 | | Illustration by Tomi Um | | | I work in the public sector and have a great relationship with most of my colleagues. One of my co-workers, a caring person who works hard for the community we serve, has more than once made racially insensitive comments, using phrases like "playing the race card" and "pull yourself up by the bootstraps." I am black, and this person is white. I've been honest with this person about how these comments strike me, but I get the feeling that what I've said has not made an impression. | Recently my colleague profusely praised a group of people but then questioned the group's achievements, saying it was rumored that some cheating occurred. When I asked if there was any evidence of cheating, my co-worker admitted there wasn't. I want to express how deeply troubling I find my colleague's comments without causing friction in our relationship. I read the book "White Fragility," and I know how defensive people can get when questioned about their racial viewpoints. I realize that I can't change a person's feelings about different "racial" groups, but I believe it's important to make clear to my co-worker that these comments perpetuate stereotypes about "people of color." Any advice?
Read the Ethicist's advice here. | | |
沒有留言:
張貼留言