Scare yourself

[ladysycamore]

Justice for all? Not at work not yet anyway:

http://www.campusaction.net/publicat...rimination.htm

The civil-rights movement of the 1960s gave hope to African Americans for equity in the workplace. But almost four decades later, that promise remains largely unfilled, according to a recent study.

The survey of 1,003 workers was conducted last fall by Rutgers University and the University of Connecticut. It describes a "glaring divide" between white workers, who say most people are not discriminated against at work, and minorities, who do not agree. Particularly African Americans.

Among the findings: Half of African-American workers believe that blacks are the most likely ethnic group to be treated unfairly, compared to 10 percent of whites and 13 percent of other racial groups who believe African Americans are the most likely target. Fifty-six percent of higher-income nonwhite workers believe that African Americans are the employees most likely to be discriminated against, compared to 33 percent of higher-income white workers. And, 28 percent of African Americans report they have been discriminated against at work, compared to 6 percent of whites.

"That is indeed likely to be the perception of African-American workers today, because even though we've made some strides since the 1960s, discrimination still exists," said Chris Bardwell, a veteran career consultant, counselor and trainer based in Chicago.

"In terms of looking at the numbers of black men or women in executive positions, there are very few of us. African Americans still are most likely to be treated unfairly in terms of promotions, opportunities for additional training, being part of the good old boy network and special projects," said Bardwell.

Additionally, African Americans often feel isolated on the job-as Bardwell felt as the only African American in the executive ranks of a large organization. "You're held to a standard where you must be better than or twice as good as white men and women in order to get ahead," she said. "We are slowly progressing, but I just hope the numbers don't get worse."

I asked Bardwell where she would be today if discrimination hadn't been so pervasive. Without hesitation, she answered: "If I were white, I'd be a corporate senior vice president with a corner office and all the perks."

Howard Lindsey, chairman of the history department at DePaul University, says, "institutional white racism didn't die with the end of the civil rights movement. It took other forms and might not be as blatant-but if you look under the surface you find some of the same attitudes. And people with those attitudes will find a way to manifest them."

Lindsey, who teaches a course in African-American history, says these are the best of times and worst of times for blacks in the workplace. "The best, because the fact that there are now a few black CEOs is unprecedented," he said. "On the other hand, the masses of black workers, even though they're let in the door, are limited in how far they can go."

Still, 50 percent of the African Americans surveyed believe things have gotten better. "Is the glass half-full or half-empty? One out of two African Americans still experience discrimination," Lindsey said. "I don't think that's going to change that much that soon-but I'm hoping I'm wrong on this."

(c) 2002, Chicago Tribune.