Types of micro-aggressions

Micro-assault

These are conscious and deliberate acts communicated verbally or non-verbally in micro/private situations which can grant the perpetrator some form of anonymity (Sue et al., 2007). Micro-assaults include, name calling, deliberate avoidant behaviours and "purposeful discriminatory actions" (Sue et al., 2007).

Micro-insult

These are verbal or non-verbally communications that "convey rudeness and insensitivity and demean a person's racial heritage or identity" (Sue et al., 2007). These are often "subtle snubs" that are not known by the perpetrator but carry a "hidden insulting message" to the recipient (Sue et al., 2007).

Micro-invalidation

These are verbal or non-verbal communications "that exclude, negate, or nullify the psychological thoughts, feelings, or experiential reality of a person of colour" (Sue et al., 2007).

Image source: https://journals.rcni.com/nursing-management/feature/how-you-can-tackle-casual-racism-and-microaggression-in-the-nhs-nm.27.5.14.s6

Examples of micro-aggressions & themes of micro-aggressions

Source:

Sue, Derald Wing, et al. “Racial Microaggressions in Everyday Life: Implications for Clinical Practice.” American Psychologist, vol. 62, no. 4, 2007, pp. 271–286., https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066x.62.4.271.