Exposure to racist behavior and workplace bullying.

65 Comments

1. AnonymousJuly 28,2023 at 1:48PM UTC

   Yea, SO MANY THOUGHTS. First, incorrect so many corporations AREN'T standing back. MOST IMPORTANTLY, what do you think your notes and watching are doing? Observing is complicit, observing isn't fighting the rights and injustices. Am I in a bubble where I think this isn't happening, ahh quick no. BUT you have a voice! USE it! Go to your legal dept if you have to, this is YOUR responsibility as another human on this earth to speak up. Have we not learned anything from the summer of 2020? NOW, this is a very targeted response, I get that, but you may provided a platform for others to be reminded of THEIR VOICE, so please receive it in that light. Here's YOUR encouragement to say something, do something, be a part of change and justice.

2. AnonymousJuly 29,2023 at 4:40AM UTC

   I have spoken up on his behalf, to the point that I am now facing retaliation as well. I am going to find an employment attorney to nip it in the bud early but it's pretty bad.

3. AnonymousJuly 29,2023 at 11:55AM UTC

   It doesn't sound early enough. I agree with this person's pov, when people watch and do nothing, it's a shame.

4. AnonymousJuly 28,2023 at 2:40PM UTC

   Thank you. I have asked questions but the senior leader is deaf to them. Others have been targeted by her for raising questions about her actions so honestly, it's very scary to speak up. I definitely support him privately.

5. AnonymousJuly 28,2023 at 5:46PM UTC

   Please approach HR with your observations and offer your notes to corroborate.

6. AnonymousJuly 29,2023 at 4:39AM UTC

   I spoke to hr. The response: "we trust our managers" over the concerns of our employees. Evidence was secondary.

7. AnonymousJuly 29,2023 at 5:06PM UTC

   Well, since it is not directed to you you could advise him to seek legal advice. Have him contact the local lawyer referral service and explain what he is dealing with. If it is severe enough and is something that he has documentation on the company could be subject to fines. He should document things and cc himself and if you are a witness and want to get involved you can do the same. It is definitely something that should not be tolerated at all for any reason. Your employee handbook may have some language around reporting incidents and that may help in his situation. If you want to whistleblow and truly get involved do check your local laws and get further involved to help him. Good luck in protecting your co-worker and I hope he gets some relief soon.

8. AnonymousJuly 30,2023 at 12:18PM UTC

   First, I would let him know that you see him and what he is going through. Ask him how you can support him. Document everything including how they are targeting you when you speak up. Make sure you are doing your job to the best of your ability and give them no reason to target you. Personally I would not stay there (if I were either one of you), it’s toxic.

9. AnonymousJuly 30,2023 at 12:44PM UTC

   I am definitely looking for other roles and I've encouraged him to do the same. Unfortunately, we are in specialized roles and it is a very tough market to locate positions that are salary levels. And there's something deeply troubling that the only alternative is to leave a company that publicly touts racial inclusion and equity.

10. Kirsten DiCarloJuly 30,2023 at 12:36PM UTC

    You should report to HR what you are seeing. This is reprehensible. Are there other people that you work with that feel the same way? The most effective way to get HR to act may be to have several employees report the behavior as witnesses. It sounds like HR is treating the Black employees just as bad as the bullies are.

11. AnonymousJuly 30,2023 at 12:42PM UTC

    Sadly, HR is a big part of the problem because it is a younger company with an immature HR function. The assigned HR professional told me that the company trusts its managers, which was a backhanded way of saying we aren't concerned with the well-being and treatment of our employees. There are actually multiple racial complaints within the division right now but the company is more focused on marginalizing the employees instead of dealing with the underlying issues with this particular leadership team. Unfortunately, it's probably another situation that will not be addressed until it's laid out publicly. Black employees don't want to do that but we also need our jobs just like racially biased employees do.

12. AnonymousJuly 30,2023 at 12:54PM UTC

    I am posting anonymously because I am a Black woman in a niche industry in leadership. I am the only Black person in a leadership role at my level at my organization. There are a two block people in executive leadership. Over my nearly 10 years with the company, I’ve been held to standards that my non-Black colleagues have not. At the same time I’ve led a team that outperformed others and was told not to make others look bad. I’ve been the target of bullying by being told to be less “intimidating” but at the same time not be given the resources needed unless I strongly advocated. I’m sharing all of this because people see this and come and talk to me privately about it, but never really say much else to leadership or HR. No one wants to be targeted and no one really wants to publicly say right is right and wrong is wrong. I’m sharing this to say that all the suggestions here to privately support your colleagues but say nothing in person, is garbage. It’s not truly helping anyone but yourself. I know it sounds harsh, but being a true ally requires public support and courage. You may not be a position to be that true ally right now ( or ever). But I want to be clear that “behind the scenes support” doesn’t feel good when you’re a target of bullying, especially when that same person is smiling in the face of those doing the crap, it makes you appear two-faced and self-serving for your own guilt while working in a toxic workplace.

