Navigating Workplace Microaggressions as a Black Woman
Alexa, play: “Don’t touch my hair” by Solange
Raise your hand if you’ve experienced a microagression at work? If you raised your hand, same, Sis; same! For those unfamiliar, microaggressions are defined as the everyday, subtle, intentional — and sometimes unintentional — interactions or behaviors that communicate some sort of bias toward historically marginalized groups.
I know I’m not alone when I say, as a Black women, it can be challenging to navigate these situations especially when you’re one of few if not the only person in the room that looks like you. Despite it’s difficulty, it’s essential to learn how to address microagressions effectively to create a more inclusive workplace environment and to protect our psychological safety. In this blog post, I will share some strategies for navigating microaggressions in the workplace as a Black woman.
Identify the Microaggression
The first step in navigating microaggressions is to identify them. This can be difficult since microaggressions are often subtle in nature and can be challenging to detect. However, some common forms of microaggressions include dismissing your opinions, comments, or ideas; tone policing; assuming all Black women have had the same life experiences; asking to touch our hair; making assumptions about our seniority; making stereotypical or racist remarks; expressed surprise at our language skills or other abilities; assuming we are less qualified or competent than our colleagues; and my personal favorite: being surrounded by non-Black peers with uncensored music blasting the N-word from the speakers. Yes, that’s a real example!
Choose Your Response
Once you have identified the microaggression, the next step is to determine how you want to respond. You could address the microaggression directly, seek support from a colleague or supervisor, or let it go. As our Forever First Lady, Michelle Obama said, “when they go low, we go high”. That doesn’t apply to me though — I go medium because I’m a work in progress.
All jokes aside, if you choose to address the microaggression directly, I applaud you because the decision to do so can be intimidating. Be sure to explain why the comment or action was offensive and how it made you feel. If you’re feeling particularly generous, you can also suggest ways to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Seek Support
If you're not comfortable addressing the microaggression directly, consider seeking support from a colleague, supervisor, or HR representative. They can help you navigate the situation and provide guidance on how to address it effectively. If you don’t have anyone at your company you feel comfortable seeking support from, reach out to me directly . I’m always down to be a thought partner.
Practice Self-Care
Dealing with microaggressions in the workplace can be emotionally draining, and it's essential to take care of yourself. Make sure to practice self-care, such as taking breaks, seeking support from friends and family, and engaging in activities that bring you joy.
Hold Leadership Accountable
Lastly, while I don’t believe the burden of education should fall on marginalized communities, it is essential to hold leadership accountable to promoting inclusivity in the workplace. This includes bringing awareness to others on the impact of microaggressions and promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives. Apply pressure to your Human Resources and/or People department(s) to ensure they’re focusing on and executing on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging efforts in their strategy.
Long story long, navigating microaggressions in the workplace as a black woman is challenging, but it's essential to address them to create a workplace that doesn’t challenge our peace and psychological safety. By identifying the microaggressions, choosing your response, seeking support, practicing self-care, and holding leadership accountable, hopefully you can effectively navigate these situations with less difficulty. And if all else fails, go medium 😉.
