Wow. That article really summed it up. Being black in corporate America is quite the experience. I know one thing that really annoys me is when someone says, “you speak so proper.” HELLO. Both my parents were teachers and had masters’ degrees. My sister and I both have a master’s degree. It should be expected that we don’t sound ignorant. Not once in my entire life have I heard this said about a white friend. Black America is not what you see on the news or on music videos.

George, thank you for commenting. I think this issue needs people like you who are willing to share specific, personal examples from corporate life. Helps everyone — including me — understand better.

Penelope

The link to the article no longer works. In my personal experience it is other minorities who comment the most on the way I speak. There have been times where I felt I was being treated with suspicion my managers. Maybe it was because I look young enough to be their daughter, maybe they are just micro managers. Either way if I am treated badly I will be moving on to another position ASAP.

I’ve only begun reading your blog for about a month now and just came across this particular post, oh I guess about a year and half later. Thanks for bringing up this taboo topic for main stream America.

Yes it’s true many black men and women sometimes have a more subservient demeanor around whites; unfortunately though, I can’t relate to displaying any of that kind of behavior.

On the other hand, I am sad to see not one response from white american readers of your blog on this post. Most of your readers usually have so much to say whether negative or positive.

Your effort to generate a dialogue despite the touchiness of the subject is very much appreciated and show how brazen you really are.

Make your haters your motivators!