ABOUT

Not all acts of bias are easy to see or identify. Some of them are so subtle, they’re only felt. These subtle but painful interactions are known as microaggressions – seemingly harmless, and usually unintentional, comments and behaviours that can have a significant impact on the physical and mental health of those on the receiving end. But how can we change what we don’t know? Canada’s largest Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) organizations believed self-awareness was the first step. So, The Black Business and Professional Association, Canadian Congress on Inclusive Diversity & Workplace Equity, Pride at Work, and the Ryerson University’s Diversity Institute joined forces to launch The Micropedia, the first encyclopedia of microaggressions. It’s a judgement-free online tool that provides easy-to-digest information where people can unlearn their unconscious bias and make immediate changes in their daily interactions with others. Inspired by other wiki-based community sites, entries are collected via user submissions. Entries span nine categories and define the harmful impact of the microaggression while providing resources and real-world examples from news, media, and pop culture. A tips section promotes behaviour change through actionable steps. Since the launch of The Micropedia, the tool has been accessed in over 115 countries, organizations have shown interest in incorporating it, and the Canadian government is implementing it into workplaces nationwide. By raising self-awareness of these everyday interactions, The Micropedia will help create safer workplaces, schools, social settings and have lasting societal impact.