13. AnonymousJuly 30,2023 at 1:37PM UTC

    It needs to be report to the EEOC. They will come in an investigate. I was not a target but I was witness to two situations with other black women by the same manager. The first ended up resigning and at the time she did not have another job and it was so obvious to everyone in the small office that she was being held to a different standard than her counterparts. Once she left the other female became the target. They were HRBPs and had much more experience than their white colleagues. The first reported to DEI and the ombudsman with no investigation. The second female decided to go outside the company. The agency came in and interviewed a slew of people and found in favor of the employee. These investigators are no nonsense. The manager should have been fired but instead they demoted and moved her to a position with no direct reports. She retired a few years later (she was a long term employee and is most likely the reason she did not get fired). The second female received some sort of monetary compensation and yes she is still with the company.

14. AnonymousJuly 30,2023 at 5:41PM UTC

    100% agree that you need to go to the EEOC with your documentation.

15. AnonymousJuly 30,2023 at 1:56PM UTC

    Yet people will say racism doesn’t exist. This is shameful and takes a toll on one’s mental health over time and one’s self esteem. Those who speak up become a target too. Honestly there is very little the victim can do except leave. My motto: You cannot change a culture.” It’s systematic and embedded and will NEVER change. As a black woman who is also a Nurse Practitioner- I was told by a Medical Director who hired me a year earlier: “your medical management is excellent, patients and families love you, but you are not a good fit.” She then processed to bully me, undermine me and embarrass me in meetings. This continued until I gave my resignation.

    I went to another company where nurses wouldn’t follow my orders and did things that would cause losing their license by doing things beyond their scope of practice ( they were white of course). I was in a meeting where I made a suggestion, and was told the company couldn’t do it. Moments later a whiomale doctor made the very same suggestion and was immediately told,”Yes- we can do that.” I immediately said, I just made the same suggestion. - crickets no one replied.

    These experiences left me with depression, anxiety, and low self esteem.

    I am now a 1099 and am starting my own practice. I know this is not feasible for everyone but I had to value my mental and physical health. This is their plan- to break you down physically, emotionally, and financially- because they don’t see you as deserving, you are as good as them.

    I suggest thinking about how you can be a consultant and how you can start your own business. You won’t deal with these racist when you are your own boss, and if you do, you can keep it moving because they can’t affect you.

    if you say something you risk being a target. Remember- you cannot change a culture- it’s embedded and systemic( like the legal system, the justice system, the education system and the health system). Its a culture.

16. AnonymousJuly 30,2023 at 2:15PM UTC

    Thank you for posting and being concerned. I too have experienced this behavior along with other black colleagues at a company I worked for. Honestly every organization I have worked for has been the exact same. That is scary. Large organization I might add. My experience was the exact same but it was difficult to prove. It did not matter how detailed my notes on the blatant mistreatment was, there was nothing I could do. HR did absolutely nothing. HR is the enemy for employees in my eyes. There needs to bring back unions in organizations to truly protect good employees. I went through hell and I still suffer PTSD from it. This happens at many organizations and NOTHING is ever done. If we speak up for ourselves the target becomes bigger....meaning we get put on a PIP quicker for BS reasons and fired faster. I saw one person report their manager and an HR employee and a few months later they retaliate and one day he was fired for on the spot for no reason. He was a top performer with great yearly evaluations. They humiliated him in front of everyone had him escorted out by security. Another person was being targeted and had a nervous breakdown and quit....also a top performer. No one ever speaks on this and nothing is EVER done. I have heard we are delusional, we are expecting handouts, black people are too sensitive, etc. These companies that spew "diversity and inclusion " it's all BS and is stated just to meet the NEW society standards. However, on the inside of the organization it's always the "good Ole boys or good old girls" environment. Any company where the face of diversity is a white woman beware. Also, once fired another issue is getting hired at a new company. Hiring managers and recruiters checking LinkedIn to see if you are black and the outrageous "diversity " form that we all have to fill out. In this current climate where the racism is even more blatant and acceptable....what do we do?

