"But I just want to feed my family…" is a common phrase among people of color who have been negatively affected by the job market. Despite gross stereotypes that claim black people are lazy, we know that communities of color, especially African-Americans, are both hardworking and underserved. This lack of opportunity and blatant discrimination creates a grim outlook and volatile environment for neighborhoods suffering from economic hardship. Witten by Kafia Haile, "Mr. Hall's Interview" takes a close look at the reality of our plight, using a highly educated war veteran to illustrate the struggle.
This short piece is already resonating with viewers.
important. happened to me a few times and I'm only 20. I know y'all are familiar too. https://t.co/pNEaxyNxve
— ALI (@lee535i) June 28, 2016
@XLNB . ???????????????????????????????????????? great video , most of the time things like that is overlooked & treated like it's not a big deal ..
— ✨ AsToldByReesie ✨ (@ChicksoGlam) June 28, 2016
Holy crap. Watch this + read thread. It disgusts me that this continues in the U.S. in 2016. https://t.co/ap4MRHofVH
— Leeann H.J.H. (@thebeanitself) June 28, 2016
And director Xavier Burgin is sounding off as well, to follow up his film with his thoughts on interview/workplace discrimination.
What you should take from #MrHallsInterview as a non-black: Just cuz it doesn't happen to you, doesn't mean the problem doesn't exist.
— X (@XLNB) June 28, 2016
As a black person, I need you to know in so many cases you'll have to be twice as good to get half of what you deserve (or nothing).
— X (@XLNB) June 28, 2016
And, I see you. I know & get what you're going through. I hope, as my career goes forward, I can shed light & help.
— X (@XLNB) June 28, 2016
How many of us have felt the pressure of taking care of ourselves versus standing up against discrimination? This is an important conversation that should spark action. As we continue to fight back against systemic and institutional racism, we have to include topics such as this. While conversations around diversity happen, they must include honest discussions around cultural competence and the bias that precludes many of us from being hired for positions that we're imminently qualified for or even overqualified for. Many of us will say that it's a shame that we're still having this conversation, but we must continue to speak out, and follow up those words with actions. It's difficult to get in the door, which is why it's even more important to advocate for candidates of color once you are. It's also difficult to stay in the door. I remember reporting discrimination to human resources at a company I worked for and being told point blank that the department was there to protect the company and its management, not me as an employee. We have to know the labor laws around interview and workplace discrimination and share that information with each other so that we can combat this culture of pseudo-diversity.
