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Racism in the Workplace, and Our Own Self-esteem (10/18/02)
By Martha Ybern
Contributor to The Cincinnati Herald
Sandra Guzman identified the need to be a voice for the voiceless as a young girl. The Emmy Award winning journalist and editor-in-chief of Solo Ella Magazine was a keynote speaker at the recent Black Career Women's Fourth Can We Talk?(tm) National Diversity Forum, held September 12 - 13 at the Hyatt Regency, in Cincinnati.
The two-day conference was a prime networking tool and an opportunity for Black Women, White Women and Women of Color to explore this year's theme, "21st Century Women at Work: Realities, Relationships, Results". Participants were encouraged to voice their feelings about media influences, moving beyond collusion, and the sobering reality of racism in the workplace.
Guzman's words ignited speakers within the audience as many women recognized the negative impact of these issues that face them in today's workplace. "A lot of us are not aware that we are active participants in not allowing our spirits to soar, our professions to blossom," says Guzman. She adds that "being more culturally and politically aware makes women more empowered. "Collusion, as defined by Webster's Dictionary, means cooperation for a deceitful purpose. Guzman says collusion often is practiced by women without realizing it. For example, Black and Latino Women often try to "whitify" themselves with the use of cosmetic surgery in this country. "The definition of beauty in America is tall, blonde, skinny women, Anglo-Saxon beauty, and we are constantly trying to define what a beautiful woman is," adds Guzman. "It's illegal to participate in acts that take away self-esteem and integrity which take away from potential." Guzman enlightened listeners about aspects of Hispanic culture in mainstream America. She said acknowledgement is essential for Latinas who are struggling to find their place and voice in America. She commented that African American and Latina Women are taught to internalize oppression: "We are strong and have incredible pain management skills." Guzman explained that young girls often do not realize their own self-worth. Therefore, she says, education must start at home. Parents must be careful about what they allow their children to view. "We have the opportunity to educate, but it needs to be done in a loving and real way.
Cincinnati is a hotbed of issues especially in terms of valuing and respecting diversity in others. Her advice to Cincinnati is to keep talking and to understand there are more commonalties than differences. "If the
ship sinks, we are all going to sink so it behooves us to start looking at
commonalties and the value of community."
Guzman explains that Cincinnati is a microcosm of what is happening
in the rest of America. The city has an opportunity to be a leader of how
to positively respond. "African Americans, Latinos and Anglos in Cincinnati
can show the rest of America how to rise to these challenges."
Guzman hopes that women will reflect on Can We Talk?(tm) with a
stronger and clearer voice. Can We Talk?(tm) was hailed as a benchmark event in 1997 for
Cincinnati. It is a proactive measure in response to the injustice and
overt racism permeated in workplace situations and is part of six year
campaign to raise national awareness in women to these issues.
Martha Ybern is a freelance writer who lives in Cincinnati and has
written for various publications.
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