The Roots of Prejudice in The Workplace

 In the 18^th century, the level of reasoning required to read and write was held as the key difference between man and animals.  This way of thinking connected a man’s humanity to literacy.  During this time many people in the United States utilized that way of thinking to justify slavery and the mistreatment of African slaves.  Since there were laws in several states preventing slaves from learning to read and write, this justification created a paradox.  Slaves were put into a position where they could not prove their own humanity.

In 1772, Phyllis Wheatley’s book of poems came into question when she tried to get it published.  She had to prove to a panel of white men that she did indeed write the poems herself, and that she was capable of creating original works despite her being a slave of African descent.  To admit that a slave had produced eloquent poetry would also be to admit that she was not the animal that many argued all slaves were.  This moment and historical context is important when considering racism in the workplace today.

Although literacy is still an important requirement for the workplace, it no longer carries the same connection to humanity as it did in the past.  However, the concept of justifying prejudices in the workplace with biases and stereotypes based on speculation rather than fact, still take effect today.  There is a need for minorities to actively challenge prejudices and prove their competency in the workplace in ways that are not necessary for their white coworkers.

Gates, H. (1986). Race as the Trope of the World. In H. Gates, Race, Writing and Difference (pp. 4-13). Chicago: University of Chicago Press.