As overseas Filipino workers, we come across locals, co-workers and clients who have different upbringing as ours. They adopt different culture and have different beliefs. Therefore it is not surprising that they will treat us differently because of these differences. The bad thing is that some of them have certain stereotypes for certain groups of people. They base their perception of a person on the color of skin, nationality or other factors that we cannot control.
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Racism comes into the picture when people discriminate us based on our race. One company might not hire us not because of skill but because of our nationality. An immigration officer might ask us more questions because of the passport we are holding. Or sales ladies pay more attention to Filipinos not because they are intent on buying, but a possible theft suspect.
This is a common social problem in the world today. This is especially true amidst a growing number migrant workers and workplaces have become more diverse. As bad as it sounds, there are ways in which we can deal with racism at workplace.
1. Respect Yourself
Respect from colleagues and bosses is earned and not asked nor granted. Let us ask ourselves why are we being discriminated. Is it because we acted in a way that disrespects their beliefs and did not exercise sensitivity towards respect for their culture? Maybe because they think Filipinos are loud talkers on the phone or very fond of gossips? Respecting one’s self comes in many forms: being punctual at work, diligent at what you do and be a smart worker — not hard worker. Bosses will appreciate and colleagues will notice although this does not happen all the time. By exercising self respect, you did your part of trying to deal with racial discrimination.
2. Try to Adjust to Local Culture
If you work in a place where one race dominates the place, try to blend into their ways by trying their food, joining in their activities. By doing so, co-workers will appreciate your eagerness to know them better through these little things. This is also a perfect opportunity where you talk more about yourselves, family concerns, and other non-work topics and become more comfortable with each other. Through this way, certain doubts or stereotypes they might have in their minds are clarified. Needless to say, this is best done before you notice racism in work place.
3. Be Assertive
If there is an attempt to deny your right as a worker or at least confusion such has been done from you, immediately seek clarification and ensure that your rights are granted. Does your medical insurance cover the entire contract period? Is your overtime properly compensated? If you have any questions, approach the right person (HR or direct supervisor) instead of confiding to a colleague. Being assertive does not mean being arrogant. For example, if a domestic helper gets scolded even if she is in right position, it’s not disrespectful if she answers back. She just wants mistakes be corrected. Otherwise, the employer becomes more abusive in future confrontations.
4. Respond Positively
As much as possible, maintain composure even when dealing with racism at work. If someone throws a racial slur, it’s tempting to fight back. But that also means you have fallen into their trap. Educate your abuser at a time when the rage has toned down. Be diplomatic and never be the cause of chaos. Results may not come in an instant but down the road, your abuser AND your colleagues will learn something.
5. Take a Deep Breathe
Believe it or not, it pays to be patient when dealing with racism at workplace or anywhere else. If you react violently to an apparent stab at your pride, not only you’re not expected to win, you’ll also be degrading yourself from such embarrassing and dangerous situation. Take a deep breathe, count one to ten or more, keep your composure, and remember that it’s the cool heads that prevail in these situations.
6. Be Good at What You Do
Sometimes racism happens because of your performance at work. An officemate may be overzealous because your performance is below what is expected from a foreign worker. Hiring of foreign workers especially on skilled jobs hinge on their ability to perform tasks no local is qualified. But if your performance is below expectations it sends wrong signals to many people in the office. Therefore, one way to minimize or eliminate racism is to be good at what you do. Better yet, excel on it and impress every one. It may result to other types of discrimination simply because of envy, but it would then be difficult to pin down a valuable employee.
7. Find a Support Group
It’s difficult, if not impossible, to deal with racism at work on your own. You definitely need an outlet to share your anger, frustration or fears. You may find one within your circle of friends or others who are tormented by the same problem. Share your experiences with them and be able to listen to theirs, too. In such way both parties can advise and learn from what each other has gone through.
8. Report Incident to Proper Authorities
In many places, racial discrimination is considered a punishable crime. If such act keeps happening no matter how downplay it, it becomes necessary to report the case to a superior or even to the police on more violent situations. Racism proliferates when perpetrators see little or no resistance from victims and think that the aggrieved party can tolerate abuse.
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