- What memory do you have of an incident when you experienced bias, prejudice, and/or oppression, or witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression?
It was pleasant work
day and my coworker said, “how come black people act so loud and always
laughing?” I said “what do you mean?”
according to her a previous teacher who worked in my position was a black male
from South Africa and he was always laughing, and apparently
I do the same. Now, I have to admit when she said this to me, I did burst into
laughter. She looked at me said “you see what I mean” She also said when watching
television in Korea of black actors they are always laughing. Then she
proceeded to say, “You know you guys are so funny.” I said unfortunately, on American television
and movies many black actors are relegated to playing the funny character
oppose to a serious dramatic role. I also said many race of people are
portrayed in very stereotypical ways, such as, Asians are smart, and Hispanics are
drug dealers, car thieves’ landscapers, and gang members. I also said you rarely
see Native Americans on television at all.
- In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?
It diminishes equity in
the sense that assumptions are made about a specific race of people. In fact
the media need to take more responsibly by putting images on television that is
a true reflection of American families and individuals.
- What feelings did this incident bring up for you?
To be perfectly honest
I did not feel upset about the issue. I saw this as an opportunity for us to
have a discussion because I knew she did not have a lot of interactions with
black people .We talked about what I hoped she did not perceive as normal and
if she had, I hoped she left the discussion learning something new.
- What and/or who would have to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?
I think the incident
allowed us to talk and address the issue of biases in media and how we should be
responsible enough not to judge others. There is nothing I would have changed
because you can't change something that already happened. The only thing anyone can
do is to hopefully learn from it.
Georgiana,
ReplyDeleteYou handled the situation very well and appropriately. Unfortunately there are many others out there like your co-worker, she just had the boldness to speak up and talk about it. After reading your post, it is very true that African Americans are portrayed as being funny in movies and the like of the other cultures you mentioned. I believe we will never be free of stereotypes, due to the fact that it is talked about in the news daily and seen in movies often. Thank you for sharing and being a positive example for the black community.
Georgiana, I am African-American and I was not aware the blacks are portrayed as always laughing. What is wrong with laughter? Even if laugher is perceived as a stereotype, what is the problem? Laughter is good. I always feel good when I laugh. In fact, I'd rather laugh than cry, would you? LOL :-)
ReplyDeleteYou were very mature about the situation. However, we as blacks are accused of talking loud but NOT ALL BLACKS DO!!! Did you find out the bad part about laughing? i totally agree with Dana I would rather laugh anyday before crying.
ReplyDeleteHello Georgiana,
ReplyDeleteYou must have gone through many experiences of that type and learned how getting angry is ineffective whereas engaging a little conversation goes a long way in making people think. However, I would have been so crushed that I am unsure I would have reacted as generously as you, and most likely would have withdrawn and sent that woman the message that it was alright for her to continue oppressing the victim (me) who willingly took on that role. Since she would be my coworker, it would have taken some time before being able to muster the courage to engage the conversation you had with her. Thank you for your post and for showing a great way to "turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity."