate/acculturate to the
dominant culture.
Assumption of criminal A white man or woman You are a criminal.
status: clutching their purse or
A person of color is checking their wallet as a
presumed to be dangerous, Black or Latino approaches
criminal, or deviant or passes.
on the basis of their race At a department store fitting You are going to steal/ You
room, a white salesperson are poor/ You do not belong.
checks the number of clothes
that an African American
intends to try on, but not a
white woman in front of him.
Denial of individual racism: “I’m not racist. I have I am immune to racism
A statement made when several black friends.” because I have friends of
whites deny their racial color.
biases
Myth of meritocracy: “I believe the most qualified People of color are given
Statements which assert that person should get the job.” extra unfair benefits because
race does not play a role in of their race.
life successes “Everyone can succeed in this People of color are lazy
society, if they work hard and/or incompetent and need
enough.” to work harder
Pathologizing cultural values/ Asking an African American: Preference for assimilation to
communication styles: “Why do you have to be so the dominant culture. White
The notion that the values and loud/animated? Just calm culture is generic and should
communication styles of the down.” be the standard for all.
dominant/white culture are To an Asian: “Why are you
ideal so quiet? We want to know
what you think. Be more
verbal.” “Speak up more.”
Second-class citizen: Person of color mistaken for a People of color are servants
Occurs when a white person service worker to Whites. They could not
is given preferential possibly occupy high-status
treatment as a consumer positions.
over a person of color Being ignored at a store Whites are more valued
counter as attention is given customers than people of
to the white customer behind color
you
Adapted from Racial Microaggressions in Everyday Life
By Derald Sue, American Psychologist, Vol. 62 No. 4, 271-286
