Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[technomaniac_tzp]

Hello everyone,

I am not an American but I might have to work in that country in the near future. I have heard that there is rampant racial discrimination at the work place in the US, UK, Australia and such other countries which are predominantly white. Mostly Chinese and Indians are the target of such discrimination. It is hard for them to get jobs and promotions are still harder. Their co-workers do not treat them with respect and are exempted from all social functions.

I do not know what the truth is , but I have heard similar things from many who went to work there. However, I have relatives in the US and they really love the country. So I want to hear both sides. Please give your opinions.

Regards,
Sandip
_________________
The difference between insanity and genius is measured by success

[Bob S.]

I don't know about the UK and Australia, but I do know that in the U.S. it can vary by region. Certain cities are historically ports of entry for immigrants and as such are more diverse, multi-cultural, and less discriminatory than other cities that are more geographically isolated and hense more insular and homogeneous. For example, in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, or Miami, it is not surprising or uncommon to have managers who come from non-European foreign countries.

So, given that, and given that legally there is no glass ceiling for you, remember a simple fact of life: bosses prefer to promote workers that they like, trust, and enjoy working with, and not necessarily the most qualified, talented, or hardest working employees. If you want to rise thru the ranks and develop a good reputation, you've got to be willing to play the game of networking and socializing.

Most immigrants naturally feel overwhelmed by all the strangeness and new, so naturally seek others of their own kind for a social group. Now, that's all well and good if you choose, and you can still establish a decent middleclass quality life in an ethnic community bubble. But if you have more ambition for your life, you have to break out of that bubble and start socializing with the people (particularly the managers) at the office, learn their interests, take up their hobbies, and learn to talk the talk. Make yourself someone they enjoy to have around and know they can trust with more responsibility.

And you have to be pro-active about it. Don't expect a lot of invitations to join them right away. But if they do invite you, you've got to say YES. If you decline any early invitations, you will develop a reptuation as someone who just isn't interested in socializing with different people. So they will quit inviting you, and you'll have screwed yourself over. It's just like the old adage: you've got to be a friend to have a friend. Same thing applies at an American office environment.

[technomaniac_tzp]

Thanks for the insight. I do not trust surveys much and so decided to find it out on my own. I love to mingle with all sorts of people and do n ot have any inhibitions. Lets see what happens

Regards,
Sandip
_________________
The difference between insanity and genius is measured by success