I work for a major company in Boston and all employees in my branch happen to be African American except me. There are roughly 50 employees in this branch. I have a Bachelors degree and am one of 3 IT personnel. I have been with the company for 6 years and have had excellent reviews quarterly. The only thing negative said in any review was by my last supervisor who said I need to be more social around the office. I have tried, but I am ignored when I speak. Often when I try to speak up, it will break up any conversation. One of the IT personnel I work with started less than a year ago and has an Associates degree. He has just been promoted to job I was trying to get. I work long and hard and have stayed late almost every day I've been there and never asked for overtime. He is a strict 8 to 4:30 guy. Should I bring this up to the home office? Is this racial discrimination? Can a white person be discriminated against since they are not a minority?
2006-10-11 11:51:01 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
I also need to add that I have to produce deliverables daily. In 6 years, I have filled a 4 drawer file cabinet with copies of ALL my deliverables. While I am producing these deliverables, the other 2 workers are socializing and producing none. They have even taken credit for some of my work. And one of these got the promotion. I don't get it. Our home office is in Texas. I think I will say something tomorrow. I just hate to make waves because I have to wokr with these people day to day and I know the home office pretty much leaves all decisions up to the VP at our branch.
2006-10-11 12:03:01 · update #1
Yes sarkatick, even my boss is African American. I feel mostly like I've been taken advantage of. I have ignored racist jokes around the office there (about all races) even though they made me feel a little unfomfortable. I try to get along with everyone and I am pretty easy going. To the point that maybe I let people walk over me somewhat. My wife says, don't complain about anything and lose your job. I am DEFINITELY there for the paycheck.
2006-10-11 12:13:23 · update #2
If I were you, I would approach the home office.
2006-10-11 11:56:12 · answer #1 · answered by BoomChikkaBoom 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes and yes of course whites can be discriminated but for some reason it's called reverse discrimation because I guess whoever made that fancy terms deems that only whites can discraminate in the first place.
I think you have a very interesting case, call the home office, schedule a meeting and see what they think. If they ignore it then I would consider a lawyer. Why not? If the situation was reverse in a heartbeat the NAACP would be there so why do you have to take it??? You don't!!! It's not fair and personally I don't know how you have worked in the situation that long it sounds very uncomfortable if your co-workers will not even converse with you.
After reading your additional details you need to tell them you feel uncomfortable bringing this up local because it will just get pushed to the side. You would like to deal with them and if they don't want to assist you a lawyer will help.
2006-10-11 12:04:18 · answer #2 · answered by MaryJaneD 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This could be a case of discrimination.I would definatly take this up with the higher ups. You mentioned that you have been there for 6 years and you are the only caucasian. Has this been the case for the 6 years you have been there?
Now Im African American and I remember working at a place where I was the only African American, I really didn't care about who worked there as long as my paycheck was correct. I knew what I was doing so I had nothing to worry about.
I hope this helped.
2006-10-11 12:03:30 · answer #3 · answered by TNA Ambassador 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like you're the minority at your branch since you mention in your first sentence that all except you are African American. Since I do not know the whole situation and can only based my judgment on your side of the story, it is discriminating when they favor a person of less knowledge and education over you for the job.
It is tough to tell your employer when all except you are AA, that means your boss is AA right? if you voice your disappointment, you are risking a chance of being on his/her "shieet list", but if you dont, it will eat you alive. If I were you, I would secretly find another job (possibly even higher pay, get that job) then go back and tell my employer exactly how I feel and that is why I'm leaving - sweet revenge! Otherwise, I say suck it up for now until you're ready to say what you want to say.
Best wishes!
2006-10-11 12:00:45 · answer #4 · answered by sarkatick 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Of course we caucasions (sp?) can be discriminated against! Basically, in your office you ARE the minority. I am not sure what steps you could take. It is up to the supervisors discretion to choose whom they think will be the best fit for a promotion. If you were fired due to some kind of discrimination, then you'd have more of a legal issue.
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2006-10-11 11:55:37 · answer #5 · answered by Lady V 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Discrimination with a capital "D"!!!! For many years, other races were considered the minority....now the white race is considered minority. Check with a discrimination attorney that is listed in your local phone book.....get your facts, document everything you feel is discrimination and see an attorney! You could own this company someday!!!!!!!
2006-10-11 12:03:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Definitely approach the home office or start looking for a new place of employment that will appreciate your knowledge, skills and dedication.
2006-10-11 12:02:29 · answer #7 · answered by Smitty 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