Diversity Ever After

Recognize Privilege

Episode Summary

Are you an insider, an outsider, or both? In Episode two, we discuss how insiders set the norms and rules in the workplace and describe how outsiders are burdened with navigating and flawlessly executing those norms and rules in order to thrive – and in some instances survive. Being an insider in an organization comes with a level of unearned privilege. So, in this episode, Peggy Nagae, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant, talks with our hosts about not only how to recognize your privilege as an insider, but how to leverage that privilege to uplift, encourage, and amplify the voices of your outsider colleagues through allyship.

Episode Notes

Are you an insider, an outsider, or both? In Episode two, we discuss how insiders set the norms and rules in the workplace and describe how outsiders are burdened with navigating and flawlessly executing those norms and rules in order to thrive – and in some instances survive. Being an insider in an organization comes with a level of unearned privilege. So, in this episode, Peggy Nagae, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant, talks with our hosts about not only how to recognize your privilege as an insider, but how to leverage that privilege to uplift, encourage, and amplify the voices of your outsider colleagues through allyship.

We release a new episode every other week. Look for our next episode on Friday, December 17, 2021.

Our Hosts this Week:

Reba Letsa, Associate
https://www.bakerdonelson.com/Reba-Letsa

Nakimuli Davis-Primer, Shareholder
https://www.bakerdonelson.com/Nakimuli-Davis-Primer

Special Guest Host:

Peggy Nagae, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant, Peggy Nagae Consulting
https://diversitycollaborative.com/peggy-nagae

Resource Guide:

For more information about Kimberlé Crenshaw and the concept of intersectionality:
https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/2019/5/20/18542843/intersectionality-conservatism-law-race-gender-discrimination

To watch “That Little Voice” and learn to #SpeakUpForInclusion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ll56imVATLk

For more information about privilege, watch “Why Does Privilege Make People So Angry?” By Franchesca Leigh Ramsey, an American comedian, activist, television and YouTube personality: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeYpvV3eRhY  

After watching Episode 2, test your knowledge and walk through the privilege and insider/outsider scenarios we covered in this episode with your colleagues:

• Scenario 1: I am an individual who is traditionally perceived as an “insider,” but my company has many different diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and I want to get involved, but I don’t want to feel like I’m overstepping or speaking for others.  How should I respond?
   
• Scenario 2:  An insider made a joke at work in front of a colleague with a disability. I talked to my colleague with a disability afterward, and they said they weren’t offended by the joke, but I took the joke as offensive and want to take action. How should I respond?
   
• Scenario 3:  During a meeting, one of my outsider colleagues made a point and it was dismissed. Shortly thereafter, one of my majority or insider colleagues made the same exact point and it was embraced by the group and acknowledged as a great idea. I am an insider. How should I respond?

Reach Us:

Learn more about Diversity & Inclusion at Baker Donelson at https://www.bakerdonelson.com/diversity

Send your feedback and topic ideas to D&ISocialCommunications@bakerdonelson.com