Microaggressions are defined as subtle, intentional — and oftentimes unintentional — everyday interactions or behaviors that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative racial messages or assumptions toward historically marginalized groups.

“You are so articulate.” Presumes that black people are not usually capable of competent intellectual conversation.
“Who are you? Do you live here?” Asking someone to identify themself in their own garage, home, or car and prove they ‘belong’ sends a message they are not welcome.
“Can I touch your hair?” Or worse touching without even asking. Curiosity is ok but invading someone’s personal space is not. This can make someone feel like they are an animal on display.

The difference between microaggressions and overt discrimination, is that people who commit microaggressions are often unaware they are doing these things — and if you point it out to them, they say, “That wasn’t my intention, you are being too sensitive.” Which is yet another microaggression.
The weight of these daily interactions underpins very real consequences in marginalized groups… stress, anger, frustration, self-doubt, and ultimately feelings of powerlessness and invisibility.

Participating Artists:

Donna Bassin, Richard Brachman, Judith Carlin, Elizabeth Demarco, Martha Diaz Adam, Susan Evans Grove, Denise Fitzgerald, Alyson N Fraser Diaz, Barry Fredericks, Debra Friedkin, Colleen Sweeney Gahrmann, Faith Hagenhofer, June He, Kate Hollitscher, Linda Johns, Alex Katsenelinboigen, Granvilette Kestenbaum, Joan Knauer, Becca Lynes, Jennifer Malone, Evan Stuart Marshall, Leslie Nobler, Courtney Novak, Christy O’Connor, J Steven Patton, Jean-Paul Picard, Adam Pitt, Chris Revelle, Francisco Silva, Linda Steinhardt Majzner, and Miriam Stern.

Click here to view and purchase the artwork in our online gallery.