When black men and women reach the age to seek gainful employment, they must face some harsh realities in the job market. Going into an interview with the concept that there is a level playing field and that all applicants have the same opportunities is typically wishful thinking. The reality is that you realize very quickly that color has its privileges in the labor market.
A review of American history reveals that years ago this country considered blacks as property since they were forced here through slavery. Even with the valiant efforts of some to create racial equality, it took many years before blacks were given the same opportunities as whites. Granted, blacks weren’t the only ones who faced discrimination because if you weren’t born of European descent, the likelihood of being discriminated against in the workplace was high. But blacks have had their fair share of the discrimination that comes from trying to provide for their family and pursuing the American dream.
The Equal Credit Opportunity Act has done a lot to level the playing field. Unfortunately, even with the threat of being sued and breaking the law, some still cannot fathom the fact that they are not the master race and that other races are just as intelligent as they are even with all the advantages they have enjoyed.
When a black person goes to a job interview, it’s best to keep certain facts real but unspoken at the forefront of the interview;
1) The process is not fair. Many companies are not interested in hiring the best person for the job. They are more interested in hiring the best white man for the job. If you doubt it, why do white women have to fight for equal pay doing what a white male counterpart does? Why are so many companies run by middle-aged white men? Are there not competent men and women other than middle-aged white men who can do the job just as well or better?
2) Last hired, first fired. Even if he’s lucky enough to get the job when it’s time to fire people, he may find himself at the front of the line. Job security can be a fleeting thing for a black man, even if he is a hard worker.
3) Can you ascend? Yes, but unlikely. When it comes time to move into management, it’s not an easy task for a black man to be chosen to lead a team of white people. The proof is how few companies actually promote a black man to manage, even when he’s good at it.
Now I know that this sounds like a biased argument. Maybe I speak this way because:
Have you ever been fired solely because of the color of your skin? I do.
Have you been the first to be fired even though you produced more than your coworkers?
Have you ever been let through for a promotion because you weren’t a white male and told to your face that was the reason?
Have you ever sat down with a group of white men who thought it was funny to talk about poor families who aren’t doing as well as they are and then were asked by their white coworkers to agree?
Don’t think for a minute that you are fair on the market. It’s better than it used to be, but we still have a long way to go.
