Tips for dealing with microaggressions at work | BBC Ideas

Tired of stereotyping and sweeping generalisations based on your race? Here are a few top tips for managing microaggressions at work.
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[@DGB2000]

The “okurr” was hilarious😭😂😂

[@jamaicafox]

That singing bit isn't a microagression. That's a macroagression. Those coworkers are flat out OUT of their minds to the point of being cartoonish. It's so outlandish, I don't know whether to cry our laugh.

[@sunnysied713]

Assuming she can sing well isn't a micro or macro aggression. How is it a NEGATIVE to assume that someone has a POSITIVE quality? Lol. People are too easily offended at the slightest of things.

[@Anna_Rozanska]

@@sunnysied713 For me, forcing someone to do something (regardless of any assumptions) and putting someone in the spotlight like this is a (subtle?) form of aggression. It's not the same as asking someone to do something. I was one of the best students at secondary school and both teachers and classmates pushed me in a similar way to do things: to compete in contests, to represent the school or to negotiate with teachers on behalf of the students... I am white, but this scene brought back some unpleasant memories.

[@ihateleftistliars4840]

@@Anna_Rozanska AWWW POOR YOU, THIS IS THE LEVEL OF CRYING NOW!? THEY WANTED ME TO COMPETE BOOOOO HOOOO.. MY WRESTLING COACH WANTED ME TO COMPETE, AND I CRIED LIKE A B ABOUT,,,,, NO IN REALITY I SAID WE WILL SEE AND WORKED ON

[@DGB2000]

He said lets hear you “SANG” girl with a southern accent

[@MalkuthEmperor]

​@@ihateleftistliars4840unless your job is to be pressured to sing then it doesent apply. If i applied to train a sport like wresling then i would already know beforehand that there will be wresling. In the scenario, they arent working Tno one is complaining about working their job But about things that are sepperete from the job Im sure you understand it, but god you had to rush head first into thinking that " people are just too sencitive" as if them beeing sencitive hurts you in some way. Idk, maybe thats not it, but it looks like it Have a good day

[@TrinaSafiya]

What if it's my HR that's the worst offender?! 😭

[@MalkuthEmperor]

Uff... Realistically you shouldnt have to do any of thease things, but we live in a world such as this one, so i have a trick of sorts to share with you: As someone who has been called strange nicknames which i very much felt bellittled by in school and highschool, i found one thing that helped when i got one of my forst jobs after school. I turned the nickname which i hated into an acronym which meant something positive ( i forgot what it is at this time tho) And every time that cowerker thought he pissed me off, he was actually reaffirming me as a person and belliteling himself. This was just a guy who wanted to be edgy and who wanted to get a reactioj out of me , and possibly to make people feel bad be ause he himself was insecure. So for me it helps to diagnose what the persons aim is and whether its done out of insecurity or if its phisically dangerous for me in some way to engauge with this person The actonim worked as long as i remembered it. Im. Suggesting this because im not anyone that could offer enither legal advice not medical proffesionally, so id rather give you a mental trick, because i know how capitalism devalues its actual workers and puts them in compromising positions even when this society would be nothing without thease same workers . If you feel like it, try it out Make acronims, or change the meaning or cirtain phrases that are comonly used, or just try to devalue the person in your head. It helps me alot if i understand how a person like that ticks, because then there is nothong they can do to make me feel bad if i dont have even the slightest bit of actual respect towards them ( but this takes some sitting down an analising and kind of making an ego for the situation itself, atleast for me. And its helped me to write stuff like this) Again, in a better world, you shouldnt need to do all this, but if nothing else, then i hope we see thay world in our lifetimes or at least the rest of humanity will hopefully see it soon. Anyway, have a nice day, i hope you find thease at least entertaining if not useful Have a nice day

[@franklinshepardinc]

always remember that H.R. isnt there to protect you. They're there to provide legal cover for your employer. Im sorry you have to deal with that, but in my experience it does not shock me in the slightest.

[@Jeremy-fh3bk]

The difficulty with the solutions is that they require so much composure, while you are literally BOILING inside. let's brainstorm ways to Process these intense emotions.

[@Jennifer-rv9sb]

Agreed 💯 It’s almost as if it’s unfair for us to have to bring it up. In the first place. And that is not our responsibility to educate others

[@yurigansmith]

You need to be prepared before it happens.

