Racial microaggressions are subtle, brief, and commonplace verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignities that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative slights and insults toward members of racial or ethnic minority groups. These interactions can be intentional or unintentional, frequently arising from implicit biases, stereotypes, or unexamined assumptions rather than overt hostility. They commonly manifest as dismissive remarks, backhanded compliments, exclusionary behavior, or the denial of a person of color's cultural identity and lived experiences. While individual occurrences may seem minor or ambiguous to an outside observer, the continuous and cumulative nature of these everyday slights can cause significant psychological stress, perpetuate racial stereotypes, and reinforce systemic marginalization.
