Discrimination against blacks in the workplace seems to be on the rise once more in the US. According to a survey conducted by Gallup from November-December 2020, 24% of black workers spoke of discrimination at work. 75% of those who experienced discrimination felt that they were discriminated against because of their race or ethnicity. The survey finding is a painful reminder to blacks that dark days are still ahead and the fight for equality is not yet over.
When faced with blatant discrimination, it is perfectly acceptable to feel anger, the feeling of animosity directed towards another individual who has done wrong. It drives one to speak out and assert his rights under existing laws of the land. However, anger that is allowed to simmer can drive a person over the boiling point. Uncontrolled, it can lead to rage that, in turn, may graduate in unnecessary violence or harm to both the individual and the subject of the anger. One has to control anger and harness it into something more productive.
Blacks can muster efforts against perceived discriminatory policies and practices in the workplace by addressing them and filing cases in the proper channel. One of these channels is the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). It is the agency tasked with enforcing federal laws on race, color, disability, and gender discrimination. The EEOC is ramping up its enforcement activities as evidenced by the recovery of approximately US$535 million in monetary benefits due to discrimination victims in 2021.
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