As women we know the double standards that are against us when referring to relationships, dating, and personal care. However, the double standards in the workplace and in school has been a topic of discussion amongst women I’ve had conversations with over the past few weeks. The double standards that apply to men and women in life and in the workplace are obvious. Yet, the double standards against minority women and Caucasian women are present but much more subtle.
I have countless experiences where my opinion, suggestion, or answer to a question has been challenged by both Caucasian men and women. For example, in my physics class, if my partners submitted homework that received full credit it was because they were smart. However, if I submitted homework that received full credit, they reasoned that it was because I looked it up on the internet. In the same class all of my suggestions or ideas were challenged, questioned, or had to be verified by the professor. Yet, neither of my partner’s suggestions or ideas was challenged, even when they were wrong.
I have many similar experiences at work. I have been at my job for almost five years. I could go on about the things I have experienced. One woman I was speaking to about this matter expressed her concern as well. Not only do all women have to work twice as hard to prove themselves “equal” to men in the workplace, but minority women have to work even harder to prove themselves “equal” to Caucasian women in the workplace. One place, that will remain nameless, was in the hiring process for a new employee. Amongst hundreds of applications, it was narrowed down to three of the most qualified applicants. Up to this point only their qualifications, résumés, and work experiences were reviewed. So it was safe to say that all three candidates were qualified for the position. It was not until the interview process that the committee was able to see the three candidates in person. They wanted to interview the most qualified candidate first; they did not know she was African American. They interviewed the next candidate and before even getting to the third they decided that the second candidate was “their best option.”
Recently, one of my friends was in a threatening situation with her Caucasian roommate. As college students we know the woes of having roommates. My friend placed one of her items on the counter that was filled with items from the other roommates. When she came home, the item was in front of her door. This wasn’t the first time her roommates touched her belongings so she was understandably upset and my friend asked her roommates why they moved her possessions. Instead of trying to settle the situation, her roommate pulled out a knife and started to twirl the knife. My friend decided to call the police. When the police arrived, not only did they not write a report they told my friend that she would have to go to the courthouse to handle the situation, and they also escorted my friend out of the apartment to stay with someone, “to keep peace.” What do you think would have been the result if the situation had been the other way around?
Have you had any similar experiences? Do you agree or disagree?
The Black Female Development Circle is a 501(c)3 organization that was established in 1994 to serve as a support system for black women. The organization's mission is "To Educate, Explore, Enhance, and Celebrate Womanhood" and has chapters at UCF, FSU, FIU, Spelman, and Livingstone College. [Donate]
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I love this!
I completely agree that double standards are present in society. I myself have felt that as an African American woman, my thoughts and feelings are and will always be inferior to Caucasian women. Many people say that racism doesn’t exist anymore because schools, workplaces, and public facilities are now integrated. I refuse to believe this. We are only a few decades out since the Civil Rights Movement ended and I still witness injustices against the African American race. If the situation with your friend had been the other way around, she would’ve been hauled off to jail for twirling a knife around in the face of her “white” roommate. Those police officers wouldn’t have cared who instigated the argument, nor would they have considered the fact that no one was physically harmed–all “they” see is another black girl “acting crazy” and in a threatening manner. Everyday I witness racism and discrimination not only against others but myself as well–because of this, it is hard for me to not harbor any ill feelings towards members of the Caucasian race. By far, I do not consider myself to be racist, however, I still view a great majority of life’s experiences to be based on whether you are black or white. I am not generalizing all Caucasian people to act as if they are superior to African Americans–I myself have had great experiences with Caucasian friends who I am very close with–but, I have also had some negative experiences with Caucasian individuals as roommates, in my leasing office, at school, and in public. I have vowed to myself to never let any person, black, white, asian, whatever they may be, intimidate and bully me because of the color of my skin, who they perceive me to be or because I let a few incidents “slide”. I am proud to be a strong woman, but I am even more proud to be a strong black woman regardless of the trials & tribulations I encounter. I will always be the bigger person in a situation no matter how angry I become and I feel that all women who have suffered from injustices do the same. If you feel that the problem is escalating, I urge you, for your sanity and safety simply walk away, and remove yourself from that negative person/energy. It doesn’t matter what they may think of you, or if they feel like they got the best of you and won, only you know why you removed yourself from the situation and at the end of the day, you’re looking out for your best interest–especially as a black woman! Remember, vengeance belongs to the Lord!–Amen!!
Love you April
Imani