17. AnonymousJuly 30,2023 at 2:26PM UTC

    Can I ask where this is located?

18. AnonymousJuly 30,2023 at 6:15PM UTC

    I wish that there’s a company, online or physical, that'll put together all those who've been bullied also like me -- to work alongside with you. Just want to be nice, pleasant and professional to work with you guys! ❤️

19. Karen PatwaJuly 30,2023 at 2:45PM UTC

    People of color shouldn't have to be the ones who always leave, especially without anything in hand, when they are on the receiving end of racism. Is there documentation of your colleague going to HR? And documentation of a response, and documentation of any actions taken (or not taken) by them afterwards? Keep that. The biggest mistake people make in these situations is expecting HR or any department in the company to take action or fix these problems. However, reporting is a necessary step to take and keeping documentation of it is necessary as well. Is there a critical mass of people who are troubled enough by this that they want to get together and take action? Probably not. Either way, everything needs to be documented. And any retaliation needs to be documented while you and your colleague seek professional advice (or while you support your colleague in doing so) to look at options. Is there also documentation of the unfair standards your colleague is being held to? Or can any documentation be made of this? It may be worth investing in seeing an employment attorney who knows what they are doing. Or a professional advisor (not any member of HR of your company) who guides people through HR matters and strategic exits.

20. AnonymousJuly 30,2023 at 3:15PM UTC

    I have spoken up on behalf of a coworker, but then I became the target. I went from having a glowing review to does not meet expectations, then PIP’d shortly after. The employee that I spoke up for and myself both were Black women. We were two of six on a team of 22. Of the six, one was a manager with no direct reports and all of leadership positions in that department were held by white people. I watched this black lady get publicly humiliated until she was in tears. So I spoke up and shortly thereafter I became the target. I reported the offending manager to her Direct Manager (who were good friends) and that manager joined in on the attack, so I reported them to their Direct Manager, whom spoke the language of someone who was trying to resolve the issue.

    Eventually I reported the matter internally and requested to be moved under another manager. This manager was then used to write a bad performance review towards me even though I had only been under her reporting for about a month. She appeared to have ghost wrote the performance review for the other manager. I eventually was asked to resign with severance pay, of which I declined. I subsequently filed a complaint with the EEOC, which was as ineffective as reporting internally, however it was necessary in order to put the manager and the employer on the radar.

    If I witness any form of discrimination, bullying, degradation towards any employee regardless of their race I will speak up. It is unfortunate that people sit by and watch for the fear of losing their jobs, but guess what? There are so many opportunities out in the world that unless you are in a market where you can become blackballed not speaking up, in my opinion, definitely makes the observer seem to be in agreement with treatment perpetrated by the offender.

    If you’re wondering if my speaking up impacted my career, no it did not! I eventually landed a role that I had previously wanted and it has been absolutely great!! I also was able to take some time off in between jobs to recalibrate and reflect on my experience as well as determine the values and expectations that I wanted to experience from the organization that I would like to work in. In doing so, I was able to use my requirements as a guideline during my interviews and I rejected anything that did not meet the criteria.

    I would encourage anyone who is a witness of discrimination and/or bullying or any mistreatment of others to speak up! I know it can be scary, but put on your brave face and know that the universe will take care of you.

21. Sara SheltonJuly 30,2023 at 3:15PM UTC

    Do you have an anonymous ethics hotline? If there are multiple complaints via that channel they are obligated to investigate. Additionally you could include a specific request that an outside entity conduct the investigation to ensure concerns are addressed and objectively assessed

22. AnonymousJuly 30,2023 at 3:24PM UTC

    this happened to me and I was white. I literally had documented proof and went to hr. they got rid of me. but I was already looking so it didn't do much to hurt me. unless you can prove racial bias this is just how you force out someone you want out, out. To their credit my boss actually said this to my face in a meeting and laughed at me. they were not the same race as me, either. people wanted to fight for me because I did the bulk of the work and had witnessed me being harassed publicly (just like your friend), but I told them don't do it or they'll go after you. watching things fall apart after I left was good enough justice for me. my honest advice is just get while you can as your work environment has turned toxic. this isnt the 90s. no one will save you unless you can afford a really good lawyer.

23. Carolina Perez SanzJuly 30,2023 at 4:27PM UTC

    This must be so painful. I'm sorry that you have to endure such a non-inclusive work environment. It actually makes me very angry that these workplaces still exist. I'm sorry, I don't have any ideas for you. Just showing you and your black colleagues my support.

