DEAR BLACK WOMAN, PROTECT YOURSELF. BEST, YOUR CORPORATE FRIEND
Updated: May 9
As Black women are showered with accolades for achieving education, corporate careers, and overall ladder climbing in predominately white spaces, there's a hidden truth of perception and treatment that eventually becomes too exhausting.
Many of you may have already heard about the one young influencer sharing her experience working for a "small" corporate yet recognizable company. It's not at all surprising how the treatment she received in a mostly Korean-dominated environment was dehumanizing, but I can say I was just a bit shocked. Considering that colonizers have successfully programmed their "way of life" into most non-white cultures, one would think all of these cultures would collectively "stick together" in an unspoken rule kind of way.
However, I've watched so many Black American travelers speak up about visiting different parts of the world via TikTok. Their stories has shown me how quite a few cultures outside of the African diaspora either view us as spectacles or as humans "you shouldn't interact with". You would think that we could connect more on deeper levels. The Black American influence across the globe has, in some cases, been culturally appropriated; in music and entertainment, colloquialisms, you name it. So if we are going to experience having other cultures diminish our humanity based off their preconceived biases, we must go into their spaces with protection.
“Document, document, document.”
Nikki of The Billion Dollar Fit, explains exceptionally the steps on how to actively protect yourself when working in a corporate setting. Her tips don't just go for corporate spaces; they can be applied for travel, going to local events, or just being yourself wherever you live. To see what tips Nikki mentions, click to view her video below.
Stay Ready
It may sound cliche, however it will give you peace of mind to know you have documentation of any unethical workplace behavior towards you. With the amount of resources and technology we have in the palm of our hands, there is no excuse. Because who's gonna check you? You have to be the one standing up for YOU. Sometimes it can be an unconscious thought to say, "I don't want to deal with this". Or just quitting and moving forward. It's okay if that works out for you, however the moment you find yourself feeling tension or any resistance, that is your inner-self trying to communicate to you to make a decision. You either stand up to it or keep encountering similar experience until you learn when enough is enough. At the end of the day, make sure you're happy with whatever decision you choose; that's really all that matters.
You got this.
Best,
Your Corporate Friend
video source: TikTok account @thebilliondollarfit
