Inequality and discrimination amongst women

[Sunsetred]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to post or if my title makes sense. I've been thinking a lot recently about how I have been treated in the past and currently at work by middle class white women. I basically feel like I'd be treated quite differently (more respected) if I was white. I don't experience this with my male colleagues or managers. I was trying to find more information online about this but there is the much. Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this or can offer a viewpoint or any reading material?

[RoseslnTheHospital]

There is a book called "Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race" which might be of interest, by Reni Eddo-Lodge. Also a book called "White feminism" by Koa Beck.

[howdoesatoastermaketoast]

I can only express my thoughts somewhat informally but there's a pattern of behaviour where when a person is treated with disrespect they then pass that disrespect on to someone they perceive to be their social or professional inferior / someone whom they can safely disrespect (i.e. they feel they will likely suffer no negative consequences).

It's shit and I'm sorry, I know on occasion I've been guilty of treating my kids in a crappier manner than I ordinarily would do because I feel hurt or disrespected by their Dad. I don't think it's because in general white women respect you less than white men do, which is not to say I think your instincts are in any way off or wrong. I think it's because white people are a bit shit at recognising and challenging themselves about unconscious bias but the white men have a target rich environment as it were, and can disrespect / bully male subordinates and white women whereas as the crappy behaviour of white women can get concentrated on the black women.

[Luredbyapomegranate]

I don’t know but I am sorry it’s happening. THe REL book is good.

Then I think you need to talk to your manager or HR

[YesJess]

I can only express my thoughts somewhat informally but there's a pattern of behaviour where when a person is treated with disrespect they then pass that disrespect on to someone they perceive to be their social or professional inferior / someone whom they can safely disrespect (i.e. they feel they will likely suffer no negative consequences).

Yup, shit flowing downhill and all that.

I think that people often just grasp at the most obvious difference they see. So if you cut them up in traffic they might shout a racist insult, call you a 'fat bastard', or call you a 'stupid woman'.

They might not have any more prejudice against one group than another but it's an easy way to insult a stranger.

[AdamRyan]

I'm reading "The Authority Gap" by Mary-Ann Sieghert and while its not specifically about black or brown women there is a lot in there about how the relative lack of power women have affects how they interact with each other, and specific discussion around how black and brown women experience the workplace differently to white women.

You might find some of it useful.

I'm white but have noticed a lot more hostility from certain female colleagues as I reach middle age, which is very sad 🙁