Saturday, January 06, 2007

The American Corporate Way

So in the land of Corporate America and really society there are so many double standards. But in additions to these conditional standards there’s a strong need to live by the rules of Covering Your Ass (CYA). This rule is important for any person trying to climb the rigorous ladder to success but it is more crucial to any person of color (particularly Black). This is by no means exclusive to the "rat race". If you want to have any type of clout in this country there's an endless set of rules and standards to the game.

So as a person working in this sector I already have two strikes against me: I am a woman and I am African American, but more threatening I am an EDUCATED African American woman. I find myself in numerous “confrontational” situations, yet I have to always digress and think of a diplomatic way of approaching the issue. God forbid my natural ability to speak up for myself and be opinionated will be misinterpreted as me being an angry black woman. Am I suppose to allow people to walk over me, insult my intelligence, and assume shit about me while maintaining a smile on my face and playing dumb? I think not! Fuck you for thinking you’re smarter than me because you’re of a different race! Fuck you for thinking I am suppose to be under you! Fuck you for thinking MOST blacks don’t have a desire or the qualifications to be successful!

I have to ALWAYS be on my P’s & Q’s. If I am in an atmosphere filled with “others”, I find myself having to feel like putting my best foot forward. It isn’t about not being myself. But I have taking it upon myself to always represent myself and my people in a positive manner. If I can leave a pleasant and surprising/reassured impression of myself to a stranger then I feel a natural high. Particularly since moving to the south. You can smell and taste the racial undertones on a daily basis. But nothing brings me better pleasure than a judgmental prick left with a shock and awe factor after meeting me. Yes, I am very confident and it shows. I don’t need to say anything, as soon as I walk into a room my presence is commanding. It’s not a conceit thing at all. But this land is suppose to be yours and mine, so I will welcome myself in any establishment I deem worthy of my presence. So once again fuck you and kiss my ass!

So yes I am your worst nightmare. I am hungry and thirsty for power and respect. I’ll pay my dues for now, but believe I’ll reach the top and bring an entire generation of accomplished, intelligent, cooperative African American people with me…

5 comments:

T.a.c.D said...

I’ll pay my dues for now, but believe I’ll reach the top and bring an entire generation of accomplished, intelligent, cooperative African American people with me...
And that right there is what it is ALL about...

BeautyinBaltimore said...

Lady, Lady, Lady I'm going throught the same thing on part-time job. I came so close to slaping this bitch the other day. I had to tell myself don't be a sterotype, don't be sterotype, don't be sterotype over and over again. I swear they try you(partically white women) over and over again.

Blu Jewel said...

I second both the previous comments. I have an additional and sometimes bizarre experience with people in the corp world. On sight, I look like your average black woman and get treated/looked at with a crooked eye. Then I open my mouth and they hear my (english) accent, then all of a sudden the treatment/attitude changes. I am somehow now less black or less threatening? (the sad thing is that i get it from other AA's too) Whatever the case, it's annoying and it makes me fucking sick. I am not, will not be, and refuse to be ashamed that I'm an educated black women who speaks standard english. Bottom line; I am who I am and I do what I do.

Enigma said...

I think they get afraid of intelligence and confidence and the world known, yes I can do it and pro'lly better than you attitude that black women across the world present. That you ain't gonna disrespect me thing, that drives them a lil' nuts so they try to push buttons. They do not know what we are so confident about, so persistent and so tenacious about. I stand on the backs of too many who came before me and survived and thrive under horrible circumstances, so deal, sweetie. That is why when you run across that kind of ish, smile. I have lived in the south (GA) all of my life, this is how you play their game. Jealousy and insecurity in such an open display is fascinating to watch, is it not? They will adapt their behavior when they realize you are NOT the one, and you will kick their butt with class, finesse, tactfulness, efficiency and ..... a pleasant smile. Hurts them every time.

Views of Diversified Mind said...

I can feel your thoughts confessions to the complete fullest. I have been tested and tested over and over again with being an African American Woman in this corporate world who is intelligent, educated, smart, driven, speaks correct and standard english with pronounciation, gives real and bright smiles at all times and gets along well; a team player and I have gotten NOTHING BUT continuous RESPECT from it all! I have heard the word n##gga, you people, others refering to the black race, etc. and yes I am referring to this day in time at the age of 25. I'm only assuming that the other races believed me to keep quiet and not speak up for myself and my race, but I place people quite quickly when I do stand up for my rights and not let others talk down on me as a person or my race as a whole; it's only right and I believe in doing the right thing.

Like someone stated previously. It gets "them" others everytime when You have and flaunt all of the above characteristics and attributes; finesse, tact, class, efficiency and the list goes on. Continue to be yourself and don't EVER change who you are which knowing you I know you WILL NOT. You may have to deal with "corporate punishment" or get various reactions, but so what. Like you said, pay your dues for now, but at the same time continue to stand up for yourself in a ladylike manner and you will be just fine! Do keep the positive attitude to assisting to bring "us" up!

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