24. AnonymousJuly 30,2023 at 6:22PM UTC

    Thank you. It is really trauma inducing. I'm focused on the most strategic and effective approach to take that does not make it worse for either one of us. But make no mistake, doing nothing has never been an option here.

25. Carolina Perez SanzJuly 31,2023 at 1:02AM UTC

    I’m so glad to hear that doing nothing isn’t an option. After responding to your post I received an email from Julie Diamond, author of Power, A User’s Guide, with the following Marianne Williamson’s quote: “Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine.”

    The situation is trauma-inducing; please, remember to take care of yourself.

    Good luck and let me know if you’d like to chat.

26. Lynn Slater MillerJuly 30,2023 at 6:00PM UTC

    Geez. Document, document, document!!

    Take notes after every incident-date, time, place, what happened/was said-and keep a log!

    Encourage the person on the receiving end of this BS to do so too. That way, they have corroborating evidence to support them in a workplace harassment/discrimination suit.

    If you can record any of these interactions on your phone, start doing so NOW and keep them stored on a separate, personal computer file-not on a work supplied computer.

    HR needs to gather unbiased evidence before they can really do anything and it's not their job to establish a workplace environment. They are, however, responsible for protecting the company from legal liability.

    Keep documenting, and encourage the person who is subjected to this behavior to file a complaint with the EEOC and retail a lawyer-before they move on to another job. They could get a big payout.

27. AnonymousJuly 30,2023 at 6:14PM UTC

    This makes me so mad.

    Americans are usually just so full of s***. Minorities have to jump 10 times as hard just to get the same recognition and accolades.

    being white American all you have to do is bullshit your way into anything and everything when it come to workplace and you KNOW what I’m talking about. Just press a button and they get a gold medal.

    disgusting

28. AnonymousJuly 30,2023 at 6:31PM UTC

    I am sorry to hear about your African American co-workers being mistreated in the workplace. It is and can be quite stressful to work somewhere where you feel unwanted. Hopefully, they are documenting things as it can sometimes be hard to prove. Most of the time, we leave with hopes that the next place we land will be better. The best way that you can help them is to be supportive, advocate for them and if needed speak up for them.

29. AnonymousJuly 30,2023 at 9:07PM UTC

    Favoritism or advantages that whites provide to other whites is a primary mechanism by which racial inequality results in discrimination & racism (DiTomaso, 2015). The problem is most Black employees (and they are not necessarily African Americans --by the way, many Black Americans do not like the phrase "African Americans," but I digress) realize that they have to work twice or sometime three times as hard as their white colleagues for recognition or to obtain an outstanding review.

30. AnonymousJuly 30,2023 at 11:48PM UTC

    I am African American/POC/Black American or whatever phrase one wants to use. I don't need a lesson on what's taking place as I know first hand.

31. AnonymousJuly 30,2023 at 7:42PM UTC

    You should not feel helpless. Start addressing these issues strategically. If you’re taking detailed notes, I don’t see why it couldn’t be used to determine if it’s concrete enough to file a federal complaint for discrimination.

32. AnonymousJuly 30,2023 at 9:06PM UTC

    If you are seeing and documenting the problems, advocating for your Black colleague might prove to be the needed change catalyst. Often, discriminatory practices are changed when others speak out and let it be known that these types of actions are wrong and completely unfair. 

33. Pea WrightJuly 30,2023 at 9:24PM UTC

    I experienced the same thing working in a major pharmaceutical company. I went and got a lawyer. Human resources protects the company, never the person. You should never go to HR to discuss anything. Glad you’re documenting the information for him. I would tell him that he needs to go talk to an attorney right now.

    Last thing to remember, and I got this from a former HR vice president at the pharmaceutical company. Is that when anybody goes to HR to complain about some thing, they systematically work to get rid of you HR is not your friend.

34. Liz MilneJuly 31,2023 at 12:57AM UTC

    If you are white, you can speak up.

    When it's only Black people saying: 'this is a problem for me and/ or other Black people', it's easier for HR/ management esp if they are racist, even in an unconscious way, to say: 'Oh, it's only Black employees complaining, none of the white (or other ethnicity) staff have said/ noticed anything they must be making it up to make us look bad' and create a toxic divide that way.

    If white employees are saying, 'Hey, Joe works three times harder than Brad and gets better results, but you always say Joe is the [problem] - what gives', then it's a lot harder to brush off - and if a lot of people are saying it, even harder still, so get your colleagues on board with speaking up too...

35. AnonymousJuly 31,2023 at 1:33AM UTC

    This is such a hard truth but it's the reality of exactly what is happening. Other Asian and white employees support both of us privately and in meetings that do not include leadership but they are afraid to speak out against leadership.

36. AnonymousJuly 31,2023 at 11:54AM UTC

    As a black female myself, I agree with what was said about the support from other white colleagues. Nothing will be done if only us minorities have to be the ones who take a stand. And definitely sounds like an undesirable place to work. If your job is secure, I understand wanting to stay, but what a toxic environment for them to go through and you to witness every day. Be prepared in advance to have another job lined up (and hopefully a much more fulfilling and tolerant one) once you speak up and get involved, but doing what’s right can oftentimes come with trial and persecution. Some of us have been on that side as well when taking a stand.

37. AnonymousJuly 31,2023 at 12:09PM UTC

    I'm confused as to why you are 'watching a black colleague being bullied' but not calling out the abuse? Surely it is up to all of us to stand up for each other regardless of colour/race/religion. Unless those of us who are white stand up for our colleagues regardless it will continue to be accepted. As for HR standing back they should be ashamed of themselves and rethink their career choices. As an HR professional I am appalled by reading your post and cannot understand why nothing is being done to these bullies who are racially abusing your colleagues and getting away with it as no-one is stepping in and pointing out their act is not only illegal but morally abhorrent.....

38. AnonymousJuly 31,2023 at 1:06PM UTC

    This is when you stop posting about it, and you stand up and say something about it.

    Look, it came home to me, personally, when I was at my pharmacy and a young Black man came in, and politely asked the pharmacist on duty for his prescription for which he received a phone call and was told it was ready at this pharmacy.

    The pharmacist was Iranian, and I had watched her be very rude and dismissive to many. I only bring up that she was Iranian, to say that she had brown skin too, etc.

    However, this time? Oh wow. She promptly told this man, "Sorry, don't have it." He said, "Ma'am, I received a phone call and I was told it was ready."

    Pharmacist: I don't know who told you that. I don't have it. Sorry.

    Man: Ma'am, I drove about 20 miles to pick this up, since this is the only Walgreens in the area that had the prescription strength I need for this medicine. How can you say you don't have it? What do I need to do to get it?

    Pharmacist: Do you have the original prescription?

    Man: What? It's in your system.

    Pharmacist: No, sorry. I need the original prescription.

    Man: Ma'am. You are being really dismissive here. It's in your system. Why would I drive all of the way over here if I were making this up? I was told that the prescription was in.

    Pharmacist: You are making me uncomfortable. I'm afraid of you right now.

    Now, I'm sitting here watching this, and this man has done NOTHING at all to make this pharmacist feel uncomfortable, etc. NOTHING. I was waiting for my prescription that she effed up, by the way.

    Man: Ma'am. I have done nothing to you to make you feel scared of me. This is ridiculous. I just want to know why I was called to pick up my prescription and you tell me it's not here and "sorry." I still need the prescription, but you are just dismissing me for no reason.

    Pharmacist: I'm calling for security.

    Man: You just do that. I'm going to look up your district manager's name and information. I have done nothing to you.

    Pharmacist: You need to leave, now.

    Man: Oh, I will walk away, but this isn't the end of it.

    Pharmacist looks at me, as if I am her white Ally, then says to him

    Pharmacist: See? This lady has been waiting here a while. I need to deal with her.

    This is where I could have just looked the other way and not said something, and in the past I may have done that.

    But not this time.

    Me: Oh no, don't look to me as your Ally. What you are doing and saying is beyond wrong. This man did NOTHING to warrant your behavior with him. I've been sitting here listening and watching.

    I told the man, "Let's find the manager. I will tell him what I saw and heard as well. No excuse for this."

    That's what we did. The manager, of course, was on "lunch break" so we spoke to the Assistant Manager who told us to fill out forms, which we did. I said, "This man did absolutely nothing to intimidate or make her feel unsafe, etc. She said that because he's Black, period. That's my take on it. She did the 'I'm calling security' thing because he's Black."

    And that's the truth of it all. She was horrible to this man.

    The man thanked me, profusely, and gave me the biggest hug. He was a young man in his 20s. I told him he didn't need to thank me at all. I was at the right place at the right time and he didn't deserve that at all, and he did NOTHING wrong.

