In some cases, workplace discrimination is fairly obvious. If someone makes disparaging comments about you based on your race or refuses to put you up for a promotion on those grounds, you know you are being discriminated against.
But these cases are relatively rare in a modern work environment, where discrimination is illegal. What is much more common are microaggressions. These have been defined by National Public Radio (NPR) as “thinly veiled, everyday instances of racism, homophobia, sexism and more.”
Microaggressions can contribute to a hostile work environment. They involve repeated actions or comments that make someone feel unwelcome or marginalized by their coworkers – or those in positions of power in the workplace.
Subtle interactions
Microaggressions stem from inherent biases toward groups that are already marginalized. They may be subtle, but they can still demonstrate this biased perspective.
For example, someone may tell you that they are surprised by how well educated you are or how well you speak English. They may frame this as a compliment, but the implication is that they assumed someone of your race would be uneducated or unable to speak the language – even if you have lived in the U.S. your entire life.
In terms of sex discrimination, these types of comments may happen in specific industries. For instance, if you are a woman who works in a male-dominated industry and someone says they are surprised by your career choice, the implication is that you do not belong, making this a microaggression.
Your legal options
Microaggressions are just one form of discrimination to be aware of. If you have experienced them, make sure you know exactly what legal options you have.