Station 4: Recognizing and Responding to Everyday Racism & Microaggressions

What Are Microaggressions?

Microaggressions are small, often unconscious comments or actions that demean or exclude people based on their background, skin color, religion, language, or other identity markers.
They may seem “harmless” – but for those affected, they are hurtful, especially because they occur frequently.

Examples:

  • “But where are you really from?”
  • “You speak German so well for a foreigner!”
  • A person is always the only one asked for a receipt in a store.

Why is this important?
Such remarks suggest that the person doesn’t fully belong – which causes emotional harm and exclusion.

 

Step 1: Spot the Microaggressions (Interactive Activity)

Your task:

You'll find various example situations on cards. Read each Situation carefully and decide:

  •  “Not a problem”
  • “Rude, but not racist”
  • “Microaggression / Everyday racism”


Examples of situation cards and response tips:

SituationSuggested Response
“Can I touch your hair?”Not okay. Say politely but firmly: “That feels intrusive. Please don’t.”
A child says to a classmate: “You’re so brown – were you on vacation?” Often no bad intent. Ask: “Why do you ask?” and explain why skin color isn’t a good conversation topic.
In a job interview: “We already hired someone with a migration background.”Discriminatory. Speak up: “That’s not acceptable.” Or report it to a support organization.
A teacher asks a student with a migration background: “Can you explain how that’s done in your country?”Microaggression. Later clarify that individuals shouldn’t have to speak for entire groups.
A colleague says: “I don’t see color – everyone is equal to me.”Well-intentioned, but problematic. Better: Acknowledge differences without discrimination.

 

Step 2: Reaction Training

Choose one of the situations and think about:


  • How could you respond if you are directly affected?
    How could you respond if you are a witness?

 

Step 3: Collecting the "3 Good Responses"

  • If I am affected:
    If I am a witness:
    If I am unsure:

Examples:

  1. "That wasn't okay. Please don't say things like that."
  2. "Can we talk about why that might be hurtful?"
  3. "I'm not sure – but I’d like to learn more."

Everyday racism often hides in seemingly “harmless” situations. This station helps to recognize such microaggressions, talk about them, and actively find good ways to interrupt them – whether as someone affected or as an ally.

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Take Part & Win: Diversity Crossword Puzzle

At the end of the walk, a Diversity Crossword Puzzle awaits – filled with terms from the walk.
Find the solution word and send it by email to: [email protected]
You'll be entered into a prize draw for great giveaways like books, fair trade items, and plants.

Link to the puzzle

Note: All emails will be deleted after the giveaway ends and will not be used for any other purpose.
Legal disclaimer: Legal recourse is excluded. Prizes are non-transferable and cannot be exchanged or paid out in cash.