INDUSTRY U P DAT E S
Walking Away
with Papercuts HOW TO DEAL WITH MICROAGGRESSIONS IN THE WORKPLACE by Amy C. Waninger
B
efore we talk about microaggressions, let’s engage in a thought experiment:
Imagine for a moment that every time you interacted with a particular colleague (we’ll call them Pat), you walked away with a papercut. Every handshake, every meeting, every email or phone call results in a papercut, right in that webbing between your fingers. The first time it happens, you may not realize what happened. The second time, you assume that it was an accident or coincidence. The third time, you decided to speak up. Pat says you’re being too sensitive. Maybe, Pat says, it’s your fault you’re getting papercuts in painful places. The trend continues, ad infinitum. At what point would you begin to avoid Pat? When would you start to limit your interactions to “only when absolutely necessary?” And how long would it be before you decide that it is never, ever absolutely necessary? If this colleague had an open position on their team, would you apply? Even if it were a promotion or your dream job? Would you encourage your friends to apply? Probably not. If Pat were your boss, would you file a formal complaint? Or would you feel silly because it’s “just” a papercut?
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SUMMER 2022
MICROAGGRESSIONS: INTERPERSONAL PAPERCUTS
EXAMPLES OF MICROAGGRESSIONS
Many people work with someone like “Papercut Pat.” Except, for them, the problem comes in the form of Pat’s verbal jabs, rolling eyes, derisive comments, insensitive nicknames, harmful assumptions, intrusive questions, or similar behaviors. Many people are someone’s Papercut Pat and don’t even know it. These behaviors, called microaggressions, are like emotional papercuts that we inflict upon one another, often without realizing it. We say things or make assumptions that are rooted in ignorance or obliviousness, if not outright hostility. But these seemingly small indignities have a big impact over time. I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “death by a thousand cuts.” Microaggressions can impact your career in negative ways, whether you’re the one inflicting them or the one wincing in emotional pain.
These behaviors come in many forms, and, again, may not be intentional. But just like Pat’s papercuts, they take a toll. • Making fun of — or intentionally mispronouncing — someone’s name • Asking a female colleague who cares for her children when she travels on business • Telling a black person that they are “so articulate” • Asking an Asian-American where they’re “really” from • Asking trans people intrusive questions • Using derogatory terms to describe people who have disabilities • Asking older workers when they plan to retire Someday, I’ll write “The Papercut Chronicles” to share some of my own experiences and transgressions. (In the meantime, I’d love to hear some of your “Did they really just say that?!?” moments.)
Many people work with someone like “Papercut Pat.” Except, for them, the problem comes in the form of Pat’s verbal jabs, rolling eyes, derisive comments, insensitive nicknames, harmful assumptions, intrusive questions, or similar behaviors.
