Black History Month

[CarlottiJames]

I do not like black history month. I am a black woman, and am constantly receiving communications at work about diversity and equality and how my workplace is encouraging it. Emails about groups people can join, for BAME officers. Shadowing opportunities for BAME officers. Etc. Etc. Etc.

I am starting to find it boring and honestly don't think about my race until it is mentioned to me (constantly).

Does anyone else feel this way? Or am I on my own here...?

Posted in chat but no response so hoping for a bit more in AIBU!

That explains today’s Google doodle.

You don't have to join in with anything do you?

I see a lot of things that are related to certain causes and certain groups, and if I am not interested, I don't join in. Not that hard really...

I always thought it was a day to honour black public figures who did amazing things at risk to their own lives I don’t think it’s intended to patronise or offend or remind you that your black. But to remember people who stood up and took a stand against the horrible racism and restrictions and segregation they were facing.

*month

It's not about joining in. It's about being made to feel like you can only achieve something, or be nominated for something in the workplace etc when that thing is especially designed for ethnic minorities. I guess sometimes it just saddens me. I don't want to be given opportunities because I am black. I want to be given opportunities because I have worked for them and earned them. I don't want to be given an incredible opportunity and for someone to say 'how on earth did you manage that' and for the only answer I can give to be 'because I'm black' - it's embarrassing.

I guess I'm just tired of being given opportunities just because of my race. I don't think it actually achieves anything.

The problem is it shouldn’t have to be that way. Look at killing eve the main character is Korean and one of my favourite actresses ever. But the attention has been on the white actress and it’ sucks.

I think it's difficult to get the balance. I totally understand you not wanting to be given opportunities because of skin colour, but conversely the reality is that people are still losing opportunities every day because of their skin colour. So I think it's a case of society still trying to find its way to a point where affirmative action isn't needed because equality is the norm. And we're not there yet. If you don't create opportunities for people who are disenfranchised, then you can't balance out the opportunities that are taken from them.

I want to be given opportunities because I have worked for them and earned them

And so you should but sadly there are still instances of black people who have worked for and more than earned opportunities they will never get because of prejudice and bigotry?

I don't want to be given opportunities because I am black

Don’t you understand that white people have more opportunities simply because we are white? Those things for BAME workers are to try and level the playing field.

“I don't want to be given opportunities because I am black”

You aren’t. It’s about you not being denied opportunities because you are black.

And Black History month is about making black and white peoples aware that there is such a thing as black history. It comes as rather a surprise to many people.

Did you really need to start this thread twice?

Don’t you understand that white people have more opportunities simply because we are white? Those things for BAME workers are to try and level the playing field.

I completely realise this. I just don't always think it's necessary and don't think it is always done correctly. I don't think it always helps BAME people and think it can actually make you feel a bit useless and like you only exist in order to make the company look more diverse.

I understand why it is done and don't think it is entirely bad. I guess for me I'm just tired of it.

@Padparadscha I posted here after I didn't get much of a response in chat. But you're right I didn't need to, no.

@BertrandRussell absolutely, but it does make me feel sometimes that people look at me and think 'oh she only got that job because she is black' - I've heard that attitude before. I'm just a bit torn re affirmative action that's all.

I know what you mean and completely agree with you.

“oh she only got that job because she is black' - I've heard that attitude before.”

From racists.

What sort of thing are you tired of?

@BertrandRussell true. I am really trying to see both sides here and am not entirely averse to affirmative action. I just wondered if anyone else also had some negative emotions attached to all of the equality and diversity pushes in the workplace. I'm torn between feeling like it's really important, and feeling like it can actually be quite damaging

@BertrandRussell receiving emails being offered opportunities to do things like shadow senior members of staff because I am BAME. This opportunity is also given to the rest of the organisation. I don't see why I should be given it separately as a separate BAME applicant as well as the 'standard' application. It makes me feel two inches tall.

Look at the government. How many of them are there simply because they are white and rich? How many do you think would get there on merit alone?
Do you think they care? No!

Sometimes you have to force things to change.

I guess it's just the paranoia that comes with not knowing whether you have been given an opportunity because you are BAME or because you actually did your best to achieve it.

Willing to accept this may solely be my issue and that I need to just crack on with any opportunity that comes my way.

I think i know what you mean I am not BAME but i can imagine it gets tedious for you.

I guess companies could just treat people fairly and equally all the time, like they're supposed to, instead of making a big show of occasionally offering stuff to bame employees. Because that stuff is arguably more about how the company looks on paper, rather than about creating a good environment for all employees all of the time.

Agree with fissionchips

@Belina and maybe I have to accept that as much as it makes me feel a bit shitty, it's for the best in the long run - I hope it is anyway...