Race is a social construct

The idea of race affects our everyday lives – whether we choose to believe it or not. Most individuals view the world through a racial lens – whether it be a White world, a Black world, an Asian world or the less descriptive – yet overtly offensive – Otherworld. This idea of race fueling social construct is argued in Ruth Frankenberg book The Social Construction of Whiteness: White Women, Race Matters. How one sees the world (or is seen) will depict the types of jobs we go for (or feel encouraged to go for), how much money we make, where we live (or feel we can live), what food we eat, what school we send our kids to – the friends we make. You name it – race affects most decisions we make. 

So what does social construct actually mean? According to sources, “A social construct is something that exists not in objective reality, but as a result of human interaction. It exists because humans agree that it exists. ”And yet, the social construct we are currently abiding to does not benefit the majority. In an article published on Medium, the author states that “… the word social construct is thrown around in various theoretical and general works without ever being defined or discussed. However, understanding what is meant by race as a social construct is vital to understanding the capacity race has to intersect and affect other aspects and domains of life and society, as well as how to dismantle it.” The ideologies behind race benefit some, yet pigeon holes others dramatically – and often lead to an undertone of segregation between communities.

Angela Onwuachi-Willig, author of “According to Our Hearts: Rhinelander v. Rhinelander and the Law of the Multiracial Family” states in an article published in the New York Times that those who have always been privy to white privilege, notice a shift in behaviours if they are in a relationship with someone who is not white. “In a society where being white (regardless of one’s socioeconomic class background or other disadvantages) means living a life with white skin privileges — such as being presumed safe, competent and noncriminal — whites… may begin to no longer feel white.” This is an interesting observation as it confirms that racial discrimination is still very much a part of our societal construct. So how do we start to dismantle this ideology? We encourage you to challenge it, through education, asking questions, research (our fave thing!) and not allowing yourself to fall into abiding by the status quo. We must continue to strive for equality, sensibility and growth – to continue to dismantle racism and rooted bias. 

Activities to try with your team

  • In your next team meeting or all hands. Create a safe space where employees can discuss their concerns regarding race. Encourage asking questions and conversations. 
  • Re-framing constructive feedback through the lens of bias. Reflect on a time you may have noticed someones race before meeting them. What came to mind when you did this? Did it have a negative or positive or neutral effect on the outcome of the situation?
  • Think about your last 1:1. Have you ever felt discriminated against because of your race? Did you feel comfortable raising this to HR or senior management?

New habits to make a difference

  • Actively research authors who talk about race such as Ruth Frankenberg and Angela Onwuachi-Willig and read their literature. 
  • Encourage having an open discussion with friends about what they think the word race means.
  • Listen to a podcast that discusses race such as About Race with Reni Eddo-Lodge.

Got a Question?

F.A.Qs

You start with the foundation training which consists of one 30 minute video, followed by 6 bite size videos. You can then do the intermediate training which is made up of 18 bite size videos. Finally, you can do the advanced training which is made up of 8 longer videos.

You can access each module from the homepage via the buttons that say foundation, intermediate and advanced.

No. All our modules are self paced so you can take as long as you like. 

You need to complete each training module and submit your google worksheet which can be found on the individual module page. Once submitted, our team will review your worksheet and issue out a certificate if you have passed. If you have passed, you will receive a graduation pack which contains a certificate, social imagery so you can show off to your colleagues and connections on LinkedIn plus some other goodies.

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You can submit your Google form worksheet via the module page.

No. Only the worksheet is reviewed and marked. 

You can use the cheat sheet to get a better understanding of the different types of biases people face in the workplace, but also IRL.

We will share an overview of how many people have enrolled and completed the course, but we will never share private information such as names, titles or email addresses.

Yes! Each module has its own worksheet which is a Google form. 

We will send you detailed instructions along with suggested social copy and imagery which can be used on LinkedIn and Instagram. This will be sent to you in an email from our team once you have passed the foundation module.

If you fail, you will have the option of submitting your worksheet again until all the answers are correct. Don’t worry, you can take the course again for free and resubmit your worksheets.

 

Please email hello@hustlecrew.co and a member of the team will get back to you within 72 hours.