    Later, this pharmacist was FIRED. I was ecstatic. She was horrible. I still scratch my head, though, thinking of the fact that she's Iranian, and I'm sure she's dealt with stereotyping, bigotry, racism, but I've never seen a scene like that before.

    Posting this anonymously, as I don't deserve a pat on the back for any of this. My point in discussing it--the first time I have done so--is that it's just not enough to say "Omg, this is horrible what I am seeing," it's time to STAND UP when this horrible stuff happens and stand with those being bullied, especially because of the color of their skin.

    I just couldn't sit back when I saw what the pharmacist was saying and doing with this man, and because she didn't have an answer to his question--she had obviously effed up the prescription--she decided to play the "this black man is threatening to me," and actually thought that I--the white woman--would be her ally in her drama!

    It's time to stand up and say something! That's what you can do! Take your notes to whoever needs to see them. Reach out to the three Black FTEs. Tell them you see what is happening, and that you have notes. Tell them you will vouch for what is happening.

    Do something!

39. AnonymousJuly 31,2023 at 2:35PM UTC

    Hey just fyi, many Iranians consider themselves Caucasian, as does the US Census. So you might identify her as “brown” but there’s a high likelihood that she doesn’t see herself that way. The fact that you keep mentioning her skin color and how you as a white woman are shocked she would assume you’re the same is low key racist too. This story would’ve held a lot more meaning if you’d kept her ethnicity to yourself.

40. AnonymousJuly 31,2023 at 5:11PM UTC

    "Low key racist." Thank you for that. Oh, I have a lot of work left to do with my own racism, no doubt.

    However, I felt the need to point out the irony that this woman is Iranian, and I am sure she has been on the receiving end of stereotypes, bullying, etc. for her ethnicity, etc., yet she was stereotyping and bullying a Black man, and about to call security on him.

    No, I guess I didn't know that the US Census considers Iranians as Caucasian. Yes, how very racist of me to not know that.

    Yeah, I was shocked at this woman's behavior, and I would have been shocked no matter the color of her skin, but it was just weird to me that she started with the trope of "Call security" on this BLACK man because, well he was/is BLACK!!

    So again, thank you for pointing out the work I still need to do, however, I think my point is still valid. If you feel that's racist, okay. It probably is. I still have a lot of work to do, obviously. I'm still glad I spoke up, though.

41. Dana KhJuly 31,2023 at 4:10PM UTC

    Thank you for standing up! What you are describing is very common. People forgot that anti-Blackness is also deeply rooted in Asian, Latin—American and middle eastern cultures. In the USA, those communities are enjoying the civil rights fought for by mostly African Americans but we (Black folks) are also victimized by them in their racist treatment of black folks. I so appreciate what you did! It’s very rare for white allies to speak up for us when they see injustice

42. AnonymousAugust 1,2023 at 12:10PM UTC

    Dana, thank you. I didn't know or realize anti-Blackness was rampant in Asian, Latin-American, and Middle Eastern cultures, really. Watching what was going down actually just made me so angry. You don't treat ANYONE like that, period, but it was a young, Black man, who was being more polite to the pharmacist than I would have been, and she was just horrible. It's when she started saying, "I'm feeling threatened. I'm calling security," that I was like "Oh hell no."

    But then turning to me thinking I would be her ally? Another poster pointed out that I'm a low-key-racist because I pointed out the pharmacist had brown skin and I knew she was Iranian, but Iranians are considered Caucasian, etc.

    That could be true. All I know is that the Iranian pharmacist who considers herself Caucasian, turned to me--a Caucasian--thinking I would be her ally in the ugly drama she created.

    Nope. That young man was nicer and more polite to that one than I would ever be in the same situation, seriously. Security? Really? Um. no.

    Something inside of me said, "Stand up and vouch for this man, NOW!" And I listened to that inner voice. I'm sure not perfect, but at that moment? Had I let that pass and just continued to be a bystander, that young man might have gotten hurt, thrown out of the store, or worse for absolutely NOTHING other than wanting to know about his prescription

    I'm just glad the pharmacist is gone. She was horrible, period, especially after witnessing what she was doing to this young man, and, yes, it was because of the color of his skin.

