“You Guys Are Smaller!”: “Talking Back” to Microaggressions Through Poetic Inquiry

Abstract

This article examines collective dialogues surrounding the confrontation of microaggressions through a unique combination of autoethnographic poetry and found poetry. Focused on my personal encounters as an Asian woman in academia, a mother of three young children, and an international employee residing in the United States, the autoethnographic poems serve as a platform for shared reflection and exploration. Following the sharing of these poems to undergraduate students, I invited their anonymous responses via a Padlet page, from which I crafted found poetry. By juxtaposing these two forms of poetic inquiry, this study aims to challenge dominant narratives, restore agency, and underscore the humanity and dignity of marginalized individuals. Furthermore, this article delves into methodological insights regarding the use of poetic inquiry as a catalyst for collective dialogic healing and transformative action. I seek to foster empathy, understanding, healing, and actionable change in the face of microaggressions.