Page 30 - Microaggressions in Everyday Live Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation

4 racial, gender, and sexual-orientation microaggressions

there are aspects of psychology that apply across all populations. Maybe we need to
dialogue more and be open to alternative interpretations. ”
Throughout the semester, the professor had sensed increasing resentment among
his students of color over the course content (he could not understand the reasons)
and he welcomed the opportunity to say something positive about their classroom
contributions. He responded, “ Justin [who is a Black student], I appreciate your
exceptionally thoughtful and intelligent observation. You are a most articulate young
man with good conceptual and analytical skills. This is the type of nonjudgmental
analysis and objectivity needed for good dialogues. We need to address these issues in
a calm, unemotional, and reasoned manner. ”
To the professor ’ s surprise, Justin and several other students of color seemed
offended and insulted by the praise.

Kathleen, a graduating MBA business major, was conservatively dressed in her black
blazer and matching skirt as she rode the number 1 subway train from Columbia
University to downtown Manhattan. This would be her second job interview with

a major brokerage firm and she was excited, sensing that her first interview with a
midlevel manager had gone very well. She had been asked to return to be interviewed
by the department vice president. Kathleen knew she was one of three fi nalists, but
also sensed her advantage in having specialized and unique training that was of
interest to the company.
During the train ride, Kathleen endured the usual smattering of admiring glances,
as well as a few more lecherous stares. As she exited a very crowded subway train at
Times Square, she attempted to squeeze out between the streams of commuters entering
the train car. One man, seeing her dilemma, fi rmly placed his hand on her lower back to
escort her out onto the platform. With his left arm, he steered her toward the exit and they
walked briskly toward the stairs, where the crowd thinned. Upon separating, the man
smiled and nodded, obviously believing he had acted in a chivalrous manner. Kathleen
didn ’ t appreciate being touched without her permission, but thanked him anyway.
During the interview, the vice president seemed very casual and relaxed. She noted,
however, that he referred to male employees as “ Mr. X ” and to female employees by
their first names. Several times he called her “ Kathy. ” She thought about telling him

that she preferred “ Kathleen, ” but didn ’ t want to alienate her potential employer. She
very much wanted the job. When she inquired about the criteria the company would
use to hire for the position, the vice president joked, “ What do you need a job for,
anyway? You can always find a good man. ”

When Kathleen did not laugh and remained serious, the vice president quickly said,
“ I believe the most qualified person should be offered the position. We treat all men

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