It’s been over a year since I last started writing and it feels so good to finally express myself again. A few days ago, I was struggling and I feel like giving up but then I remember what kept me going. Gods’ promise despite my sins and I was reminded to go back to my first love - writing.
This story that you’re going to read happened a few years ago while I was an intern in a company. I won’t say which company or what sort of company it is as it’s going to be a huge giveaway on who I’m talking about. Haha! This is in no means to humiliate anyone but to spread awareness on racism and to encourage people to stand up in a gentle manner of course.
It started when I was an intern for a few months and I worked with amazing people. My girl boss is cool, my two other boses were fun to be with as well despite their age. Work was fun even if I waasn’t getting paid. Few months into my internship, my boss offered me a role. I was so excited as it was going to be my first legit job in this country. One day though, my bosses invited me to lunch at the third floor of the building. I went and totally forgot that I had a meeting to sign documents that afternoon! The lunch took ages as it was a three course meal. After the first or second meal, I received a call from this person asking if I’m going to down for our meeting. I was flustered and told my boss while I was on the phone that I need to leave as it totally left my mind that I was due to sign the papers that day. My boss heard who I was talking to and told me to tell this other person to reschedule as I need to finish my meal. I was torn as I knew I was in the wrong but my boss was right in front of me so I had to relay the message and hang up the call. Little did they know, the other person on the line already said some unpleasant little comments on the phone about my boss.
The meeting was rescheduled for the following day and I was so scared to go inside this person’s room as I knew this person wasn’t that pleased with what has happened yesterday. But then again, I had to go see this person so off I went.
When I arrived inside the room, I saw that this person has the same race as me. I sat there and apologised. Before this person gave me the documents, this person made comments along the lines of ‘what if I wasn’t offered a job’, etc. and I was holding my tears in as this person was just bombarding with with nasty comments. This person even said who does my boss think he is. (It was my guy boss who told me to stay during lunch.)
I had enough. I spoke and said to this person: “look, I was offered the job, I didn’t ask for it. If you don’t want to give me the role that’s fine. I don’t care what ongoing issue you have with my boss. I’m just here to sign the documeents.” This person immediately shut up and got me to sign the documents. I walked out this person’s office crying as it was frustrating that a person of your own race is doing this to you.
This was my first racist encounter as a migrant. I have encountered a few more which I’ll share in the upcoming days. Moral of the story: Sometimes you just got to stand up for yourself.
Xoxo, Gennin
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