The phrasing of "micro-aggressions" seems to imply that these comments are less hurtful in some way. Conversely, I believe that micro-aggressions have the potential to be more harmful to the victim of said aggression because I feel that micro-aggressions are typically said subconsciously or without ill-intent, which implies that the person saying it doesn't realize that their words are harmful. Perhaps the person that said the micro-aggression doesn't agree that their words are offensive, which can be devastating.

I understand what the intention here is, but the inclusion of "white colleagues" feels strange. I would perhaps change this wording to instead be "following resources available for your colleagues," eliminating the exclusive (as in not inclusive) word of "white" completely.

I feel like the use of the word/phrase "POC" can be potentially harmful. It's feels like it segregates a group of people away from others by delimitating groups of people as one of their physical traits, which doesn't feel fair.

It's evident that the people asking about "how to bring diversity into our staff" are only doing so because they were told to do so. They don't value the benefit and inclusivity of a workplace that consists of people of all different kinds of backgrounds. They instead are taking a shallow look at what makes someone "diverse" in their own mind, which is very surface-level. Use of the word "diverse" in writing needs to be accompanied by a long and hard thought process about its context.

This reminds me of the style guide we looked at for the first assignment, one of the points being about inclusivity in language use. The "liberal feminist" boss obviously had a predisposition to believe that all black people fit a certain mold. Editors need to be careful to ensure that the words written by the author are inclusive and do not come off as limiting or discriminating.

This is a MAJOR red flag. Calling someone out for their blatant racism in the workplace when there's no seniority/position difference is one thing. It's another, much harder and more uncomfortable thing to have that person be your boss. There is a fear of being fired if you confront your boss about their actions. It feels easy for people in "upper management" to take advantage of those that work under them.

the effect of micro-aggressions, case in point.

This reminds me of Thanksgiving Day "celebrations" in elementary school. I know my elementary school had students dress up as Native Americans and Pilgrims around Thanksgiving. While I don't think this practice is that common anymore (and of course, I don't agree with it), I don't think we should blame the children for taking part in the "festivities," as they do not know better. This situation, though, is completely different, because these adults have the capacity to make well-thought-out decisions for themselves.

Simply being "not racist" isn't the same as being an "ally." Your friend wouldn't really be your friend if they were just simply not mean to you, right? Your friend helps you up when you are down, instead of simply not being the one that pushed you down.

What does "normal" mean? What does "healthy" mean? These words mean different things to different people, Saying that one person or group of people is "normal" implies that another is not, which is not inclusive.

The difference between empathy and sympathy, perhaps

Asking someone how they want to describe themselves "places the ball in their court," so to speak. Instead of "guessing" what someone wants to be called and accidentally offending them, it's better to let them decide so as to be more inclusive.

This highlights that the people mentioned are still explicitly people, of course. Saying "the elderly" feels derogatory because it shrinks down this community of people to a trait that they might not be comfortable with. Saying "older people" instead places emphasis on the word "people" but still conveys the same information in a more ethical way.

Using the phrase "students of color" separates all people into a couple of groups, erasing individual differences that makes different communities unique.