Microaggressions are best described as which of the following?

• A. Overt, explicit acts of racism.
• B. Subtle, often unintentional discriminatory remarks.
• C. Neutral statements with no bias.
• D. Only related to language differences.

Answer: (B)

Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional remarks or actions that communicate biased or prejudiced messages toward people from marginalized groups. They tend to be indirect and can seem minor in isolation, but their repeated occurrence can accumulate and harm—affecting a person’s sense of belonging and safety. This distinguishes microaggressions from overt, explicit acts of racism, which are direct and intentional, and from neutral statements that carry no bias. They aren’t limited to language: they can show up in tone, assumptions, or everyday interactions about race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, disability, religion, and more. In counseling and helping relationships, recognizing microaggressions helps protect the therapeutic alliance and supports a more inclusive, respectful environment.