(the same applies to sexism, ableism, etc)

clear statements

• "Institutionalized oppression is a matter of result regardless of intent." — Portland Community College
• "Whether or not the person whose conduct is experienced as harassing intended harassment has generally been considered by most courts as not relevant to determining whether or not sexual harassment has occurred. In most cases it the effect of the conduct on the person who is on the receiving end and the characteristics of the conduct that determine if the conduct constitutes sexual harassment." — University of California Santa Cruz

examples

• Every time Mary walks to the copier, Peter says something inappropriate to Mary. Peter isn't trying to cause problems, he's just trying to attract Mary's interest. Nonetheless, Mary is so bothered by Peter's statements that she sometimes avoids using the copier because it means walking past Peter's desk. Peter didn't intend to prevent Mary from doing her job, but that is the outcome nonetheless.
• A sheltered teenager uses the N word when speaking with a black person. The teenager doesn't know the history of racism, and doesn't know what the word really means. Nevertheless, the black person is offended.

writeups

• Intent! It's Fucking Magic!
  • Time Wise's introduction
• Harassment: Distinguishing 'Intent' from 'Impact'