Racism, rooted in prejudice or discrimination based on race or ethnicity, thrives on the false notion of human division. In reality, our genetic makeup is 99.99% identical, with the remaining 0.01% representing the beautiful differences between us, like race. This toxic ideology manifests in all parts of social life, from classrooms, to workplaces and beyond. Racial discrimination is any behavior that unfairly targets a group of people in the same racial group. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, anti-Asian hate crimes increased by 339%.
Calling Out Racial Discrimination Successfully
While speaking up may feel scary or risky especially in the workplace, it’s the right thing to do. By taking action, you inspire others around you to do the same, resulting in a more accepting society where differences are embraced and not discriminated against.
Strategies for Initiating Change
The first step is to find like-minded colleagues that will help you raise the issue together. A collective voice for change strengthens your message and is harder to dismiss. Having safe spaces to bring up these emotional conversations will help give you the strength to fuel the steps you make to cause change.
Always take some time beforehand to get your emotions together. By framing your message, it will be more compelling and impactful and harder to ignore. Also, have suggestions for what changes can be made and how to implement those changes, which is particularly valuable in the workplace where immediate changes can be implemented By doing the ground work, you expedite progress without allowing room for delays.
When you want to compel others to act differently, it requires language that will resonate with them specifically. Effective communication is much more successful than arguing with them about racial equity.
Take a Stand for the Future
Remember that temporary uncomfortable feelings that lead to change are worth every moment. Be the change you want to see in the world everywhere you go and take a stand against racial discrimination. To learn more about important topics regarding race, explore our Online Diversity Calendar and Online Diversity Training.
FAQs
What are examples of discrimination in the workplace?
Some examples of harassment by managers or coworkers can occur because of many things including race, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or even a medical condition. Denial of a workplace change that is needed for religious reasons is discrimination. Retaliation because someone reported discrimination is also illegal.
How do you deal with prejudice in the workplace?
When an employee feels as if they are being discriminated against, immediate action should be taken. Anti-discrimination policies should focus on a zero-tolerance policy for harassment. Having these clear procedures established helps leadership to have a plan of action if it occurs. Educating your employees about discrimination is also important.
What is it called when your manager treats you unfairly?
Adverse treatment occurs when an employer is treating you unfairly as compared to others. Protected classes in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 include race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, and genetic information. Profiling employees based on these things is considered unfair treatment. Employers risk lawsuits for acting in this manner toward an employee or a specific group of people in their workplace.