A comment or action that subtly and unintentionally expresses a prejudiced attitude toward a member of a marginalized group is:

• A. Stereotype
• B. Bias
• C. A microaggression
• D. Prejudice

Answer: (C)

Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional comments or actions that convey a prejudiced attitude toward a member of a marginalized group. The described scenario fits this precisely—a remark or gesture that expresses bias in a way that might seem minor but still signals prejudice. This differs from a stereotype, which is a generalized belief about a group; from bias, which is a predisposition or preference (which can be implicit or explicit but isn’t necessarily tied to a specific single remark); and from prejudice, which is a negative attitude toward a group. Microaggressions capture the everyday, real‑world ways prejudice shows up in language and conduct, shaping environments—like housing discussions—in ways that can be discriminatory even when intent isn’t malicious.