Does sensitivity training seminars work?

Answer 1

Probably not. I attended a company sponsored all employee two day sensitivity training seminar in which we had to split up and mingle with individuals from different racial groups. Some people were reluctant to hold hands when asked to. Some refused to change seats to sit next to someone of
another race. Some refused to answer simple questions about their ethnic backgrounds. Some snickered when they heard people of a different ethnic background speak proudly about their country.

I distinctly recall a few people who would not divulge their addresses (they were asked only to state the town where they lived), as if they feared that the black or Latina participants would go to their homes and rob them. Many openly complained about being forced by the employer to attend sensitivity training classes.

Exactly one day after the seminar ended, I took the train to work and noticed that the man standing next to me was the same person who had sat next to me for the classes. I said hello to him (by name) and he glared at me and tried to act as if he had never seen me before in his life. We got off the train at the same stop and walked (he in front of me) for five minutes to our office building. He stepped inside, never acknowledged me, in fact, he let the door slam in my face. I heard similar complaints from some of the other participants.

I think sensitivity training could be helpful to some people, but basically, it is a waste of time and money for most and the only purpose it serves is to give employers the satisfaction of saying they don't tolerate discrimination in the workplace. PEOPLE WILL CHANGE ONLY IF THEY SEE THE NEED TO CHANGE.