Microaggression or ways to be racist although not intending it

When talking about racism, most people have the same reaction: “Me? Racist? Never!”. While our self-perception is that we treat everybody equally, our actions speak a different language. Microaggressions are brief queries, comments or actions that are not intended to be malicious although their impact might be.

Questions like “Where are you really from?”, “You don’t sound gay”, or “Do you have internet where you come from?” are all questions that make the recipient feel excluded and not as a part of the community.

The impact at the workplace that a culture has where people have little awareness of their own microaggressions is high. Such a culture decreases work morale and diminishes psychological safety which is essential for high performing teams. Would you put in your best efforts if you are not feeling like being an integral part of the company?