I
recently witnessed prejudice in a hiring situation. I heard about an opening where my friend
worked and so I recommended a young black man that just graduated from high
school. He had the perfect skill set for
the job, had a high work ethic and would have been a perfect fit. After the interview I asked my friend if she
heard how it went and she said her boss said there is “No way” she would hire
him because she didn’t like his “look.”
I was shocked because I really didn’t realize such racism still existed! This women supervisor made a judgment based
on outward appearance and whatever bias she had attached to that and this young
man did not even get an equitable chance.
I really made me angry. This
young man ended up putting twice as many job applications and working twice as
hard to get a job then a Caucasian individual would have had to. It also seems so silly to me and the employer
really missed out on a great employee.
In this situation the supervisor who was hiring needed to be reported
for the remarks. The employer(s) needed
educating and there needs to be more honest conversation in general about our
individual bias and why it is there before beginning to dismantle it.
Hi Lori,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your personal story with us. I am sure we can all relate to such situations because it continues to happen every day. I have had many friends that applied for jobs but they were denied sue to their appearance. It sad that this behavior continues to happen in our current society and we are powerless to do anything about it. We need to have a checks and balance system in order to have fairness. Individual is already misguided, but to be in a position of power and abuse that power by implementing rules or decisions that are harmful to other individuals is a crime in so many ways to society as a whole. Thank you for sharing your great example. Have a good week!
Natasha
Thanks for sharing Lori. I think employers/supervisors need to monitored more closely by QA on why they didn't select certain candidates. I think they should have to show proof or documentation on why they turned down those applicants and maybe find a way to refer them for a different position or to a different company, in the meantime.
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks for sharing Lori. That is a very sad situation for that young man and an even sadder one for the supervisor. There should be some kind of requirement for supervisors, administrators, and directors of programs and schools to take courses on anti-bias practices. It would only benefit everyone involved.
ReplyDeleteLemora