Question by Orangello: I am a highly educated Black woman constantly offered low-paying jobs. Am I the victim of racism?
I am an African American female and recently completed a job interview for an administrative arts position. I recently moved from NYC to a conservative Ohio city.
At my interview, my interviewers (all of whom were White) seemed to overlook my qualifications, and grilled me endlessly about my conduct, level of professionalism and interactions with others. While I remained cordial and professional throughout the interview, they seemed concerned about how I would interact with upstanding members of the arts community, 90% of whom are older and wealthy Whites.
An hour later, I was offered a part-time position through their organization working with low-income, mostly Black youths. The position has half the pay and no benefits and it was intended for someone with just a high school education (I have a Masters in Fine Art).
Of the 30 or so paid staff members, only one is African American and he works part-time with low wages and no benefits.
I hate to jump to racism, but ever since I switched careers from the ethnically diverse Social Work field to predominantly White Art/Film Administration field, I find it difficult for people to take me seriously. People are astounded when they discover that I have a Masters in Film and are even more surprised when they learn what I’ve accomplished as a filmmaker. I even had 1 White woman tell me I wasn’t “Good Enough” to work in the field, despite everything I’ve done.
Best answer:
Answer by I BE
fo sho baby. it be da white man holdin you down
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