Creating an Anti-Racist Workplace: Addressing White Supremacy Culture

Kiara Butler
2 min readApr 14, 2023

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Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

White supremacy culture refers to the dominant social norms and values that are often perpetuated by white individuals in positions of power, which reinforce the notion that white culture is superior to others. It is important to note that white supremacy culture is not limited to overtly racist individuals or organizations, but can also manifest in more subtle and insidious ways such as: microaggressions, lack of diversity and inclusion, tokenism, and the promotion of individualism over collective action.

Microaggressions:

  • Microaggressions are small but harmful actions or comments that can be directed towards individuals from marginalized groups.
  • They may include insensitive comments or gestures, such as jokes about an individual’s race, gender, or sexuality.
  • Although they may seem harmless, these actions can have a significant impact on employees’ well-being and job satisfaction.

Lack of Diversity and Inclusion:

  • Organizations that do not prioritize diversity and inclusion in their hiring and promotion practices may struggle to retain employees from marginalized groups.
  • This can lead to a lack of diversity in leadership positions.

Tokenism:

  • Tokenism occurs when organizations hire or promote individuals from marginalized groups solely to appear diverse.
  • This approach creates the impression of inclusivity without actually addressing systemic issues of racism and discrimination.
  • Tokenism can lead to a lack of diversity in leadership positions.

Promotion of Individualism over Collective Action:

  • Individualism is a core value of white supremacy culture and emphasizes personal success over collective well-being.
  • This approach can lead to a lack of support and cooperation among colleagues, ultimately undermining team dynamics and workplace productivity.

At Unscripted Consult, we recognize the damaging impact that white supremacy culture can have on workplaces and individuals. We are committed to working with organizational leaders to create anti-racist workplaces that prioritize diversity, inclusion, and collective well-being.

Our team of experts provides customized consulting services designed to meet the specific needs of your organization. Whether you need support developing diversity and inclusion initiatives, addressing microaggressions, or dismantling white supremacy culture in your workplace, we are here to help.

To learn more about our services and how we can help your organization create a more inclusive and equitable workplace, visit our website at https://unscriptedconsult.com/.

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Kiara Butler
Kiara Butler

Written by Kiara Butler

CEO + Founder of Unscripted Consult | Founder of Diversity Talks | Forbes 30 Under 30 | TEDx Speaker | Author

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