How Racism, Sexism and Classism Affects You Economically Pt.1 of 3
Before I begin this blog, I want to first state that the title is not meant to make light of anyone’s death. There is no way that any living human being can relate to Trayvon Martin as he took his last breath. This blog is meant to open a dialogue about discrimination in the work place, everyday life, and how it effects the economy.
Recently, in response to the George Zimmerman not guilty verdict, President Barack Obama gave a humbling and wonderful speech on ethnic and cultural relationships in American. I use the terms ethnic or cultural, because I believe that there is only one race and that is the human race. Therefore, I believe that it is unnecessary to use the term race because I am convinced that we are all of the same race, and therefore the term “race” is irrelevant. In my opinion the concept of race is a hindrance to mankind and should be done away with immediately. However, we will stick to the terms that are used by the vast majority. The first question to be asked is do you experience racism in the workplace or whenever you have been involved in a job search? Some of you probably think the question should be “how often do I experience racism?” and not the other way around. The second question, is it really racism or are you just insecure? There have been times when I thought that someone was being racist, but come to find out that they were just being their regular asinine selves. Some people that I have worked with have been so mean and evil that no one liked them…not even people that were of the same racial background. This further proves my point that people are people, and no one likes an ass hole. So, when do you actually know that it’s racism for sure and not someone just being themself?
How about sexism in the workplace? Not sure exactly what sexism is? Forget about Webster; this is a great definition. Sexism is when someone doesn’t like you or discriminates against you because of your gender. Do you practice sexism? Sure you do! Here are so practical examples of sexism that I practice every single day:
• I open doors for women (not men)
• I let women go first through doors, elevators, and when getting food (not men)
• I offer to help women with heavy bags…even strangers (not men)
• I’m extremely non-confrontational with women, but will confront a man after the first insult
If you agreed or practice any of the above, you, my friend, are practicing sexism disguised as good manners…at least in our culture. In the Arab or Indian (Eastern Indian of course) world, these examples are the opposite of what is the acceptable norm. I was once told a story, by a close friend’s father, of how he witnessed (while he was in the military) a Saudi Arabian man beat his wife on a busy street. When I asked him if he did anything about it, he told me that it was their culture. I stated that I would have walked across street an immediately beat that man’s ass to show he how it feels to be publicly humiliated, and he laughed. When is sexism good and when is it bad, why is it tolerated and, in some situations, encouraged? This could be a topic for a blog in itself, but we have more to discuss.
How about Classism? Dictionary.com defines classism as a biased or discriminatory attitude based on distinctions made between social or economic classes. Out of all of the “isms” that were mentioned in this blog, classism is the one that you and I have probably been exposed to the most. Here are some examples. You know that relative that always thought she and her kids were better than you? Classism. How about the people down the street with the big house and new cars that pretend not to see you? How about those same people with really nice cars while you’re pushing a 96’Ford? Maybe it’s you who is guilty? Do you look down on immigrants even though you know that everyone in this country who is not of Native American descent is an immigrant? Do you frown upon people at work that have a lower job position than you? Are you a snob? Or are you just looking out for your own interest when it comes down to not wanting just any old body to be your neighbor? If you can answer yes to any of the above, then you yourself have practiced classism. Yes, you!
I want to hear from you. Answer the questions that were asked in the blog, and give me permission to post them in the next blog. Part II, will feature your responses. In Part III, I will
Discuss the social and economic ramifications of discrimination.
Walter Hines,
Bison Business & Technology Solutions
“I blog; therefore, I am!”
Twitter Account: @bisonbiz2012
Website: www.bisonbiz.com
Email: walter@bisonbiz.com
