Directorate of Equality
Harmless? Against Microaggressions
Harmless is an awareness campaign that sheds light on manifestations of gender-based and sexual harassment and microaggressions that are often considered harmless – but in reality have harmful and far-reaching effects.
Gender-based harassment is one of the most widespread problems in the world, appearing in many different forms and having serious consequences for individuals, families, and society as a whole. The campaign draws attention to behaviours that many perceive as harmless, with the aim of highlighting social patterns that are far from as innocent as they may seem.
The term microaggressions refers to everyday actions, comments, or environmental factors that are demeaning or belittling towards marginalized groups. Although such behaviour may appear minor in isolation, repeated experiences of microaggressions – even on a daily basis – can increase stress, amplify the feeling of marginalization, and have real, tangible effects on people’s lives.
Microaggressions are sometimes presented as compliments, and those who engage in them are not always aware of their impact. This can make microaggressions difficult to identify, and even more difficult to point out or call attention to behaviour that appears harmless but can be damaging.
In this awareness campaign, stories are told through graphic narratives based on real accounts from people in Icelandic society. This makes the experiences more visible and accessible, helping people reflect on situations that are often dismissed as “harmless.”
The goal is to increase public awareness, encourage discussion, and open people’s eyes to the manifestations and consequences of harassment.
Collaboration and Focus Areas
The campaign is carried out in close collaboration with organizations with specialized knowledge of the experiences of marginalized groups. The real accounts illustrate microaggressions directed at different communities:
Samtökin ’78
– Microaggressions against LGBTQ+ people
Þroskahjálp
– Microaggressions, infantilization, and ableism towards disabled people
Hennar rödd
– Microaggressions experienced by women of foreign origin
Barnaheill
– Microaggressions towards children and young people, and their experiences of not being heard
Harmless?
The Harmless campaign is an awareness initiative aimed at addressing microaggressions and subtle forms of harassment faced by marginalized groups. It highlights behaviors often perceived as harmless but harmful when viewed through the lens of those affected.