Nov 7, 2024
Social Justice & Anti-Bullying Tips At The Workplace
Donald Trump secured the presidency for 2025, and his constituency is pleased. While the notion that "all is fair in love and war" might exist, Black Americans could encounter unique challenges that deserve attention, especially given the public display of racist misconduct in American society at Trump rallies across the nation. Some minority groups may laugh off these racially inspired slurs and unethical behaviors, but most Black citizens will not. Especially as a segment of Black Americans are starting to grasp the realities of systemic racism and who her allies are. Those aligned with Team Kamala Harris are likely to find both the implicit and explicit racism exhibited by Trumpers in the workplace to be unacceptable. And here's why.
White employees are frequently allowed to express their passion publicly regarding their political views or on a project, assignment, or other work-related matters without chastisement from supervisors. In contrast, when African Americans share their opinions at the workplace or show even a hint of frustration or dissent, they often hear comments like, "Please lower your voice," "You're making me uncomfortable," or "People feel threatened by you for speaking up." When said, chastisement towards Black employees is not necessary but is often witnessed in American workplaces even though these workplace environments are professional spaces where white individuals vastly outnumber Black co-workers. Black professionals are still perceived as menacing. This phenomenon is referred to as implicit bias, which encompasses unconscious beliefs and attitudes shaped by countless media portrayals, stereo-types, news reports, and Hollywood representations that tend to depict Black individuals as more criminal and threatening than their White peers.
On the flip side of implicit racism is overt racist behavior that stems out of the guilt of knowing that systematic wrongs are happening and continue to happen to Black citizens, which makes said individuals and groups act out per their cultural norms. This reality is not just in corporate business settings but also in blue-collar employment. Trump and his team practiced overt racist behavior during his campaign that worked for Trump, but now that his constituency has returned to the office, their form of behavior should not be welcomed in the workplace, and here's why.
Overt racism refers to explicit and openly expressed racist attitudes, beliefs, or actions. Unlike subtle or implicit forms of racism, which may be more hidden or unacknowledged, overt racism involves clear and intentional discrimination or prejudice against individuals based on their race. This can manifest in various ways, including hate speech, racially motivated violence, discriminatory laws or policies, and outright rejection or exclusion of individuals from social, economic, or political opportunities because of their race. Overt racism is often characterized by its blatant nature, making it easier to identify and confront. However, it can still have significant and harmful impacts on individuals and communities. Moreover, for Black workers, the overt racist atmosphere while at work makes the simple task of just doing one's job unnecessarily stressful. No one in this day and age should have to be concerned with the Klansperson at the office and others who thinks racial slurs are ok to shout out at a packed stadium and here's why.
https://www.adtalem.com/newsroom/articles/black-resistance-at-work-increasing-equity-in-corporate-america (Wix Media Gif)
Hostile work environments are detrimental to individual employees and an organization's overall productivity and culture. Below is a short story that provides an example of what to do when in a hostile workplace.
Rising Above: Jada's Journey to Empowerment and Respect
Jada
Picture Source: Wix Media
In a bustling corporate office in the city's heart, a young woman named Jada struggled to navigate a toxic work environment. As one of the newer marketing team members, she was eager to prove herself but quickly noticed that one of her colleagues, Samantha, seemed determined to undermine her at every turn. Samantha's comments were often snide, frequently dismissing Jada's ideas in meetings.
Samantha
Picture Source: Wix Media
Feeling isolated and frustrated, Jada confided in her colleague William, who had been with the company longer. William listened empathetically and shared that he had witnessed Sam's behavior toward Jada. He encouraged her to document the instances of bullying, detailing what was said and when it happened. "It's important to have a record," he advised. "You need to protect yourself before it escalates."
William
Taking this advice to heart, Jada began keeping a journal of her experiences. She noted the snide remarks and dismissals, along with the dates and times. Each entry felt like a heavy weight lifted off her shoulders. Realizing she was not alone in this struggle, Jada also reached out to her other colleagues, subtly gauging if they had noticed Sam's behavior as well.
One day, during a team meeting, Jada decided to speak up. Samantha had belittled one of Jada's ideas in front of everyone, and rather than remain silent, Jada took a deep breath and said, "I appreciate your feedback, Samantha—we all have different perspectives. However, I think there's value in exploring this idea further. Can we take a moment to discuss it?" The room grew quiet, and to her surprise, a couple of coworkers nodded in agreement.
Brielle
Picture Source: Wix Media
After the meeting, Jada felt empowered. Later that week, she approached her manager, Brielle, a woman known for her leadership skills. With her notes in hand, Jada presented the documentation and explained how Samantha's behavior affected her work and the team dynamic. Brielle took the situation seriously and assured Jada that she would look into it.
In the following weeks, Brielle facilitated a team workshop focused on communication and teamwork, emphasizing the importance of respect in the workplace. Sam seemed taken aback and, to everyone's relief, began to adjust her attitude.
As time passed, the office atmosphere improved, and Jada felt more confident. With her newfound assertiveness, she continued sharing her ideas, and her contributions began to be recognized positively. William's support and Brielle's intervention made a significant difference.
Jada
Eventually, Jada became an advocate for a healthy work environment, encouraging others to speak up against bullying and emphasizing the importance of supporting one another. Through her experience, she learned that addressing bullying directly and seeking help was crucial in creating a respectful workplace. In the end, Jada overcame the challenges she faced and fostered a culture of openness that strengthened her team. She reminded everyone that collaboration thrives best in a space free from negativity.
Racial slurs are unacceptable at the workplace. A workplace that encourages open non-racist communication, positive collaboration, and respect contributes to employee satisfaction and organizational success. By taking action against hostility, companies can foster a positive culture where employees feel safe to express themselves, collaborate effectively, and thrive in their roles without the unnecessary bullying that racism can spur in the workplace.
Wix Media Gif "What About Bob" W/Bill Murray
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