[@pamelasingh4559]

Some people like to hide their incompetences behind such phrases.

[@lifecycles9625]

Report them to HR, on their feedback and appraisals. They chose to say and behave like that and they know exactly what they are doing to make you feel uncomfortable and singled out. Do not make excuses for them and don’t let it go or they will continue or think it’s ok and do to another. Call them out when they isolate you for your race, culture, appearance etc. These are personal & none of anyone’s business.

[@Jennifer-rv9sb]

A lot of these comments are exactly the reason why I disagree with confronting and trying to explain to people how these micro aggressions hurt us and how they can change. It is not our responsibility to educate people. It is their own. Thank you for making this video but please fix it

[@snokitty]

This is so real

[@smk4990]

But how would you respond to these situations though?

[@Jennifer-rv9sb]

@@smk4990 great question, I would quit (if it was an option) and then I would tell them during the exit interview exactly why with all the details. I would then look for a workplace that was open to working on discrimination.

[@smk4990]

@@Jennifer-rv9sb unfortunately I work in a line of work that predominantly white and me as a minority I encounter micro- aggression everyday. If I quit and go to another place I will still face it. Many of us don’t have the option to leave. One thing I missed about covid times was this telework option, I didn’t deal with their racism for 3 years

[@terrys.2342]

@@smk4990 If it helps, none of us want to deal with you either.

[@EldhoseJoseph]

It's way harder to deal with passive aggression than active aggression. Especially, "I don't intend to" types. It's one thing to come off as disrespectful out of ignorance, happens, especially in multicultural and diverse group. It's another to have it normalized.

[@GEOFF0906]

Just put it down to ignorance and move on. The habitually offended among us should simply get over themselves. None of us are the centre of the universe.

[@ihateleftistliars4840]

OR MAYBE IT THE FING SELF INVOLVED B S OH YOU WEAK CRY BABY LSERS

[@obatalaosun2222]

@@GEOFF0906 Clearly you're not the one being offended.

[@Cuzzys2nd]

@@obatalaosun2222 So? Should you cater to every single person's whim?

[@lesslycarthan956]

White people only make up 12% of the world population who's the minority?

[@SomethingSomethingg]

I love how she only talks to black women, reinforcing the idea that this is something only black people deal with. Every race is expected to stand up for things that support black people, but black people can't reciprocate that.

[@yirisponsible6863]

the frame work she gave works for everyone and any situation ... 1- set up the situation 2-objectively describe the behaviour 3- explain the impact 4- do differently As both the Writer and Actor, it is best to use context personal to HER experience.

[@GEOFF0906]

Is anyone interested in the BBC's 'ideas'? They are soon going to have to come up with some good ideas as to how to remain solvent, when their licence fee paying audience desert them in droves.

[@xrayusg24]

Sometimes, this BBC ideas videos are making things too much simple and black and white. I mean there are so many grey zones in day to day behaviour. So many times, if my perspective for that day is cool; then everything will be seen normal. And on some day if I wake up on wrong side of bed, then all will be seen with magnifying glasses.

[@Honeypepper.]

Key phrase IF YOU LET IT

[@user-ik4os9fo3r]

Moral of the story: be the outcast minority and be weirded out by everybody else

[@slwh111]

Is farting a microaggression? Probably depends on the size of the fart. A little squeaker might be a microaggression. But a big thunder boomer would be a macroaggression. 💨

[@mattdemers8773]

We all know who is allowed to do the big farting these days. The BBC.

[@ihateleftistliars4840]

LOL ABOUT AS PATHETIC AS THESE PPL CRYING OVER EVERYTHING

[@novictim]

😆

[@double051]

Embarrassing

[@MalkuthEmperor]

Why?

[@Peter-mj6lz]

@@MalkuthEmperorbecause the commentator doesn’t want to actually listen.

[@ribbrascal1065]

​@@Peter-mj6lz We've been listening to black people whining for years.

[@pondfish_]

Nah.... This gotta be joke

[@jamesrmorris1952]

if I worked with these people I wonder if they hadn't been poisoned or someone spiked their drinks cos they are crazy

[@funfutball]

This generation. We sang dirges for you but you won't cry, we sang happy songs for you but you won't dance. What do you want?

[@ihateleftistliars4840]

WHAT THE NEED IS A HUGE BOWL OF SHTT THE PHUK UP

[@rogerflack415]

Yes, I'm tired of the BBC continually stereotyping and making sweeping generalisations about white people being racist.

[@daniindie9447]

😴

[@keairafowler1577]

Mmmmm i deal with micro aggressions about my hair being braided lol😂😂😂😂😂 but that's okay because i asked one of my employees about lice and it shut her tf up

[@spacebae4172]

Thank you for this, very good info!

[@Vic2point0]

Fun fact: No one who's offended by the white dude here putting on a black-sounding voice minded in the slightest when Hillary Clinton and AOC did it.

[@mattdemers8773]

I can taste the devaluation of British tax dollars through this video.

[@j.j.1064]

No such thing as British tax dollars. GB pounds. The devaluation comes in the form of the rich syphoning off money into offshore tax havens and privatizing public utilities where future investments are creamed off to shareholders and workers are explored. That has a far greater stench. And is accurate.

[@danbee6103]

Its all really neurological tradition for the sake of nurture emotion. No challenges pls, im special and the higher ups love me cause i talk non-sense to them aallll day and they love profit.

[@danbee6103]

…and im referring to the tribe here, not the minority fyi.

[@RY-fe3rt]

Better yet, stay out of the office altogether, work from home and enjoy a few good laughs and neutral conversation a couple of times a year with colleagues at the Christmas party and any other sporadic VOLUNTARY meet ups you participate in. It's the fountain of youth! 😁

[@enonchan6064]

Great stuff here. I definitely can relate and glad you address it, regardless of the dismissive statements of the "non-melanated."

[@TradBarbie]

We just have *adaptive* melanin so we can absorb vitamin D.

[@Cuzzys2nd]

"Melanated" person here (disgusting descriptor for people, btw, makes it sound right out of the 1960s), and this entire video is a joke. Trivial things like this make it harder for me to raise ACTUAL issues in a predominantly "white" workplace, like overtime schedules. Call me "white-minded" or "internally non-melanated" (I gagged typing that), whatever, but THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A MICROAGGRESSION. Flat out.

[@latoyatea7333]

These comments did not pass the vibe check and definitely have people who are apart of the problem

[@Lavendeer201]

Like you. Your vibe check is off. Deal with reality

[@terrys.2342]

We find you laughable and pathetic. That's your vibe.

[@mellio1113]

Great video thank you

[@joschkawinkel1168]

Why do you think that this is exclusive to minorities? Being teased is quite normal and people being passive aggressive towards you. And with some of the things you can t even interpret them as being either of these. Asking someone to sing solo for a birthday party is in no way an aggression of any kind. Also this is extremely unrealistic. "Your" workplace environment is just absurdly comedic. You might just need to stand up for yourself when people don t show you respect. Just try and don t use identity politics whilst doing so and the world will be so much easier.

[@stefannikola]

When is it teasing and when is it aggression?

[@ChelleInTheCity]

Why are you even teasing in the workplace? Lol. That is the real question. The fact you have to ask says a lot lol. This isn’t the school playground. This is work. Be professional. Period.

[@ihateleftistliars4840]

@@ChelleInTheCity AND YOU WILL BE A LONELY OLD BAG

[@Cuzzys2nd]

@@ChelleInTheCity If you want a gulag, sure.

[@SomethingSomethingg]

​@@ChelleInTheCityBecause friends tease each other? Because most of us hate our jobs and we like to have a little bit of fun to get through the day??

[@ChelleInTheCity]

@@SomethingSomethingg what. Just stopped talking to me. Lol

[@iKylaAwesome]

Oh gosh I am going through this in my first job, which I just resigned for. I’m the person who came from a more privileged background, mixed race and have advantages in my credentials. So when I got into a workplace of people who seem to be culturally homogeneous, I really stuck out!

[@theredrooms2079]

Really interesting, top quality stuff

[@lianadotjpeg]

I LOVE this!!! As a young woman, I will be able to use these tips in the future.

[@DailyMunch]

Get over yourself.

[@lianadotjpeg]

@@DailyMunch You'll have permission to talk to me after you develop a sense of empathy.