43. Dana KhAugust 2,2023 at 7:57PM UTC

    I am Black but not African American so a lot of things on american racism, I also had to learn when I moved here as a young adult. All this to say, you’d be correct to assume that a brown woman would not be racist to another POC but sadly that’s not how it works. The amount of hate Black bodies get is literally global. We need more people like you who will speak up and stand with us rather than just be outraged online or shut down because the topic makes them uncomfortable. If white people think they’re uncomfortable, just think of what your fellow human being goes through day in and day out… at school, work, a pharmacy, grocery store etc. It’s exhausting and also dangerous! The pharmacist saying that she was scared can lead to a dead black man if an overzealous or racist cop shows up.

44. AnonymousAugust 3,2023 at 6:37PM UTC

    Dana, you are so spot on. That's what I felt when she started with the "I'm calling security...you are making me uncomfortable" trope. I was like, "If I don't stand up for this guy, right now, I don't know what will happen to him." It freaked me out and I just knew I had to do something. I have to do much more, as well, but it was a first step. My conscience wouldn't let me NOT do something. Thanks, Dana, for your insights as well.

45. AnonymousAugust 4,2023 at 6:53PM UTC

    Dana, it is a shame that Black people must state that they are Black and Not African American.

    While I know that the term African American is offensive to Black people born in the USA, primarily because it is a subtle but effective remembrance of the pains and shame of slavery. Yet, I have a lot of respect for the Black people born in the USA because that group of people has overcome one of the greatest atrocities that has ever been inflicted on a group of people.

    Slavery was a dehumanizing, shameful act I would not wish upon my worst enemy. To survive or have descendants that survived slavery is a testament to their willpower and determination not to be erased.

    And I realize that many Black people, not born in the USA, but immigrating to the USA, don't want to be included in the category of being considered Black American. They seek to intentionally separate themself from being seen as a Black American.

    And while that is their prerogative. However, having not experienced growing up in America as a Black person, you would not understand Black Americans or any other group's struggles.

    For example, growing up in rural settings used to be or perhaps still carries negative connotations. Americans have so many idealisms about each other's upbringing, race, ethnicity, and religion that most people from different countries could relate to if they were honest about the country, they left behind to immigrate to the USA and eventually become US citizens.

    Just some thoughts...

46. Dana KhAugust 6,2023 at 9:04AM UTC

    I don’t know what you are trying to say so I will clarify. I stated that I am not African American because that’s a fact. There is absolutely no shame or differenting myself from

    my fellow Black people. Anti-black racism is truly global but America has perfected it in a way that makes it as normalized as breathing so many white people, including those who call themselves our allies are also perpetrators of the racism but then will deny it. I am very glad that I was not born in the USA as a Black woman and now that I have children, I am looking to leave. I 100% support my Black brothers and sisters in the fight against racism. Racist folks are stupid enough that there is no difference to them where a Black

    person is from. They simply hate us and this trying to sow division among Africans, African Americans or Caribbeans is silly at best. Those are not my beliefs.

47. AnonymousAugust 6,2023 at 6:23PM UTC

    "Looking to leave"? After you have reaped the rewards and benefits of the American dollar?

    Looking for you leave? No, it is time for you to leave. You have overstayed your time in our broken country that you believed would give you benefits so you immigrated. Now that you think that you have reaped those benefits, you say that you are looking to leave. Please leave and don't come back to this broken country.

48. Dana KhAugust 6,2023 at 6:43PM UTC

    Yes I am because I have a choice! Is that a problem for you? I’m also a high earner so yes I will reap as many benefits as I see fit. How does that make you feel?

49. AnonymousAugust 6,2023 at 4:04PM UTC

    Wish I could like your comment a thousand times.

50. AnonymousJuly 31,2023 at 5:05PM UTC

    When you witness injustice and do nothing you become a part of the problem. You showed the way to be a kind normal human tolerance of intolerance is bias.

51. AnonymousAugust 6,2023 at 4:04PM UTC

    Exactly. Racism and hatred flourish when good people do nothing.

52. AnonymousAugust 1,2023 at 6:09AM UTC

    Pharmacist in general have had the practice of inconveniencing customers (not just Blacks) for decades. However, when those of a different nationality (Asian, African, Middle Eastern,etc. )take on the practice of screwing up (purposely) many times, they take on the SAME EXACT behaviors as their White counterparts bc they feel that it’s their duty, their right to show outlandish behavior. As a Black American woman, when I see/hear ANYONE (particularly a woman) saying to a BLACK MAN; you’re hostile, I’m afraid of you, you’re making me feel uncomfortable, I can just feel the hatred and disgust they have for me and my fellow Blacks. Too many times this ‘nonsense’ is accepted and it’s deplorable.

