Growing up in The Bronx. Myself and my family have been victims of racism. We were literally the only Asian family, in a predominately white middle class neighborhood.
Easy target for racial slurs, physical violence and vandalism to our property. Ironically my folks never retaliated or fought back.
They always encouraged me to phase it out or avoid the situation. Hated to live in that neighborhood and begged my folks to move. They never took my concerns seriously and ironically it paid off.
Over the years the neighborhood became gentrified. My parents still live in the house I grew up in. As of a few years ago, I agreed to put the house in my name. Out of respect for my folks. For their resilience that made me who I am today.
Resilience has gotten me through tough times. The emotional scars are still skin deep. Just like the Asian Hate Crimes throughout the city. The dark memories of racial slurs, physical violence and vandalism to my folk’s property. Has kept me on edge lately. It has brought to my attention that casual racism and micro aggression exists in Corporate America because the color of my skin.
After years of working on a Trading Floor. This was something I endured with on a daily basis. Thought it was part of the culture. As the motto says. “Don’t wear your heart on your sleeve”!
From my folks to management. They always told me to brush it off. Ironically it becomes a toxic situation that you can’t control. Just like garbage tossed on the streets. It always circles back to you.
In 2017 I lost my job. Got an opportunity to manage a companies IT Café. Where employees can walk into my office and ask me for advice on computer issues, they are having or suggestions to work from home.
Unfortunately. There have been moments were employees felt entitled to walk in to my office and berate me. One screamed. “Your fucking incompetent” and stormed off!
While other employees queue up in my office and just stare. It literally felt like being a victim in subway car. Helpless and nowhere to run.
Now a days I have low tolerance for this nonsense and report it to HR!
Ever since pandemic. We all started to work from home since last March. I have not had 1 single incident of someone attempting to berate me. As all our work is done online. I’m not judged by the color of my skin anymore. I’m judged by the value I provide to the client experience!
I now manage workshops for New employees and Best Practices to work from home. In a safe environment.
Although I’ve been a victim of racism in diverse situations.
Due to the color of my skin. Obviously I can’t change the color of my skin. Just like a turtle can’t change its shell.
Resilience led me to who I am today. We should never brush it off. Our voice is the greatest platform for change!
