Anatomy of Racial Micro-Aggressions

Racial micro-aggressions inevitably occur in on-going groups. Rather than shun these harmful attacks, group leaders respond to opportunities for the group to examine and dismantle the racial myths and beliefs that lead to the violations. This article explains how micro-aggressions are unwittingly committed. Using clinical vignettes, the author illustrates non-verbal and verbal racial micro-aggressions that occurred in a mixed race group. Information from the leader's countertransference and knowledge of racial dynamics are applied to re-examine the vignettes through a race-critical lens. The author recommends how group leaders can expand their skills and confidence to address racial micro-aggressions as learning and healing opportunities when they occur within groups.