It's Time to Talk about Race at Work

CHAPTER 12What to Do If You See or Hear Casual Racism or Sexism at Work

Over the course of your career, you've probably heard people at work say something that was racist, sexist, demeaning, or offensive, even if it wasn't directed at you. You may not have said anything or done anything about it, because, when it comes to work, it can be hard to speak up. Every company has its own culture and, in many organizations, the easiest thing to do is to let it go. After all, we're talking about your job. You have to work with these people, day in and day out. You think to yourself, “It's not smart to rock the boat. Just let it go.” But it gnaws at you. Here's why “letting it go” is not the answer and why it makes you feel even worse:

• Those who make offensive, rude, and demeaning comments will continue to do so unless they are called out on it. They may not even know that what they're saying is wrong—or why it's wrong—but they sure won't understand that it's unacceptable if no one tells them.
• Offensive comments hurt and cause damage. For the target or recipient of the comment, they can be devastating. But others are also hurt by such comments. It's hard to hear a demeaning comment directed at someone you work with. And it's excruciatingly painful and awkward to witness someone being bullied or victimized by offensive comments. Even if you're just a bystander, not participating in the conversation at all, you can feel how awful and wrong it is, and it will affect you.
• If no one speaks ...