24. Black Women Don't Owe You Likeability... And Other Reflections on Misogynoir
Explicit content warning
03/06/24 • 57 min
Black women encounter unique challenges in the workplace, particularly concerning likability and stereotypes that can significantly impact their professional experiences. In this episode, Dr. Katrina Gipson joins Whitney to explore how Black women are often forced to navigate misogynoir - hatred or prejudice against Black women - and how this shows up in the workplace.
Pulling from personal experience with health care in Georgia, Whitney and Dr. Gipson start by discussing medical racism. The conversation then shifts to the subject of one of Dr. Gipson's article titled "Black women don't owe you likeability," and the pair explore how Black women are expected to be likable in the workplace. They are judged based on their friendliness, approachability, and ability to make others feel at ease.
Black women face penalties for not meeting these likability criteria. Penalties that become apparent in performance reviews and promotion decisions, and are noted with coded language like "not being a team player," "needs improvement in proactivity," and "could show more enthusiasm for her job." This can create a hostile work environment where Black women feel pressured to conform to certain expectations to avoid negative outcomes.
The episode underscores the importance of allyship and solidarity in addressing the challenges faced by Black women in the workplace. It is crucial for individuals, especially those in positions of power, to actively support and advocate for Black women, challenging stereotypes and biases as they arise.
Dr. Gipson emphasizes the necessity of creating inclusive work environments where Black women can be themselves without fear of judgment or backlash. By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and ensuring that all voices are valued and respected, organizations can work towards dismantling harmful stereotypes and fostering a more equitable workplace.
Dr. Gipson's message to listeners: you are enough and you are worthy.
Subscribe to Impostrix Podcast here or on Youtube.
Katrina A. Gipson, MD, MPH is an ER Physician, an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine and Public Voices Fellow of AcademyHealth in partnership with The OpEd Project. Connect with Dr. Gipson on LinkedIn.
Read articles by Dr. Gipson:
"Black Women Don't Owe You Likeability" (Boston Globe)
"As A Black Woman and Physician, It's Time To End Microaggressions in Medicine" (Ms. Magazine)
I am a creative entrepreneur and want my fully customizable and attorney-created services contract.
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Smithers Law Group LLC, Your Trusted 360 General Counsel
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Advancing wealth equity through intentional, accessible, culturally responsive and transformative estate planning services and education. Available in Georgia only.
www.willsforthepeoplega.com
[email protected]
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Black women encounter unique challenges in the workplace, particularly concerning likability and stereotypes that can significantly impact their professional experiences. In this episode, Dr. Katrina Gipson joins Whitney to explore how Black women are often forced to navigate misogynoir - hatred or prejudice against Black women - and how this shows up in the workplace.
Pulling from personal experience with health care in Georgia, Whitney and Dr. Gipson start by discussing medical racism. The conversation then shifts to the subject of one of Dr. Gipson's article titled "Black women don't owe you likeability," and the pair explore how Black women are expected to be likable in the workplace. They are judged based on their friendliness, approachability, and ability to make others feel at ease.
Black women face penalties for not meeting these likability criteria. Penalties that become apparent in performance reviews and promotion decisions, and are noted with coded language like "not being a team player," "needs improvement in proactivity," and "could show more enthusiasm for her job." This can create a hostile work environment where Black women feel pressured to conform to certain expectations to avoid negative outcomes.
The episode underscores the importance of allyship and solidarity in addressing the challenges faced by Black women in the workplace. It is crucial for individuals, especially those in positions of power, to actively support and advocate for Black women, challenging stereotypes and biases as they arise.
Dr. Gipson emphasizes the necessity of creating inclusive work environments where Black women can be themselves without fear of judgment or backlash. By prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and ensuring that all voices are valued and respected, organizations can work towards dismantling harmful stereotypes and fostering a more equitable workplace.
Dr. Gipson's message to listeners: you are enough and you are worthy.
Subscribe to Impostrix Podcast here or on Youtube.
Katrina A. Gipson, MD, MPH is an ER Physician, an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine and Public Voices Fellow of AcademyHealth in partnership with The OpEd Project. Connect with Dr. Gipson on LinkedIn.
Read articles by Dr. Gipson:
"Black Women Don't Owe You Likeability" (Boston Globe)
"As A Black Woman and Physician, It's Time To End Microaggressions in Medicine" (Ms. Magazine)
I am a creative entrepreneur and want my fully customizable and attorney-created services contract.
Sponsor:
Smithers Law Group LLC, Your Trusted 360 General Counsel
www.stulawgroup.com/contract-bank
Wills for the People
Advancing wealth equity through intentional, accessible, culturally responsive and transformative estate planning services and education. Available in Georgia only.
www.willsforthepeoplega.com
[email protected]
SUBSCRIBE to the Validating Voice Newsletter
SUPPORT Impostrix Podcast
Previous Episode
23. The Labor Movement, Black Labor, and the Call to Organize Beyond Boundaries
In this episode, Whitney is joined by Aimée-Josiane ("AJ") Powell-Ingabire (they/them), a passionate activist and organizer, to discuss their journey and insights working within and alongside labor union organizers throughout the US. Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:
Courage Needed.