[@avonzo]

Whoa! Finally someone put this out there for everyone to get onboard with a useful framework! Well done. I had no idea how to handle this kind of behaviour coming from a minority myself. Thanks.❤️ 👍

[@overkill2006]

African Americans deal with this there whole life and it can escalate to violence.💯

[@elianesantoscabral3271]

Excelente!

[@darylmckay]

Nicely explained, thank you 😊

[@workingmom339]

I disagree with the definition of microagression because are not always hostile, derogatory, or insulting. Most of the time the person saying the microaggression thinks they are giving a compliment, for example "you speak English so well" or they think by making jokes they are making a connection with the minority person. For example in the video the white people call the black person Beyonce and uses black slang, you can tell that the white people think they are just making jokes. I'm NOT saying what they are doing is okay, it's just from their perspective they don't understand that what they are doing is offensive.

[@yurigansmith]

Might be, might not be, but in any case it reveals a racial bias.

[@PotterSpurn1]

The problem is that not all black people would find it offensive, even if you do - not unless it was hostile, derogatory or insulting.

[@billwilson7823]

Micro aggressions are very dependent on the particular work environment. If it’s a male dominated blue-collar job, you must be capable of extreme micro aggressions in order to just get on. You’ve got to be able to take it. I get abused an awful lot and I just go along it’s OK. It’s good fun, l give it back, And me and the boys all love each other but we never say it.

[@PotterSpurn1]

Isn't this video a microaggression against white people? All the offenders in this video are white. There are many racist people who are not caucasian, yet they are not represented here in this video. The situaiton is far more complex than you describe it here too, even though you make some good points and have helped me understand where you are coming from. All the same, not every black person is going to be offended by well intentioned remarks, which can also be described as micro-aggressions. Not everyone agrees that a micro-aggression must be intentionally hostile, derogatory or rude - as you do, although I prefer your definition - as it is more transparently wrong. Furthermore, why is it that some black people would be offended by white people admiring their braids for instance (just like they might admire any white person's hairstyle too) - when so many black people now straighten their hair, dye it blonde too - adopting a more European white look? It is confusing to well intentioned white people what is acceptable and not intended to be offensive to thier black counterparts, but still their remarks could be perceived as micro-aggressions. Your examples seem exaggerated in your video. I have never been with a bunch of colleague would would dream of saying any of these things in front of their black colleagues, no matter what their private beliefs are. I have asked black colleagues how they do their hair though, out of interest. Isn't that just curiosity and conversation, not a micro-aggression? Who are the judges and juries of micro-aggressions anyway? It can't be defined objectively as one or not. It seems that some give and take is required here: less sensitivity on the side of black people, more care about what they say and do from those who aren't black. Then there will be less hurt all round.

[@Moody13553]

WAAAAY too simplistic!

[@monikaroman9424]

For example Christians in Muslim countries 🤔 atheists among believers and vice versa etc

[@Thicc_Boyo]

Usually perceiving every innocuous thing as a slight against you is seen as delusional. Attaching toxic identity politics to it doesn't make it any less so.

[@obatalaosun2222]

You're definitely the one doing and saying the "innocuous" things.

[@crystal3088]

And this is how it continues to happen. Literally denying the experiences of those who come forward and verify it with groups of people who experience the EXACT SAME thing is still being considered delusional. Or being too sensitive. Or petty. You are the problem.

[@daniels.os.]

So you can't be critized? You can't listen and be empathic with others needs and experiences? That says a lot about you.

[@alrightalrightalright224]

Stop micro-analyzing what people are saying and stop being offended by small things . You’ll be much happier.

[@peternorthe1912]

Just to throw a little bit of perspective into the conversation, microaggressions can be interpreted into so many situations. Not just “black and white”. Example: When I was still serving in the military and living off base in a few different places and trying to be as non-military as I can when out in the community among civilians I would quite often encounter people who’s actions and comments clearly indicated a bias or prejudice towards military personnel. An exaggerated “YES SIR!” while attempting some wild kind of a salute (usually with a left hand), or some idiotic comment alluding to PTSD and loud or sudden noises as being a trigger for all military people. The list goes on. I guess I’m just trying to say that prejudice and social incompetence is not just a racial thing. I’m white and I’ve seen it with my own umm… “people”? “Race”? “Kind”? Whatever you want to call white folks who behave like Homer Simpson?

