February Event Write-Up

The February Charlottesville Women in Tech event was a discussion of the book Subtle Acts of Exclusion: How to Understand, Identify, and Stop Microaggressions by authors Tiffany Jana and Michael Baran. The book, in part, tries to help the reader reframe the term “microaggressions,” which are often neither micro nor committed with any aggressive intent. Using chapters on gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, ability, religion, and age and generation, the authors describe things commonly said and done that are alienating rather than inclusive. They help the reader understand steps that can lead to accountability, correction and a positive path forward.

The women who gathered for virtual discussion — some seasoned CWIT participants and some new to the group — used the book as a starting point for a lively discussion on subtle acts of exclusion (SAE). We talked about what we’ve experienced ourselves and how we’ve seen others targeted. Even though we all consider ourselves nice, well-intended people, we even took accountability for SAE we’ve unknowingly committed in the past. We talked about how to advocate for the subjects of SAE and how to intervene as an observer in ways that demonstrate allyship. Some had read the entire book and some had only just ordered it, but all agreed they learned something from the discussion.

If you’re feeling sad about missing this book group, have no fear! CWIT has book discussions about once per quarter. Know of a book that speaks to the lives of women in tech? Fiction, non-fiction, long or short — we’d love to hear it. Email us at info@cvillewomen.tech.