"How to Be the Black Employee" by Baratunde Thurston

  Response to "How to Be the Black Employee" by Baratunde Thurston Baratunde Thurston’s essay, "How to Be the Black Employee," provides a sharp and insightful critique of the expectations placed on Black employees in predominantly white workplaces. He articulates that The Black Employee is hired to do two main jobs: first, to serve as the representative of Black culture within the workplace, and second, to navigate the complexities of racial dynamics in a way that often involves educating their colleagues about race and equity. The Two Jobs of The Black Employee 1. Cultural Representation: The first job of The Black Employee is to embody and convey the essence of Black culture. This expectation places an undue burden on them to act as the "voice" or "face" of their entire race, often leading to tokenism. It implies that they must be knowledgeable about various aspects of Black history, culture, and issues, regardless of their personal experiences or expertise. 2. Educator on Race Dynamics: The second job involves taking on the responsibility of educating others about race and its implications in the workplace. Specific examples of the duties associated with this job include: - Explaining Microaggressions: The Black Employee is often expected to articulate what microaggressions are and how they manifest in everyday interactions. This can be emotionally exhausting as it requires them to relive experiences of discrimination. - Facilitating Conversations About Race: They may be called upon to lead discussions or workshops that address racial inequality or diversity training, even if this is not part of their official job description. - Advocating for Policy Changes: The Black Employee might find themselves in a position where they need to advocate for changes in company policies or practices that are racially insensitive or discriminatory, bearing the emotional weight of these discussions. Parodying Business Self-Help Conventions Thurston effectively parodies the conventions of business self-help and motivational books by adopting a tone that mimics the genre while exposing its absurdities. He utilizes a mix of humor and irony to highlight how these self-help manuals often oversimplify complex issues like race. By imitating the formulaic style—complete with bullet points, personal anecdotes, and prescriptive advice—Thurston invites readers to see the ridiculousness of expecting a single employee to solve systemic issues. For instance, he might suggest absurd strategies like "Smile more" or "Just be yourself," illustrating how such advice fails to recognize the nuanced realities of being a Black employee. Comedy as a Tool for Addressing Race Thurston’s use of comedy serves as an essential mechanism for discussing sensitive subjects like race in America. By injecting humor into his critique, he creates a space where difficult conversations can take place without becoming overly heavy or confrontational. This approach allows him to bypass some defenses that might arise in a formal criticism, enabling him to reach audiences who may otherwise be resistant to discussions about racism. For example, Thurston’s comedic observations about workplace dynamics allow him to shed light on uncomfortable truths while simultaneously making people laugh. This dual approach not only engages his audience but also fosters empathy and understanding. Comedy can disarm emotions and open minds, making it easier for individuals to digest painful realities and reflect on their own biases and behaviors. Response to "How to Deconstruct Racism One Headline at a Time" TED Talk In his TED Talk, "How to Deconstruct Racism One Headline at a Time," Baratunde Thurston presents a compelling narrative that connects media representation with public perception of race. His engaging delivery combined with poignant examples makes for an impactful presentation. Thoughts on the TED Talk I found Thurston's TED Talk to be both enlightening and thought-provoking. His ability to dissect the language used in headlines—particularly those related to race—illustrates how subtle changes in wording can significantly alter public perception. For instance, he highlights how terms like "young man" versus "thug" can shape societal narratives about race and identity. This analysis resonates deeply because it emphasizes the power of language in framing racial discourse. Additionally, Thurston's call for critical consumption of media is particularly relevant in today's information-saturated environment. He urges viewers not only to be aware of the messages they receive but also to actively challenge and deconstruct harmful narratives. His use of humor interspersed with serious commentary keeps the audience engaged while provoking reflection on their own biases. Impact on Thinking About Current Political Climate Both Thurston's essay and TED Talk profoundly impact my understanding of the current political climate. They highlight how racial issues are intricately woven into our societal fabric, often obscured by superficial discussions or tokenistic gestures. The expectation placed on Black individuals in professional settings reflects broader systemic inequalities that persist today. Moreover, Thurston's insights into media representation illuminate how narratives surrounding race are often manipulated, influencing political opinions and societal attitudes toward marginalized communities. This realization underscores the importance of critically analyzing news sources and being proactive in challenging stereotypes. In summary, both his written work and spoken presentations provide valuable frameworks for understanding race relations in America today, encouraging active engagement and reflection rather than passive acceptance. By combining humor with serious critique, Thurston offers a unique lens through which we can examine these pressing issues.

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