Module 4: Micro-aggression and a Socially Aware Society

Learning Objectives

This module guides you to understand micro-aggression in its wide spectrum. Starting with the most frequent “excuses” where people claim that micro-aggression is not really aggressive, you will become acquainted with subtle forms of exclusion which reinforce and maintain systems of power, inequality, and bias.

You will see how the use of language and the framework may implicitly communicate quite different messages and that insults can also happen when people have good or benign intentions.

The unit for ethical communication will give tips for initiators, i.e. people who have acted in a micro-aggressive way, and for observers and how to take an active part in the communication.

You will find guidelines for speaking up and how to behave in sensitive and emotional conversations.

Finally, we will mention the most important life skills which will contribute to your personal strength, such as self-awareness, empathy, resilience, assertiveness, authenticity, and critical thinking.