Your story is MY story…I allowed the experience to limit me from obtaining my Ph.D. 3.8 GPA, licensed, President of SGA at the University, paid for all course and dissertation credits; but in the end I was prevented from ever registering for my Dissertation proposal because my committee would not review my work. The pain still haunts me to this day! Thanks for sharing your story.
Hi Rosalind, this story breaks my heart. I'm so sorry to hear that you had to experience the discrimination and bigotry that I faced and that it limited you from obtaining your Ph.D. I hope that one day you are able to return (especially if that is a big dream of yours!) Thank you for sharing your story in the comments. I hope other people see this as well.
I’m so sorry that happened to you. That’s so appalling. Like Elliott I hope you get the opportunity to return to finish. To prevent people from finishing their studies is beyond appalling. In the U.K. I have learnt that even our most illustrious educational institutions are seeped in cultural bias and they aren’t always open to genuine critical thinking. I suspect that anyone with a truly independent fresh perspective may be a threat to the established order. The more independent and critical thinking a person is, and the less willing to play politics, the more challenging to the world order. But that’s how change is made. It may be that you made more difference than you know. I hope so.
Hi Rosalind. That's incredibly sad. You didn't say how long ago this happened, but I hope that you get the chance to return to university and complete your studies, even if you go to a different university.
Thank You for sharing this experience!I’ve experienced racism my entire school career. I too had a similar experiences. In undergrad the professor gave my classmate a higher grade and they copied my paper. Then there was a professor who told me I could not graduate for no particular reason just because he could. Graduate school was horror story. A graduate professor berated me in class due to not answering a question but did not do the same with other classmates. I was told by a professor they were going to have me expelled for self plagiarism. Only to then say “I was just teaching you a lesson”. My field placement dropped me due to their biases. I agree with you. I would have never expected SW professors to handle cultural competence, stereotypes and bias so poorly. (Feels good to not be alone and tell others).
Hi Tonia, thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us! I am so sorry that you have continued to face racism throughout your entire school career. It enrages me that professors feel like it's okay to be so menacing to us. I hope that you have overcome your experiences and are continuing to excel. Thank you for taking the time to share your story because it will really help others know they are not alone.
Yes, racism is alive and well, even in the helping professions. I learned that when I returned to graduate school. I experienced the micro-aggressions that is so pervasive in this country. Like you, I fought back by excelling. In fact, I thought the coursework was too easy. Thank you for always being willing to be transparent and to teach us from your experiences. You are ever inspiring and leading.
YES VALERIE! Fight back by excelling! That is the perfect mindset to have. I am appalled to hear that you have also experienced this racism and discrimination in the helping professions. Thank you for sharing your story with everyone and for supporting my channel! I appreciate your kind words.
Thank you SO much for this. I had a very similar story. I cried while listening. It really brought me back to my days in higher education spaces. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for sharing your experiences and gifting us all with your perspective and your words of wisdom.
Thank you for sharing this. I too experienced racism while attending graduate school. It saddens me that that things like this are still happening. Sometimes those micro-aggressions had me scratching my head and wondering if I really experienced what happened or maybe I was being overly sensitive. But then, it would happen again and again and confirm my suspicions. The real irony is that I attended a Christian university. Apparently, some are not as Christ like as they proclaim to be.
I am sorry to hear that you also had similar experiences to mine. I often had the same reaction, wondering if it actually happen or if I exaggerated it in my head. But unfortunately, it's all to real for so many of us to experience these micro-aggressions. Thank you for sharing your story.
Hi Elliott, hi anyone reading this, I'm not totally sure what to say that feels helpful. My own feelings around discrimination based on racism are to feel really sickened and almost kind of despairing. I try my best to call it out if I ever notice anything like this, but I sometimes feel scared of the consequences for me from antagonistic, racist people who often hold a lot of power. I have stood up to bullies in the past, though, so I know I have that strength in me if I need it! For my own story, I've experienced a fair amount of sexual harassment in my own career and I've done a pretty good job of letting it make me feel worthless at times. So I really admire and deeply appreciate you being so candid here; yours is a very powerful story. I take a lot of inspiration from your message. Thank you, please keep doing what you do, I think you are brilliant! 🙏💖
Hi Shona! Thank you for calling out racism and discrimination. It can definitely be scary to stand up to such antagonistic people, but you are certainly making the world the better place. I'm sorry to hear that you have experienced sexual harassment in your career. Nobody should ever have to go through something so degrading. I hope you can continue to run with strength and overcome anyone who tries to tear you down. You got this! Thanks for sharing your experiences in the comments. I am glad this video inspired you.
Thank you for sharing your story. I am encouraged by you. I just want you to know that ageism is alive and well too. I started my graduate degree later in life and all it took was one professor to doubt me and my capabilities. I struggled with that for a while however I continued to work hard and do well in my coursework. Then I met another professor who appreciated my work ethic and encouraged me and after I graduated and received my degree she asked me to speak to her class. I was so honored that she asked me and I will never forget her for that. I feel honored to do what I do and hope to help as many as I can. Thanks again,
Hi Ameita! I'm sorry to hear that you faced discrimination because of your age while pursuing your graduate degree. We all pursue life and education using different paths, and none of them are wrong to take. I'm glad you persisted and even found another professor who appreciated you and your amazing work ethic! Thanks for sharing your story.
