Which term describes indirect, subtle, or unintentional acts of discrimination?

• A. Macro aggression
• B. Prejudice
• C. Micro aggression
• D. Discrimination

Answer: (C)

Microaggressions describe indirect, subtle, or unintentional acts of discrimination. They show up in everyday words or actions that, whether on purpose or not, convey biased assumptions about a person’s identity—such as race, gender, or ethnicity. Although the behavior isn’t overtly hostile, it can still convey demeaning or exclusionary messages and contribute to a sense of being othered over time. This distinctively captures the small, frequent experiences people encounter, which accumulate to produce real harm. By contrast, macro aggression refers to explicit, overt hostility; prejudice is an underlying biased attitude; and discrimination refers to unequal treatment that stems from that bias, often expressed in actions or policies.