What Is a Racial Microaggression? And Why It Matters for Mixed People

You've probably heard of microagressions, but what exactly are they?

Racial microaggressions are the subtle, often unintentional ways people of color are discriminated against in everyday life. These are the offhand comments, assumptions, questions, or behaviors that exclude, invalidate, or stereotype—usually without anyone realizing the harm they cause.

For mixed people, microaggressions often show up in uniquely painful ways.

Microaggressions in the Mixed experience

If you're mixed, you’ve probably heard some version of these phrases:

• “You don’t really count, you’re only x%.”
• “Where are you actually from?”
• “If you don’t speak the language, then you’re not really [insert race/ethnicity].”

These aren’t just casual remarks. They are microaggressions that invalidate a person’s racial or ethnic identity. Psychotherapists refer to these specific kinds of microaggressions as exclusion and isolation. And when you hear them over and over, from strangers, peers, or even institutions, the impact runs deep.

The impact: loss of sense of belonging

Mixed people often navigate multiple cultural identities. But when others question or deny those identities, it can lead to a sense of not fully belonging anywhere. Mixed folx might begin to feel like they're not “enough” of one thing, or anything at all.

Over time, this repeated invalidation can affect self-esteem, cultural connection, and even mental health. It sends the message that a person's identity is something others get to decide for them.

Why this conversation matters

Understanding racial microaggressions is key to validating and supporting mixed identities. It's not about walking on eggshells, it's about making space for people to define themselves, on their terms.

Our hope is that others will begin to reflect on their actions and statements. To ask themselves, before they speak, if that question or statement is truly about connection, or if it might be unintentionally drawing lines that exclude.

Mixed identities are real, valid, and whole - no percentages required.