Step 4: Answer the Questions

Invite participants to answer following discussion questions as a group and inside the group:

1. Do you believe the phrases listed in this activity are hurtful to the group being described? Why or why not?
2. Based on your answer to #1, do you think you’d be less likely to use phrases such as these in the future? Why or why not?
3. What can we do to recognize and combat these expressions in language when we encounter it? How can we educate others about micro-aggressive stereotyping in language?
4. Who decides whether an expression is offensive? Those that communicate using micro-aggressive language or the group being targeted by the language? Explain your reasoning.
5. Why do you think these phrases are associated with a specific group (rather than being described by action or trait terms that are not associated with a group)?