Page 235 - Microaggressions in Everyday Live Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation

CHAPTER TEN

Microaggressive Impact

in the Workplace and

Employment

Thus far, our discussion of racial, gender, and sexual-orientation microaggres-
sions has been to describe their etiology, manifestation, characteristics, and
effects upon marginalized groups in America. We have repeatedly stressed
that the power of microaggressions often lies in their invisibility to perpetra-
tors and victims. Throughout the text we have given numerous examples
of how microaggressions occur in interpersonal encounters, in the environ-
ment, under a variety of circumstances, and in many different situations.
Microaggressions not only demean and harm targeted individuals and
groups, but they also affect the quality of life of people of color, women, and
LGBTs. In this chapter, we specifically trace the manifestations and potential

harms that microaggressions cause in employment and the workplace.

MICROAGGRESSIONS IN THE
WORKPLACE/EMPLOYMENT

It ’ s not really the quid - pro - quo variety — “ put - out - or - get - out ” harassment — that ’ s
most prevalent.

It ’ s sexual harassment in terms of creating a hostile and demeaning environment.
I resent having my anatomy discussed in front of clients.

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