Step 3: Discussion
Group discussion about participants’ reactions to the role play and what strategies they think will work best. Participants should be encouraged to adapt the strategies to their own situations.
Conclusion.
Example of scenarios and potential responses:
|
Micro-aggressions |
Strategy |
Response |
|
“You don’t look gay.” |
Appeal to values |
“Wow, I didn’t think you were the kind of person to make assumptions about people.” |
|
Someone asking to touch your hair because it is “exotic” |
Express your feelings |
“It makes me uncomfortable that you want to touch my hair.” |
|
“You must be good in math; can you help me with this problem?” |
Get them to explain |
Why would you assume that I am good at math?” |
|
“Of course, she’ll get the job, she’s a minority.” |
Give information |
“It’s actually harder for minorities to get those jobs. I read a study about it.” |
|
Being told you speak English well when it is your first language |
Use humor |
“Thanks, I’ve been speaking it since I was born!” |
|
Someone assumes you speak Spanish because you look Latino/a. |
Involve others |
Turn to a friend: “Apparently, I speak Spanish now. Who knew?” |