TrainingBriefs® Nobody Taught Us This in School

Racial bias can be hard to spot. It shows up in our society and everyday interactions in ways we often don't realize. One common form is microaggressions. These are subtle, sometimes indirect, and often unintentional behaviors that send negative or hostile messages based on race. They can be things we say or do without even realizing the impact they have.

Sometimes people don’t recognize when and how bias is expressed in our society and in day-to-day interactions. Most of us have seen or experienced racial bias in the form of microaggressions, which are subtle, sometimes indirect, and often unintentional behaviors that communicate hostile, derogatory or negative racial messages or assumptions.

Let’s face it, our good intentions are not enough.  We must actively hold ourselves and others accountable. This means sometimes stepping out of our comfort zones and getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.