Dirty Words at Work
Ethnicity / Race
noun: Ethnicity
For years and arguably all of human history, race and ethnicity have been the center of strongly debated political and social issues. It is impossible for such a concept to avoid the taboo label in a place as prominent as the work environment.
However, ethnicity and race have taken many twists and turns over the years and are ‘dirty words’ for various reasons, depending on whom you ask.
Ethnicity and Race at Work
Race is one of the most avoided topics of discussion in the work place, and often for good reason. A lot of negative associations have been made at work about race, especially historically. Most employees as well as their employers avoid the controversy at all cost.
After all, segregation was still legal up until 1954 when Brown v. Board of Education outlawed segregation in public education facilities. And this was only one of many hard fought battles that followed and preceded it. Thankfully, times have changed for the better, but that doesn’t mean that the current status quo is perfect either.
Many of us have experienced an employer’s attempt to distance themselves from the controversy by using terms like “diversity, multi-cultural, color blind,” or other non-intrusive/neutral wordings even when it is clear the topic of discussion is ethnicity and race. Such wordings encourage a work place to be open. Furthermore, it is important to provide equal treatment and support for all employees, regardless of ethnic backgrounds.
A Better Future
On the other hand, if work places truly want to be inclusive then why are these words avoided in policy and discussions? The topic itself has become so taboo that even mentioning it implies violating some unwritten law. It seems that even bringing it up can make you guilty of a grave offense regardless of the subject matter pertaining to the topic.
We can only improve our situation if we are willing to bring up the uncomfortable and challenge the status quo. Why shouldn’t we fight for a better tomorrow when others sacrificed greatly for our today?
Recommended Reading:
Introduction to Dirty Words at Work