microaggression

society

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July 22, 2026

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Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional comments or actions that express prejudice toward members of marginalized groups. The term was introduced by psychiatrist Chester M. Pierce in the 1970s to describe race-motivated "offensive mechanisms" that differ from overt "macroaggressions" like lynching.12

These actions, while seemingly minor, can have a cumulative negative impact on individuals from marginalized communities. The power of microaggressions often lies in their invisibility to the perpetrator, who may not realize they are expressing biased attitudes. The concept has broadened over time to include prejudice based on factors beyond race, such as gender or sexuality.12

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critical race theory
The social construction of race and the normality of racism
…take the form of “microaggressions,” which are verbal or behavioral slights, generally subtle and often unintentional or unconscious, that communicate a stereotype or negative attitude toward a person of color and thus indicate an implicit bias based on race. (Microaggressions may also be directed at members of other oppressed…
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…take the form of “microaggressions,” which are verbal or behavioral slights, generally subtle and often unintentional or unconscious, that communicate a stereotype or negative attitude toward a person of color and thus indicate an implicit bias based on race. (Microaggressions may also be directed at members of other oppressed…
Read More