Hold Onto Your Stetsons

Navigate the wild west of workplace racism with humour, resilience, and a dash of wit.

- Aditi Maheshwari

Let's face it, encountering racism at work is about as fun as accidentally stepping into a mime convention. You just want to disappear in a puff of awkward smoke. But fear not, weary traveler! This guide will equip you with the mental chaps and metaphorical lasso to navigate this workplace rodeo.

Identify The Micro-Aggression Wrangler

Micro-aggressions can be as subtle as a fly buzzing around your ear, or as blatant as a bullhorn serenade of stereotypes. Keep your ears peeled for "compliments" like, "Wow, you speak so well for a [your race]!" Respond with a polite, "Why, thank you! Must be all the Shakespeare I read in high school." Bonus points if you can dramatically quote Hamlet while maintaining eye contact.

Dodge The Unconscious Bias Buckaroo

Unconscious bias is like that coworker who keeps bringing tuna casserole to potlucks, oblivious to your seafood allergy. If you find yourself passed over for a promotion (because, let's face it, sometimes it happens!), don't silently seethe. Schedule a meeting with your boss and channel your inner Beyoncé. "Hey boss, I know you've got a lot on your plate, but I gotta put a ring on it - that promotion, I mean!" Confidence, people!

Wrangle The Clueless Cactus

The clueless cactus is that well-meaning colleague who keeps asking where you're "really from." Resist the urge to launch into a detailed genealogy presentation. Instead, try, "Oh, you know, from planet Earth! But thanks for asking!" A little humour can go a long way in disarming awkwardness.

Lasso The Ally Armada