Words Matters
Videos and Case Studies
Below you will hear directly from marginalized university students through powerful video testimonials and real-life case studies that bring to life the theme Words Matter. These students bravely share their lived experiences of being judged, misunderstood, and on the receiving end of microaggressions – those seemingly small, everyday comments or assumptions that carry heavy weight. Through their voices, we see how language can diminish confidence, reinforce stereotypes, and quietly exclude. What may feel minor to one person can deeply affect another’s sense of belonging and self-worth. As you engage with these stories, we invite you to listen with openness, reflect with humility, and consider the responsibility we all share in choosing words that affirm, include, and empower.
Make The Invisible, Visible – video
“Make the Invisible, Visible” is a powerful short video we made that brings to light the impact of racial microaggressions in the workplace through the lived experience of an Asian woman. Through subtle and overt comments like “Where are you really from?”, “Your English is so good!”, and “Shouldn’t you be good at math?”, we see how seemingly small words can build up over time and cause deep emotional harm. The video explores her internal journey moving from pain and isolation to resilience – only to be met again with the persistent reality of exclusion. This story reminds us that words matter, and that the everyday language we use can either support inclusion or reinforce harm. It calls on all of us to recognize and challenge these invisible forms of racism by making them visible, and to take responsibility for creating more inclusive and empathetic spaces.
Video production credit: Janik Rai Media (KPU, alumni) and developed by Lindsay Wood (KPU Instructor)
Reflection Questions
- What specific comments or behaviors in the video stood out to you, and why?
How might these reflect things you’ve heard or said in real life? - How do microaggressions differ from overt acts of racism, and why can they be just as harmful over time?
- What emotions did you notice the main character experiencing, and how did those emotions shift throughout the video? How might this emotional toll affect someone’s sense of belonging and performance at school or work? They find support at home, where else is support available?
- Have you ever witnessed or experienced a microaggression? What happened, and how did you or others respond?
- What are some ways you can help create an environment on campus or in the workplace where people feel seen, respected, and included? How can we collectively do better?
Where are you from? – video
Reflection Questions
- How might repeated questions like “Where are you from?” -especially when asked in a probing way – affect someone’s sense of identity and belonging over time? What assumptions might be hidden in this kind of question?
- When we ask questions out of curiosity, how can we balance that curiosity with empathy and respect? How might our words shift if we considered the emotional impact on the person being asked? What do you think when K shares, “when they don’t get an answer that is satisfying to them, they probe further”?
Being Judged by a Stereotype – video
Reflection Questions
- Why can small or “joking” comments based on stereotypes cause harm? How might they make it harder for someone to feel comfortable or include
- Since words matter, what can we do to pay more attention to the things we say?
How can we avoid repeating stereotypes, even if we didn’t mean to be hurtful?
Speak Your Truth – video
Reflection Questions
- Why might it be hard for some people to speak up and share their truth in class or at work? What can we do to help make it feel safer for everyone to use their voice?
- What does it mean to speak up for yourself or others when something unfair or hurtful is said? How can our words help create change?
- The student said, “Your voice matters.” Think about a time when you used your voice or wanted to but didn’t. What helped or held you back?
Working Hard to Fit In – video
Reflection Questions
- What message do we send—intentionally or not—when we discourage others from speaking up about their experiences, and how can we create environments where people feel safe and empowered to use their voice?
That’s what you are called – video
Reflection Questions
- How does language shape our understanding of identity, and what impact can outdated or dismissive terminology have on students’ sense of belonging in academic spaces?
- When someone corrects us about the terms we use, how can we respond in ways that show respect and openness rather than defensiveness?
Case Study based on a true story – Case Study
Submitted by Isha, KPU Student
I work for a company and It was a busy afternoon at the service desk when Priya (I made up this name and did not disclosed her identity), a hardworking and friendly employee, greeted a woman who had just walked in. The woman, middle-aged with a sharp expression, seemed agitated. “Can I help you?” Priya asked normally. The woman barely acknowledged her, pointing at a product she had purchased. “This is defective. What kind of operation are you running here?” she demanded loudly.
Priya calmly apologized and began checking the receipt and policy for returns. But the woman wasn’t interested in explanations. “Of course, it’s you handling this. Indian, right? Always making a mess of things. This is why nothing ever works properly!” she spat, her voice echoing through the store.
The words hit Priya like a slap. Her composure wavered as tears welled up in her eyes. She struggled to speak, but the customer wasn’t done. “Do you even understand what I’m saying, or do I need to speak slower?” she taunted, arms crossed, glaring at Priya.
Before Priya could respond, I stepped forward. “Ma’am, I need you to lower your voice and speak respectfully,” I said firmly. “She is here to help you, but we won’t tolerate any racist or abusive language.” The manager was alerted and swiftly came to the desk, taking over the situation and escorting the woman away.
As soon as the customer left, Priya broke down in tears. Our team surrounded her with kindness, assuring her that the woman’s behavior reflected on her, not Priya. The team later held a meeting to discuss ways to support one another during such incidents and ensure a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone. While Priya was shaken, she left that day knowing she wasn’t alone in facing such unfairness.
Reflection Questions
- How might Priya’s experience with racism at the workplace impact her mental well-being and professional confidence in the long term? What parallels might exist for students or faculty facing discrimination in academic settings?
- Reflecting on this case, how can inclusive environments be intentionally cultivated in classrooms and campuses to ensure everyone feels safe, respected, and supported?
- What might be some practical strategies to prepare yourself or others to respond to bias or discrimination, whether as a target, a witness, or someone in a leadership role?
Media Attributions
- Thing About Things Differently © Ivan Bertolazzi is licensed under the Pexels License
