What is a Microaggression Derald Sue?

Psychologist Derald Wing Sue defines microaggressions as “brief, everyday exchanges that send denigrating messages to certain individuals because of their group membership”. The persons making the comments may be otherwise well-intentioned and unaware of the potential impact of their words.

How do you address a Microaggression?

Acknowledge that you accept their intentions to be as they stated but reframe the conversation around the impact of the microaggression. Explain how you initially interpreted it and why….Discern.

1. The importance of the issue and the relationship.
2. Your feelings.
3. How you want to be perceived now and in the future.

How do you get rid of microaggressions?

Challenge the discriminatory attitudes and behavior, rather than the person. Teach students that impact is more important than intent. Stop unintentional microinsults and ask students to rephrase or rethink comments. Provide accurate information to challenge stereotypes and biases in the moment whenever possible.

Who is Derald Sue and what does he do?

Sue is currently a professor at Teachers College of Columbia University, professor emeritus at California State University, and the president of A Psychological Corporation, a consultation firm. He continues to conduct research and write in the area of racism and racial microaggression.

What does Derald Sue mean by racial microaggression?

He believes that overt expression of racism has evolved into more subtle, ambiguous, and unintentional manifestations toward Asian Americans in American social, political, and economic life. Racial microaggression describes racism that occurs daily in the lives of individuals who are ethnically different from the mainstream.

How many brothers and sisters does Derald Sue have?

Sue was born in Portland, Oregon, the second oldest of five brothers and one sister. His father, who emigrated from China around the age of 13, and his Chinese American mother never received formal education beyond third grade.

When did Derald Sue start teaching multicultural counseling?

He developed and taught the first multicultural counseling course and received the Outstanding Professor award in 1973. During his undergraduate and graduate training, Sue was influenced by the teachings of the Black leaders of the civil rights movement, such as Martin Luther King and Malcolm X.