This video is an introduction to the concept of microaggressions, defined as everyday verbal, nonverbal, and environmental slights, snubs, or insults—whether intentional or unintentional—that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages to target persons based solely upon their marginalized group membership. Microaggressions are often referred to as “death by a 1000 cuts.” In this piece, Dr. Derald Wing Sue, an expert in this knowledge area, provides a clear definition and examples of how microaggressions can occur on a daily basis and in regular situations.

Studies have shown that people of color leave their organizations because of repeated exposure to negative microbehaviors, a phenomenon often referred to as “death by a thousand cuts.” Many times, the person responsible for the microbehavior is unaware that he/she is doing harm. The author, Dr. Derald Weng Sue, is considered one of the foremost experts on microbehaviors in society. He points out that almost all encounters are prone to microaggressions, and it is incumbent upon us to be able to identify them and understand their impact in order to address them. Additional microaggression examples can be found at the following website: http://www.microaggressions.com/