Ascription of Intelligence Assigning intelligence to a person of color or woman based on their social‐group identity
“You are a credit to your race.”
People of color are generally not as intelligent as Whites.
“Wow! How did you become so good in math?”
It is unusual for a woman to be smart in math.
Asking an Asian person to help with a math or science problem.
All Asians are intelligent and good in math and sciences.
Color‐Blindness Statements that indicate that a White person does not want to acknowledge race
“When I look at you, I don't see color.”
Denying a person of color's racial/ethnic experiences.
“America is a melting pot.”
Assimilate/acculturate to dominant culture.
“There is only one race, the human race.”
Denying the individual as a racial/cultural being.
Criminality/Assumption of Criminal Status Person of color is presumed dangerous, criminal, or deviant based on race
A White man or woman clutches their purse or checks their wallet as a Black or Latinx American approaches or passes.
You are a criminal.
A store owner follows a customer of color around the store.
You are going to steal/You are poor/You do not belong.
A White person waits to ride the next elevator when a person of color is on it.
You are dangerous.
Use of Sexist/ Heterosexist Language Terms that exclude or degrade women and LGBTQ persons
Use of the pronoun “he” to refer to all people. Checkboxes on a form (male or female to specify one’s gender).
Male experience is universal. Female experience is meaningless. Gender is binary. You must fit into one or the other.
An assertive woman is labeled a “bitch.”
Women should be passive.
A heterosexual man who often hangs out with female friends more than male friends is labeled a “faggot.”
Men who act like women are inferior (women are inferior)/gay men are inferior.
Denial of Individual Racism/Sexism/Genderism/Heterosexism Statement that denies one’s personal bias
“I'm not racist. I have several Black friends.”
I am immune to racism because I have friends of color.
“As an employer, I always treat men and women equally.”
I am incapable of sexism.
Myth of Meritocracy Statements asserting that race or gender does not play a role in life successes
“I believe the most qualified person should get the job.”
People of color are given extra unfair benefits because of their race.
“Men and women have equal opportunities for achievement.”
The playing field is even so if women cannot make it, the problem is with them.
Pathologizing Cultural Values/Communication Styles Notion that values and communication styles of dominant/White culture are ideal
Asking a Black person: “Why do you have to be so loud/animated?” “Just calm down.”
Assimilate to the dominant culture.
To an Asian or Latinx person: “Why are you so quiet? We want to know what you think. Be more verbal.” “Speak up more.”
Something is wrong with you.
Dismissing an individual who brings up race/culture in work/school setting.
Leave your cultural baggage outside.
Second‐Class Citizen When target group member receives differential treatment from power group
Person of color is mistaken for a service worker.
People of color are servants to Whites.
Female doctor is mistaken for a nurse.
Women occupy nurturing roles and couldn’t possibly be physicians.
Having a taxi pass a person of color and pick up a White passenger. Being ignored at a store counter as attention is given to the White customer behind a person of color.
You are likely to cause trouble and/or travel to a dangerous neighborhood. Whites are more valued customers than people of color.
A lesbian woman is not invited out with a group of girlfriends because they thought she would be bored if they were talking to men.
You don't belong.
Traditional Gender Role Prejudicing and Stereotyping Expectations of traditional roles or stereotypes are conveyed
When a female student asked a male professor for extra help on a chemistry assignment, he asks, “What do you need to work on this for anyway?”
Women are less capable in math and science.
A person asks a woman her age and, upon hearing she is 31, looks quickly at her ring finger.
Women should be married during child‐bearing ages because that is their primary purpose.
A woman is assumed to be a lesbian because she does not put a lot of effort into her appearance.
Lesbians do not care about being attractive to others.
Sexual Objectification Women are treated as if they are objects at men's disposal
A male stranger puts his hands on a woman's hips or on the small of her back to pass by her.
Your body is not yours.
Whistles and catcalls as a woman walks down the street.
Your body/appearance is for men's enjoyment and pleasure.
Assumption of Abnormality Implication that there is something wrong with being LGBTQ
Two men holding hands in public are stared at by strangers.
You should keep your displays of affection private because they are offensive.
Students use the term “gay” to describe a fellow student who is socially ostracized at school. A trans woman is asked in a dorm elevator, “Are you a boy or a girl?”
People who are gay are weird and different. People must fit into one category in a male‐female gender binary.
Many microaggressions are common across various marginalized groups, but there are differences in types, hidden messages, and impact. Manifestation of microaggressions is contingent upon context and conventional stereotypes that are supported in those contexts.
to teach them words in their native language.