AJ shared valuable insights into the significance of courage in the workplace, especially in the context of labor organizing. They highlighted the transformative nature of being in a union, emphasizing the collective solutions, protection, and empowerment that unions provide. AJ's perspective on unions as a means to a more equitable society resonates deeply with the need for collective action and solidarity in the workplace.
Labor Unions Can Be Great, And Their History is One of Exclusion
The history of labor unions is complex and involves many things we shouldn't be proud of, including contradictions and exclusions faced by workers of color. And in fact, our learning of the labor movement is whitewashed and completely erases key events by and for Black workers, including the "Great Strike of 1861." AJ shed light on the importance of recognizing and addressing systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities, including Black, trans, disabled, and immigrant workers.
We Need Labor Movements for Real, Complex, People.
Labor organizing must create spaces that prioritize access, comfort, and dignity for all workers. By advocating for disability justice and amplifying the voices of marginalized individuals, AJ exemplifies the importance of centering diverse perspectives in labor movements. Their focus on creating inclusive workplaces that empower all individuals, regardless of identity, sets a powerful example for fostering diversity and equity in the labor sector.
Don't miss out on this enlightening episode of Impostrix Podcast, where AJ's insights and experiences offer valuable lessons for navigating imposter syndrome and advocating for inclusivity in the workplace. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives and inspiration for your own professional journey. 🌟
This episode is available on YouTube! Watch here.
Catch AJ on the airwaves also by listening to their podcast, Disciples of Courage.
Follow AJ on Instagram at @DisciplesofCourage
Let's continue the conversation on Facebook at the "Impostrix Podcast Validating Space" community group, and on IG @ImpostrixPodcast
I am a creative entrepreneur and want my fully customizable and attorney-created services contract.
Sponsor:
Smithers Law Group LLC, Your Trusted 360 General Counsel
www.stulawgroup.com/contract-bank
Wills for the People
Advancing wealth equity through intentional, accessible, culturally responsive and transformative estate planning services and education. Available in Georgia only.
www.willsforthepeoplega.com
[email protected]
SUBSCRIBE to the Validating Voice Newsletter
SUPPORT Impostrix Podcast
Next Episode
25. Strong Black Woman with Julia Washington
What is the stereotype of the “strong Black woman” and how does it show up in every day life?
In this episode, Whitney is joined by fellow podcast hostess Julia Washington to discuss the portrayal of Black women in media and the tropes or stereotypical roles that Black women are assigned, the challenges this raises and the impact it can have in the life of a woman.
The conversation covers scenes from the comedy drama Amazon Prime Original TV series "Harlem" that highlight the struggles faced by Black women in healthcare settings and the workplace. They also touch on data from the Georgetown Law study "Girlhood Interrupted: The Erasure of Black Girls' Childhood" discussing the adultification of Black girls and the disproportionate burden of diversity, equity, and inclusion work falling on Black women in corporate environments.
Join Whitney and Julia as they explore these important topics and share their personal experiences and insights.
Julia Washington is a California based, bi-racial, writer, artist, solo-mom and podcast host. She is the creator and host of Pop Culture Makes Me Jealous and Jelly Pops Book Club podcasts. Julia loves to read, watch television and moves, has a subscription to the New Yorker, and will give you unsolicited book/movie/tv recommendations. Julie also writes a monthly column in Jennifer magazine and, seriously, she knows EVERYTHING about pop culture. You can find her on Instagram or TikTok @ theJuliaWashington.
For more content from Whitney, visit impostrixpodcast.com and follow her on Instagram @impostrixpodcast.
Monthly Brown Bag Discussion Series REGISTER HERE
Sources:
“Harlem”, Season 1, Episode 6 “Cuffing Season,” and Episode 7 “The Strong Black Woman.” On Amazon Prime Video
“Girlhood Interrupted: The Erasure of Black Girls’ Childhood”, 2017, Center on Poverty and Inequality, Georgetown Law.
"Women in the Workplace" Study 2023, by Lean In.
Editor: Digital REM
I am a creative entrepreneur and want my fully customizable and attorney-created services contract.
Sponsor:
Smithers Law Group LLC, Your Trusted 360 General Counsel
www.stulawgroup.com/contract-bank
Wills for the People
Advancing wealth equity through intentional, accessible, culturally responsive and transformative estate planning services and education. Available in Georgia only.
www.willsforthepeoplega.com
[email protected]
SUBSCRIBE to the Validating Voice Newsletter
SUPPORT Impostrix Podcast
Impostrix Podcast - 24. Black Women Don't Owe You Likeability... And Other Reflections on Misogynoir
Transcript
I was raised in a strong black community that was a small kind of blip in a larger predominantly white space, which a lot of times is not very welcoming for people who look like me. But I was always told that, you know, I am worthy. I belong in the spaces in which I am and that I am whole and I am a deaf. You are enough. Your listeners are enough. And I think that we take that intrinsic value that cannot be taken from us, regardless of how our work environment, our communities interact with us
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