By Kerry Ann Rockquemore | Inside Higher Ed
This “Dear Kerry Ann” addition of Inside Higher Ed’s Career Advice column answers a question from “Awkward Ally,” who has just recently learned what a microaggression and wants to take action when he/she observes these moments happening among colleagues. However, despite wanting to do the right thing he/she often feels frozen in the moment and is struggling as to how to best help in these situations.
Kerry Ann provides a detailed response, relating to “Awkward Ally” through personal experience, and then providing some concrete ways for allies to overcome the feeling of freezing in the moment. She talks about the benefits of reframing the role so allies are engaging in ‘microresistance,’ as opposed to ‘reacting to microaggressions.’ She then discusses the “open the front door” (OTFD) technique for engaging: Observe, Think, Feel, Desire.
As both the letter and the response point out, microaggressions occur daily—against students, staff, and faculty—and when we see them it can be hard to know just how to react. However, their effects are cumulative and significant; it is essential we all work hard to engage in mircoresistance on our campus, in our facilities, and in our everyday lives. Doing so will not only help create a more positive living and working environment for all, but it will allow professionals to model strong ally behavior for student employees and student patrons.
