Talking about ethnic diversity in the workplace Talking about ethnic diversity in the workplace Here are some examples of white privilege -in – I can do well in a challenging situation without How can we predominantly White cultures- based on daily being called a credit to my ethnicity. experiences that we often take for granted, in – I can be late to a meeting without having the the hope it offers a better understanding of this lateness reflect on my cultural background. complex subject: all do better? – I can turn on the television or open to the front – If I have low credibility as a leader I can be sure page of the paper and see people who look like that the colour of my skin is not the problem. me widely represented. – I can be sure that if I need legal or medical help, By respecting preferences & honouring experiences and do not expect them to accept the burden of – I can take a job without having my co-workers on my race will not work against me. automatically educating you about unfamiliar topics. the job suspect that I got it because of my race. – I can arrange to protect my children most of In conversations about heritage and ethnicity, the most vital principle to acknowledge is that the ultimate authority on a By avoiding assumptions – I can think over many options, social, political, the time from people who might not like them. person’s identity and experiences belongs to that individual. imaginative or professional, without asking whether – I can be pretty sure that if I ask to talk to “the Above all, commit to respecting the other person’s preferences Avoid making assumptions about a particular ethnic a person of my ethnicity would be accepted or person in charge,” I will be facing a person who and honouring their lived experiences. Be prepared to group based on limited or biased samples. While it is allowed to do what I want to do. looks like me. understand and empathize around the challenges that exist excellent to research different cultures and backgrounds, for ethnic minorities, do not discount their perspective. be careful to ensure that your sources of information – I can speak in public to a powerful group without – I will feel welcomed in the usual walks of public are credible. putting my origins on trial. life, institutional and social. By acknowledging bias, privilege and context By rejecting colour blindness Be intentionally aware of your privilege and your biases. To build relationships, it can be powerful to connect over Acknowledge how your appearance, social class, upbringing, similarities. However, do not neglect to celebrate your or affiliations might place you in a privileged position. Also, differences! Refuse to be colour blind. Instead, be colour be mindful of the social and historical context in which you operate. Approach the conversation acknowledging your brave! Take time to appreciate the uniqueness and It should be noted that having privilege based upon one set of characteristics does not cancel out one’s other position as a member of the majority or the minority. Keep individuality of everyone you encounter. marginalised identities. For example, a person can be a woman and still have white privilege. Not having male in mind that there may be a history of certain groups being By getting comfortable with discomfort privilege does not cancel out one’s white privilege. A person can lack economic privilege but still have white privilege. underrepresented or mistreated in your educational or Because concepts of heritage, culture, race, ethnicity and Not having wealth does not cancel out white privilege. geographic context. identity are complex and deeply personal, they often Understanding how our privilege impacts others is an essential step to build empathy and addressing individual By owning our learning bring feelings of discomfort. Many of us enjoy talking and systemic inequalities. As you discuss complex notions about heritage and ethnicity, about the latest movies we saw over the weekend, music, be open to learning something new. Be careful, however, not activities, and events in our communities. Yet, racial issues to rely on the other person to teach you everything about such are avoided at all costs. We should not avoid these their heritage and/or culture. Engage people on their terms, conversations because they make us uncomfortable. 12 13