I work with an openly racist woman. She approached me about a month ago and asked me if I knew why a certain ex-employee was calling to talk to our boss.
I told her I wasn’t sure, but it was probably because she wanted some part-time work.
“I thought maybe she was trying to take my job,” she said. “Plus, I don’t want to work with any black people here.”
At first I thought she was joking and maybe just assumed I would laugh, but her face was completely serious. I shook my head and walked away, thinking maybe she just had a twisted sense of humor.
Today, however, was a different story. I recently had a job position open up for myself with the company, and I was trying to find a replacement for my old job. I told her that I was happy because I found someone who was ready to start right away.
“Is this person black or white?” she asked.
“White,” I said. “Why does that matter?”
“I guess it doesn’t for my job. I just don’t want to work with any black people,” she said.
I stopped in my tracks, dumbfounded at her frankness. “That’s a bold statement to make,” I said. “Would you have rather I lied?” she asked.
I took a few seconds to myself, taking in her holier-than-thou air that was so thick it was almost tangible, and I said, “I would’ve rather you kept it to yourself and not said it at all.” Then I walked away.
I am shocked and appalled that so many people still cling to racism today. Don’t get me wrong: Part of me is wise enough to know that of course there are plenty of racist people out there, and of course they’re vocal about it. The other part of me still wants to be naïve to it, though.
There is no happy medium.
I know prejudices stem from many different places and upbringings, but I can’t seem to understand the mental block some people have that prevents their access to common sense and compassion.
I guess I found this excessively disturbing because it’s Black History Month, and what I witnessed was failure for mere tolerance of others based on their skin color. It makes me lose faith in humanity, which is something that has been dwindling for some time now anyway.
Although many high-ranking positions are still held by white people, we now have a black president — which I am proud to have voted for and support fully — and still I deal with ignorant, racially prejudiced people.
Like I said, I’m not surprised, per se. But what’s it going to take, people?
4 comments
I'm sure that lady was part of an older generation who are up front with their racism and they will soon fade away. So as long as we have progressive thinkers like you Rachael, you should keep your faith in Humanity. Because will keep my faith in wonderful souls like you...