Page 80 - Microaggressions in Everyday Live Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation

54 the psychological dilemmas and dynamics of microaggressions

to move to the rear of the plane, many possible questions flood the targeted

passenger:
“ Did what I think happened really happen? Was this a deliberate act or an unin-
tentional slight? How should I respond? Sit and stew over it or confront the
person? If I bring the topic up, how do I prove it? Is it really worth the effort?
Should I just drop the matter? ” (Sue, Capodilupo, et al., 2007, p. 279).
First, a potential microaggression induces attributional ambiguity: “ What

was behind the flight attendant ’ s request? ” (Crocker & Major, 1989). It depletes
psychological energy by diverting attention away from the surround-
ing environment in an attempt to interpret the motive and meaning of the
person ’ s actions. A female middle manager who is never invited by male col-
leagues to lunch may wonder about the motives of her male coworkers. A gay
man who is passed over for a promotion and told the company offered it to
the “ most qualifi ed ” applicant may spend considerable time and energy try-
ing to discern whether the action was biased. A student of color who is pre-
sented with readings that seem to portray his group stereotypically may feel
demeaned and alienated. In all three examples, psychological energy must
be expended to (1) discern the truth, (2) protect oneself from insults and
invalidations, and (3) try to ascertain what actions should be taken. In all
three cases, these individuals may be disadvantaged in fully engaging in the
worksite or classroom. Their work productivity, problem-solving abilities,
and learning capabilities can suffer immensely (Cadinu et al., 2005; Salvatore &
Shelton, 2007; Steele et al., 2002).
Attributional ambiguity causes major energy - depleting problems for
marginalized populations when “ double messages ” are sent. On one hand,
the actions from the perspective of the sender can be seen as rational and bias -
free. But, on the other hand, the actions may become suspect because they
seem to happen with consistency only to people of color, women, and LGBTs.
Returning to our flight attendant example, being asked to move was not the

first time that similar requests have occurred to both passengers. Most margin-

alized groups use contextual interpretations to add meaning to interpersonal
encounters: that is, they evaluate similar experiences they have encountered
over time and in different places (Dovidio & Gaertner, 2000). When done, they
may conclude that the only thing that ties together the multiple experiences
they have in similar situations is “ the color of their skin, ” “ their gender, ” or

“ their sexual orientation. ” The flight attendant, however (like many White
brothers and sisters), does not share these experiences; she is likely to evaluate

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