Subtle Acts of Exclusion How to Understand, Identify, and Stop Microaggressions

The first practical, accessible, nonjudgmental handbook helps individuals and organizations recognize and prevent microaggressions so that all employees can feel the sense of belonging in the workplace that they deserve. Our workplaces are growing more diverse, but are we supporting inclusive cultures? While overt racism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination are relatively easy to spot, we cannot neglect the subtler everyday actions that normalize exclusion in our workplaces. Many have heard the term microaggression, but not everyone fully understands what microaggressions are or how to recognize them and stop them from happening. In this book, Tiffany Jana and Michael Baran offer a clearer, more accessible term, subtle acts of exclusion, or SAE, to emphasize the purpose and effect of microaggressions. Whether in the form of exaggerated stereotypes, backhanded compliments, unfounded assumptions, or objectification, SAE are insidious and damaging to our coworkers and colleagues. Jana and Baran give simple and clear tools to identify and address such acts, even offering scripts for helpful ways to approach discussions of difficult, uncomfortable, and deeply personal topics in a professional setting.