53. AnonymousAugust 1,2023 at 6:33PM UTC

    Yes, to everything you just wrote.

54. Mary BlakeAugust 1,2023 at 6:19PM UTC

    Thank you for being HIS ally. This is how Emmet Till was lynched. Remember the man that was watching birds in central park- the white woman was on camera calling the police that she was fearing for her life. Nothing is done about these false accusations. And many people and cultures from abroad are racist- then they come her and see it.

55. AnonymousAugust 6,2023 at 4:03PM UTC

    Thank you for being you and standing up for this young man. Many foreigners have been told despicable things about black people and some are told to avoid black people, that's why someone who is just as brown as him could treat him like that. We need more allies like you and less of those who sit quietly and say nothing.

56. TashaJuly 31,2023 at 2:31PM UTC

    Call it out. And, if your HR department is not doing anything about it, report it to the EEOC: https://www.eeoc.gov/

57. EMILY KIKUE FRANKJuly 31,2023 at 7:27PM UTC

    This isn't the whole answer but there's good info: https://hbr.org/2022/04/how-to-confront-a-bully-at-work

58. AnonymousAugust 1,2023 at 2:26AM UTC

    I dunno. I agree with the article that having a strong network at work can stop bullies.

    But the serious bullies whom I’ve encountered have never stopped because the target had an honest talk with them. The bullies either refused the talk or cut it short, or used the talk to manipulate the target or extract information that facilitated the bullying.

59. AnonymousJuly 31,2023 at 11:26PM UTC

    1)Document what you see and tell your colleague that you will back up his claims of harassment, and speak on his behalf to HR and/or senior management. Same thing for any other harassment claims that you are able to document.

    2)If your colleague is seeking another job, offer to be a professional reference and help him network and identify new job oppportunities.

60. AnonymousAugust 1,2023 at 7:11AM UTC

    I'm so sorry this is happening. One of the hardest things about stuff like this is it's *so* easy for people to dismiss it at a higher/disciplinary level, especially since those who are at fault for racist behavior can always lie and say it's because of something else.
    I hate to have pessimistic reaction to this, but I doubt anything will come of this. He should try to protect himself as best he can and possibly work on getting out of there.

61. AnonymousAugust 1,2023 at 8:19AM UTC

    I do not find this new, racism is still very much alive in the workplace, most HR dept are part of the problem. I work in a college in the north and I have seen it at first hand, and experienced some my self, My manager is from a small village in the south where they have never understood what diversity means, being on probation is worse, micro management, and tight targets, In my previous place, management used some black workers to do their dirty work to harass and bully fellow black workers who have fallen foul of management, Yes racial problems are rife since there is less protection for ethnic staff. To get case to court is also very differcult. It is open season for racists.

    .

62. AnonymousAugust 3,2023 at 10:41PM UTC

    please don't lump HR dept's into this as a whole, I work in HR, have for many years and have NEVER been a part of the problem.

63. AnonymousAugust 2,2023 at 7:45AM UTC

    You should speak up and make senior management know. In My experience line managers and supervisors are reflective of senior management, if this is happening it maybe because senior managers condone it, Your company should have a whistle blowing policy, you can report this secrectly or speak to your union rep. either way should not let it go unreported, STAND UP TO RACISM.

64. Erin VegaAugust 7,2023 at 9:27PM UTC

    Oh this makes my blood boil. What can you do? OPEN YOUR MOUTH AND STAND UP!!

    You are not only helping those employees who are being discrimated against, but you are looking out for the company from a legal standpoint. If it has been spoken to HR about the discrimination then next step is to put it in writing. If after your first email to HR there is nothing done, send a second email cc'ng management. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and you are protected as well.

65. Erin VegaAugust 9,2023 at 12:06AM UTC

    Just needed to tell a little story of when my youngest started working for an inventory company. I am white and my husband is mexican, our daughter is hispanic with blonde hair and blue eyes. Her first day at work and her teammates (all hispanic) are sitting outside this major retail store having lunch. Not even 15 minutes into their lunch break and an older customer is walking past them into this store. He came to a halting stop and looked at the team having lunch, turned to his wife and says, "look at that honey, 10 mexicans, and 1 white girl." My daughter stands up to throw out her trash and is standing by the couple now, turns around to her teammates and starts spouting off in Spanish to the whole team about how these old white farts thought she was white. The eyes on this couple she said was priceless and she whispered to them, you should never judge a book by its cover.