Microaggression is a term used for brief and commonplace daily verbal, behavioural, or environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative prejudicial slights and insults towards a particular group. Racial microaggressions appear to be a more subtle type of prejudice, but their effects can be damaging to the mental health and wellbeing of Black people.

“You speak well for a Black girl” – sends the message that Black people are generally not as intelligent or as articulate as White people.

“You are so pretty for a black girl” – sends the message that Black girls are not as attractive and desirable as White girls.

“Is that all your real hair” or “Can I touch your hair”

This is a violation of personal space and is also perceived as an entitlement. This is usually done to embarrass a person (because most people are aware Black women experiment with different hairstyles, so it comes across as calling out).

“When I look at you, I don’t see colour” or “There is only one race, the human race”

These comments deny the significance of Black people’s racial and ethnic experiences and history.