The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

What memory do you have of an incident when you experienced bias, prejudice, and/or oppression, or witnessed someone else as the target of bias, prejudice, and/or oppression? Keep in mind that one can encounter such incidents in real contexts, including online environments, as well as in fictional ones, such as movies, books, television shows, and the like.

I did not realize until taking this class how many different times in my life I have experiences bias, prejudice, and oppression because of my race, gender, and social class. I believe one the most profound incidents of bias, prejudice, and oppression that has taken place in my life were when my grandmother was force to retire. After over 30 years of work my grandmother was told that there was going to be a massive layoff in her department and it would be in her best interest to retire. She initial thought her boss was looking out for her best interest until she learned after a luncheon with former co-workers that the department did not experience any layoffs and two new, younger employees were hired to do her position as a case manager in the hospital.

In what way(s) did the specific bias, prejudice and/or oppression in that incident diminish equity?

This incident was a clear demonstration of Ageism. It was more profitable for the company to let my grandmother retire and hire younger, less experience people to do her job than to keep her there. I would think that a company would value the dedication and hard work that comes from an employee that has been working for the company for over 30 years. My grandmother’s right to work in a career that she loved was diminished by the lies of her boss.


What feelings did this incident bring up for you?

As a teenager I was confused, upset, and angry by this incident. My grandmother raised me to believe that as long as you work hard, you will be valued and always have a job. I was upset and angry because I remember the long hours my grandmother worked the extra effort she put to make sure that everything was done to perfection and her flexibility with the many changes in the hospital. It was a slap in the face in my opinion the way they got rid of her.

What and/or who would have to change in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity?

If a person is capable of meeting each of the job requirements and qualifications, I do not believe they should be asked to set down from their position because they are over 60. These people can be great mentors to the new employees and in many companies tend to be the glue that keeps everything together. The company’s greed and lack of respect and value for the elderly would have to change to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity.