Inspirational
Success Stories
Gift Shop
Prejudice is everywhere, sometimes in very subtle veils. Overcoming it is a part of my life. Although things have gotten better, sometimes it still raises its ugly head. I don’t know if I overcome it or if I just learned to deal with it. It’s not like I can just magically wave my hands and make it all go away. What I can do is correct people when I can and ignore them the rest of the time. It’s hard though.
The problem with trying to overcome prejudice is convincing people that it actually exists. People see Barack Obama and assume that everything is over. So, when I bring it up, I have to break through people’s desire to think that the matter has been settled. I have to speak very gently when I do this and make sure to keep my audience in mind. Believe me, people won’t listen if you explode on them.
I got good grade in high school, went to college, got my degree and a decent job. At least that was how it was supposed to have been. I must admit, it took time to get a job in my chosen profession and once there, I have to deal with people on both sides, black and white, who don’t understand the difference between speaking properly and talking white. This is in addition to the blacks and whites who consider themselves “cool” and who use a variety of forms of slang, etc., that I don’t even care to understand. I brought these two up only because I don’t fall into either category. So almost every time I meet someone new, I have to defend myself against an allegation that I’m betraying my race by using correct grammar. I overcome prejudice here by trying to explain the difference between the two. It doesn’t always work, but I’m trying.
I am a black woman. I’ve been that as long as I can remember. I’ve never attacked anyone nor jumped up and down on someone’s head when they upset me, but it feels like that’s what people expect sometimes. I’ve even had a boss write that I was “intimidating,” even though I never raised my voice. I have responsibilities. I can’t let anyone get me off my game plan. So, I pray a lot and, I know I am blessed. I’ve lasted too long to doubt that. I’ve learned some things about myself in the process. I’ve learned that I can assert myself and stand up for my views, without yelling. I’ve learned that I am smarter and more capable than I ever knew and that I can overcome prejudice and anything else the world throws at me, if I remain focused. I talk to some of my other black educated working girlfriends, and that helps keep my focus. Contact me if you need any help.
Did you like this? Share it with somebody! Use the Share button below.
Recent Blog Posts
Rate this article