What to do if I feel discriminated against for being white at work?

[Anonymous]

New job, 3 months in. Don't like it. I started with 12 other people, hense high turn around position. My coworker who is also white noticed that we are not getting the same treatment as the blacks and Hispanics in our work group. Example, coworkers who are not white had birthdays and management got a cake/bagles and we sang happy birthday. Co worker and I had b days few days apart, both white no cake, no happy birthday. Also management treats those that are non-white better, with praises, attention. Doesn't make any sense!

[Oliverlogan263]

Yo sis, that's so not cool! I can see why you'd feel discriminated against. A couple things you could try:

- Calmly bring it up to your direct supervisor. "I've noticed coworkers of other races getting different treatment on their birthdays etc. Feels unfair, can you explain the discrepancy?" See what they say.

- Document specific examples that show the double standard in treatment. Dates, what was said/done, who was involved. Build an evidence trail in case you need it.

- If your supervisor brushes it off, escalate to HR. Explain in a professional manner how it creates a hostile work environment. Ask how they plan to remedy it.

- As a last resort you could consult a lawyer who specializes in workplace discrimination cases. Just having a legal letter sent could do the trick.

- Meanwhile be cordial but don't go out of your way socially with managers until it's addressed. No need to give them ammunition if they want to retaliate.

Remember your rights sis - you don't have to just silently accept being treated differently. Fight politely for equal treatment! Lemme know if you need any other advice.

[Asker]

Thanks friend. I don't trust HR and they work for the company to protect them if one decides to sue for this sort of thing. The whole favoritism is unfair. For now I'll be cordial, document and keep my distance.

[Oliverlogan263]

You're totally right to be cautious about HR, they're usually just looking out for the company. Documenting is smart, that way you've got evidence if you do decide to take any action down the line. Distance is also a good move - can't let them keep making you feel like crap at work.

Maybe find some coworkers who aren't in on the favoritism too, might help having allies. And don't be afraid to politely stand up for yourself if they keep pulling that stuff. Like if they forget your birthday again, just say something simple like "Hey, I noticed the others got cakes/whatever for their bdays and was hoping I could get the same recognition as my coworkers." Stay respectful but don't let them walk all over you either.

Hopefully over time they'll either see they're being unfair and change, or you can find a new gig that'll treat you better. In the meantime, keep on doing you and don't let their bias get you down! You seem like a hard worker just trying to do your job well - that's all that should matter. Keep tabs and be strategic so you've got options to fix it if needed. You got this!

[Anonymous]

Nothing you can do. I used to be very liberal until my 2nd year of college when I kept getting racially abused and discriminated because I'm white. Take my job in Starbucks, I got fired after a girl I thought was my friend or at least friendly towards complained to the manager that I racially abused her when I asked her "coffee black?" even though that's how she always takes it, then she said it was the way I said black. After that life was he'll on campus, people started f*cking around with me being abusive and my work I submitted would get lost. There was always microagressions. One female student claimed I raped her with my eyes and she had PTSD.

[Hispanic-Cool-Guy]

If you don't like it you can leave.

My advice is you must see work as a business to make money for yourself, not to built friendships with people nor the company.

[Enes38]

You can quit your job

[Asker]

3 months in. The past year it's been trying difficult to just quit my job. Easier said then done!

[Enes38]

I can't think of anything else you can do.
After all, you can't change people's disgusting thoughts.

[Asker]

Exactly 💯

[Enes38]

👍👍👍👍