| Biases and blind spots. | |
On the agenda:
- Unlearn: Racism can be unlearned. Here’s how to get started.
- Tactics: Get comfortable talking about race at work.
- Quiz: How privileged are you?
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Let’s talk about race.
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Rakshitha Arni Ravishankar
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Racism shows up in many ways — from microaggressions to explicit discrimination — and if we don’t do the work to get curious about our own blind spots, we may unintentionally be participating in behaviors that normalize systems of oppression (no matter how big or small).
Like other forms of oppression, racism is learned. That means we have the power to unlearn our biases and choose to do better. So, where do we start?
We educate ourselves about the ways in which we perpetuate discrimination consciously and unconsciously, acknowledge our own biases, and speak up when we notice others display harmful behaviors to create spaces where everyone feels welcome.
Recommended Reads
How to Call Out Your Friend for A Racist Comment
It’s difficult to have a conversation about racism — especially with someone you’re close to. But if you want to put an end to the behavior, the best route is to be bold.
Why the Model Minority Myth is So Harmful
Historically, in large, conservative organizations, the one or two people of color who make it to the top are often pressured to act as the “model minority.” If you’ve ever been the “only” in a room, know that you shouldn’t have to conform to this.
Diversity in Tech is a Problem. Here’s How to Empower Yourself
In the tech sector, women and people of color make up a very small portion of the workforce. If you’re from a community that is underrepresented in tech and interested in joining the field, you can leverage your differences.
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Did You Know?
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| It will take a Black woman in the U.S. more than a year and a half — in fact, until August 3, 2021 — to earn the same amount of money that a white man earned in 2020.
Why does this happen? Because pay inequality begins early. From age 16, Black girls are consistently paid less than boys, and the disparity follows them throughout their careers. Black women enroll in college at higher rates than white men, but those who have bachelor’s degrees earn 35% less than white men on average.
In short: This isn’t just about your current paycheck. Over the course of your career, the lost income adds up to a LOT — almost a million dollars for Black women compared to white men.
While this is a systemic issue, beginning your career with an eye on pay equity can help close the gap. | | | | |
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| Are You Scared to Talk About Race at Work?
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You’re not alone. A survey of 1,500 workers in the U.K. found that 40% of respondents were afraid to say the word “Black” when talking about race at work. One in five said they use the word “diverse” as an umbrella term when referring to people of different races, ethnicities, religions, sexual orientations, genders, or disabilities.
Why are we scared? Language is constantly evolving, which can heighten people’s perception of the right and wrong thing to say. This fear of making a mistake often holds us back.
How do we get over our fear of talking about diversity?- Educate yourself: Make the effort to understand how oppression works — and be weary of not putting the burden on marginalized groups to do the work for you.
- Avoid blanket catch phrases while referring to individuals: Words like “diverse” or catch-all phrases like BIPOC and BAME can further stigmatize people from minority communities and position them as an opposition to the dominant group.
- Ask people how they want to be identified: Instead of assuming how someone refers to themselves, ask them what feels authentic to them. This could mean asking about pronouns, ethnicity, or race. Then, ask yourself how that challenges your current preconceptions or understanding of certain identities.
- Apologize if you make a mistake: Know that it’s okay to make a mistake. That’s how we all learn. Instead of avoiding a conversation for the fear of making a mistake, apologize when you do, correct yourself, and ensure that you don’t repeat it.
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Tell your friends...
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How Privileged Are You?
Years ago, I stumbled across this quiz that calculates the ways in which you’re privileged. You read 100 statements covering different types of privileges, such as race, sexuality, gender, education, religion, mental and physical health, and wealth, and choose the ones that apply to you.
As you go through the quiz, take a moment to examine each statement, especially the ones that don’t apply to you. Use the results to really reflect on the opportunities you have (or don’t) and how they impact your place in the world.
Trigger warning: This quiz includes deeply personal questions around issues that may be sensitive to some.
Take the quiz here!
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