[@dawsonsdiary]

I can’t work in any space if I know I’m gonna be the only black male. It’s too much.

[@georgeroberts-morehen9147]

MEGADEFENSE ✌🏻👊🏻👏🏻👍🏻👌🏻 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@rulabula2259]

Talk to your boss or HR L-O-L

[@leoxvelllopez6476]

I dont see any microaggression at all. this generation is so fragil

[@lianadotjpeg]

You lack empathy until it's something that affects you or your own. Reflect on that.

[@blowme5258]

Tips on how to be fragile and easily offended. Tips on how to have a victim mentally.

[@EldhoseJoseph]

To not take disrespect and taunts as fragility, "blow me". In my language, it's called self respect and having a spine to speak up. Perhaps ur too fragile to take back the beating.

[@somecuriosities]

With a username like that, should we be surprised by the troll acting like a troll here, trying to create a psudeo cultural war outrage over a video thats about showing a little thought, consideration and human decency to a minority group. Nice try OP.

[@ravi.tiwari.]

Tips on how to tackle racist people.

[@daniindie9447]

Sounds like you’re talking about yourself.

[@GEOFF0906]

@@somecuriosities Just be kind and decent to EVERYBODY. what's so difficult?

[@keairafowler1577]

They don't ask about my hair anymore ☺️☺️☺️

[@markloughtonUK]

Nothing to do with being black. This sort of behaviour happens to everyone no matter what colour they might be. As a white straight male I'm made fun of if I don't join in with "harmless banter". If you pull people up on their antics then you are seen as a stick-in-the-mud. This world makes me angry :(

[@darylmckay]

... sounding a bit fragile for someone okay with "banter". 🤔

[@jamaicafox]

Mark, this specific behaviors DO have to do with being Black. This video is not saying that NO ONE else experiences other forms of passive aggression. This video is calling out a specific type of bias. Racial Bias. Is that ok with you? Please don't be so quick to dismiss and deny the experiences of others simply because you have experienced another form of bias.

[@Moody13553]

Typical dumb response from a white guy... "nothing to do with being black"! 🤣🤣🤣 How do you know? You're not black - and your ignorance is part of the overall problem. 🙄

[@darylmckay]

@@jamaicafox well said 👏

[@daniindie9447]

For this particular video it IS to do with being black; they are dealing with one topic at a time. You could write into BBC with suggestions for other videos.

[@12packadayhabit]

These are completely ridiculous scenarios ... looks more like people looking for things to be offended by.

[@lianadotjpeg]

Anything to dodge accountability. You lack empathy.

[@nakshatrasengupta4117]

this is a joke, isn't it?

[@megg.6651]

I have 2 better solutions: 1. grow a SPINE and 2. stop making assumptions - they are making you unhappy

[@lianadotjpeg]

You lack empathy.

[@chbrules]

Racism is hilarious.

[@edwardsedwards796]

Shame on BBC for this video.

[@j.j.1064]

How dare they call out covert right wing minority bashing masquerading as "banter". The money should be spent on kkk uniforms for these social gatherings so their can be no doubts. Fake indignation warning. Well done producers of BBC.

[@Beevi.Leclosion]

Wow so that was it, two of my coworkers think it's fun not to call me by my name and to make mean jokes about my origins or part of it. They don't want to finish with the HR so they don't pick on arab jokes but they decided picking on my german side by saying things like oh you've got Hitler's boots, you're organized because you're german, you're jokes are bad because... could you sing to us in german like I'm some kind of monkey

[@user-xu6sj4iv3t]

3:25 🤌🤌

[@robertskolimowski7049]

I appreciate the problem, but u couldn't be more simplistic about it, could u?🤦‍♂️

[@Obamnaz]

Y'all are too soft. If you can't handle simple words then get out

[@thatlovegirl12]

It’s heartbreaking that this is a global issue

[@tiasmith6223]

welcome to Bermuda. Colonialism and her soul-draining affects

[@nnaheim.]

You have an underlying issue with your skin color. Dont blame it on others.

[@brotus4592]

Cringe

[@ribbrascal1065]

Pathetic.