Types Of Discrimination Employees Should Learn!
Unfortunately, workplace discrimination is the norm NOT the exception in the U.S. Job bias can be subtle or blatant. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was created with the intent to end discrimination on the job. However, it has been met with continued opposition in enforcement of the law.
The cancer of job discrimination is prevalent through out the United States. In 2004 the (EEOC) Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reported almost 28,000 race discrimination charges with an increase of 125% from 1994 to 2004! Last year 2010 saw a near record in discrimination and retaliation claims filed with the EEOC.
Here are some types of discrimination career seekers and employees should watch for;
- Labeling or Stereotyping
- Let’s say for example, you are 50 years old and your manager says “I’m sure having trouble reading the fine print on this label.” “That’s really complicated computer stuff, YOU (black male) wouldn’t understand that!
- Good Ole’ Boy Network
- The employer has no official policy of discrimination, no person of diversity or women ever get hired or promoted.
- Blatant Discrimination
- A memorable EEOC case involved, a business with a showroom and three people of diversity (black employees) working out front. They were the first employees customers saw when they entered the business. Management said, “It just doesn’t LOOK right for them to be who our customers see”. All three were either reassigned, constructively discharged or fired.
- Work Buddies
- Just like the “good ole boy” network, supervisors will favor “likekind” employees over non-“likekind” employees.
- Being Patronized
- Your boss says, “Julia you have small children and shouldn’t take these long business trips.” Even though this “labeling” seems harmless it could very probably become a claim on gender discrimination.
Workplace discrimination can only flourish when the management culture nurtures and condones it.