As I settle into a new position with an organization that works with people with developmental disabilities, chronic mental illness, or other things that often lead to social exclusion, I’m delighted to be confronted with so many unconscious beliefs that I didn’t know were there. Yay! While I sort them out, here’s a past post that’s always fun–love this clip of Eddie Murphy, imagining how white people act when there’s no one of color around. Sorry, Eddie–but if you know the address of that bank, I’d love to know!
(Originally published April 23, 2010)
I love this clip of Eddie Murphy when he goes undercover as a White Man, to see how white people really act when there are no black people around.
I was reminded of it this morning when three women, including me, ended up in the conference room first waiting for others to join us for a meeting. One noticed that all of our outfits sort of matched. I then commented on how mod my colleague’s shirt was, at which point our host noticed that unconsciously she had started dressing in colors to match the logo of her new company.
I laughed and said “I love meetings with women.” Indeed, it is not the first time in a professional setting where we have noted each others accessories and commented on fashion before settting down to business. Serious business.
Maybe it’s our way of establishing relationship before making the deal.
And so I wonder, what do men talk about in professional settings when they find themselves alone? Anyone?
photo credit magicunlimited.typepad.com
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