Racism and Hiring Practices posted 2/11/2007 12:30:41 PM | 1 kudo what's this?     report abuse tagged: racism, hiring practices, prejudice, personal experience, life

HopelesslyHopeful

Inspired by reading a blog entitled 'On Racism':

There's only one time I've seen anyone get truly racist about their hiring practices and it was very very ugly. But, because I did see it once I know for a fact it still exists.

I offered to be a witness if the young black man cared to sue the company. They were going to give him the job, mind, but he would have been completely miserable working under the manager who told me he "had to hire one of them". And that was about the nicest of his comments regarding who he had to hire.

But there have been many occasions in the past (albeit the very far past now) when I have seen a black man walk in to apply for a job and immediately start with "I know you won't hire me because I'm black, but.." or on being told he didn't have the qualifications "It's because I'm black isn't it?"

I'm sure they get shite from someone or they were told things by their friends and relativies about their own troubles and they do have a reason for this feeling, to some extent.

But if you walk in with the attitude that you won't be hired because the person doing the hiring is prejudiced, it's very unlikely you will get hired. Not because you are what you are, racially or whatever, but because you are going to be a constant pain in the ass to work with and you insulted them coming in the door!

And in the case of one guy I saw, he walked in smelling bad, wearing mismatching clothes, with dirty teeth, dirty hands, greasy looking skin, and a very disrespectful manner.. but he still thought it was because he was black that he wasn't going to be considered for the job.

Of course it happens, in both ways, for other races, sexes, etc. The comments I made were about personal observations of the past.

Sometimes it's hard to do, but you have to walk in with a positive attitude and respect for the interviewer, if you want to try to get a job. Then if they insult you, that's a different subject.

And again, it may help you to realize you are not alone: I have been refused employment due to the color of my skin, being the "wrong kind of Chinese", my sex, my lack of wanting to provide sex, being Irish, being Alaskan, and even for being married to someone who is a jerk.

Then, of course, there is one particular well known store in Alaska that has a very simple hiring practice: they will not discriminate based on race, religion, etc. so long as you are from the right social class and look a certain way and are already friends with the other employees. Otherwise, it's straight to the circular file drawer with you.. and I have been there many many times.

Copy & paste to friend: (Click inside box; Ctrl + C to copy; Ctrl + V to paste)

Blogs by HopelesslyHopeful: More positive proof that "the Romans" have gone mad: The New Review (not just of my book anymore *blush*) Of Madness and Scotsmen Important Questions of Life: If I died ... ( a great email and, yes, another - much more informal - review) Take a whiff of Helium and let the insanity begin Another Review of my book: Top 10 Reasons E.T.P. Should Just Bite Me (Real and Imaginary) When I'm 64 Curiosity killed the kudo! Positive and Negative Energy: A Seed of Respect Racism and Hiring Practices Wasted Lives and Bitterness Here's a novel concept: Here is a news flash for you: Americans: Not Xenophobic Enough!!!! A Large and Dangerous Man Moves East continued Of Whales and Vegemite Slavery and Racial Hatred :Facts You Probably Don't Know (Scots-Irish) II Slavery and Racial Hatred: Facts you probably don't know (Scots-Irish) Goodnight Thought for the day: Calling All Writers Looking at new users