Hi Elliott, I’m a former student from the same campus. I too experienced inequality from the same professor, hired an attorney, etc etc etc. I’m saddened there are many other Black students who were discriminated against as well. Thanks for sharing!
Barbara, this breaks my heart. I am so, so sorry to hear that this also happened to you (and I imagine there are others this has happened to as well) Thank you for sharing your story in the comments.
Elliot, thank you so much for sharing this story, it is inspiring and brings a lot of hope to people who have been in a similar situation. It is such a challenge to understand how a group of professionals who claimed and preach to their students to be non-judgemental and have compassion can also treat others in this way... As a dark-skinned female who comes from humble origins, I have also dealt with these kinds of subtle behaviors that are hard to explain or and/be understood. I remember, in my first year of graduate school, this teacher frequently suggested I should leave the career of psychology because I was not qualified enough to be there, it was especially kind that he did that in front of the whole class. Then I got a couple of incidents during the next 5 years of school, and thank God a couple of other teachers told me I had potential, which encouraged me to keep going on... Knowing there's somebody out there who managed to survive all these struggles and keep going on until has become a leader in the field (and keeps a humble and attitude on the way) is really refreshing, especially from people who do not precisely fit into the status quo :)
Hello Raquel, I am so humbled that my video can help inspire other people and let them know they are not alone in facing discrimination in academia. I am so sorry to hear that you faced similar issues to the one in my story. Even though they can be hard to explain, I completely understand how much of an effect these aggressions can have. I am thankful that you have had other teachers in your life that supported you and your studies. It's unfortunate that there are still people who try to inhibit others from pursuing their goals, but it's good to hear that you chose to NOT listen to those inhibitors and instead followed the words of your believers. Thank you for watching this video and for your continued support! You will continue to do amazing things in your life.
I can totally relate to your story. Something very similar happened both in my undergraduate and graduate experience. It greatly undermined my confidence in my studies going forward and kept me from pursuing a doctorate much earlier as I hoped. Thanks for sharing your story.
I'm so sorry to hear that something similar happened to you, Denise. Thank you for continuing to pursue your studies even if it didn't happen in the timeline you initially envisioned. You have what it takes to make a difference in people's lives!
I'm so appreciative of your effort to create a safe space for the therapy community. And thanks to everybody sharing their stories in the comments. It's not easy to share trauma, but your stories have the power to make an impact on others and let them know they're not alone.
Thank you so much for your transparency and courage in speaking about this. I have just finished up my Bachelor's in Criminal Justice and now am enrolled in a Master's Program in Forensic Psychology. I have experienced racism not only at the college level but in high school as well. I was in the ninth grade and submitted a paper for a school writing contest. One of the faculty disqualified my paper because I "could not have possibly" written a paper of that caliber so she accused me of having someone else write it. I wish I could say that was the last time it was assumed that I could not produce the quality of work that I submitted because I was black but it wasn't. As I continue to pursue what is a God-given passion for my life, I am grateful for those like you who are brave enough to give their personal testimonies so that others can feel validated and inspired.
Argh, reading this makes me incredibly upset! I am so angry that this happened to you. Never give up on pursuing your passions and dreams because you are capable of so many amazing things. Best of luck to you in your Master's Program. You will change the world with your work. Thanks for sharing your story. I'm so sorry to hear that this happened, but I hope your comment empowers people who might be in a similar situation.
I am a white woman who has experienced many forms of discrimination, from assumptions that i would not understand what being poor was like, to not understanding how a child of an immigrate would feel, i am second generation American , to my southern accent moving to Washington state and being treated like i was not as smart as others in the room and i must beat my children because i had a southern accent. as a drug and alcohol counselor in school where because i am not or ever have been addicted to anything, some students were vocal that i should not be allowed in the program, one student had a private conversation with one of the instructors trying to get me kicked out of the program which i overheard.when i first went ti work in the field there is a definite us and them attitude. luckily most of my patients were kind and taught me. i became a very good drug and alcohol counselor because i listened to the feedback of patients, asked what i could do better and did not give up on my dreams. what happened to you Elliott was disgraceful and unfortunately still happening.
Hi Betty! Thank you for sharing your story. I'm sorry to hear that you faced discrimination in a multitude of ways. Thank you for continuing to push through those negative situations in order to help people with your work. You have helped so many people because of your resilience!
Great post Elliott. Yes. I have experienced discrimination too. Not as overt usually but it’s good to have that recognised. Discrimination because I’m a woman; because I’m Catholic, because I’m not of Norman descent, because I’m too young Orr later, too old. Or because of health issues. Sometimes subtle. Sometimes overt. I’ve had men claim my ideas as theirs in meetings (with me sitting right there), I’ve had men not read my papers or talk over me in meetings, patronise me, overlook me, harass me, humiliate me. I’ve had people deliberately try to set me up to fail or gaslight me. I think we all have at some time or another. But largely I looked the part. I sounded the part. I passed. And while I experienced degrees of discrimination generally it wasn’t the result of a concerted and deliberate set of actions because of my skin colour, my race, my religion or my culture. It was more subtle. The worst was in British (private) public schools where they don’t even know they are doing it! Racist? Well you may be better off being a Nigerian Prince educated at Eton rather than a Welshman from a mining village or an East End cockney. Discrimination is contextual. It’s always about an imbalance of power and it never ceases to amaze me how many people abuse their power. So be careful out there. Stand up for yourself. Fight your corner. Find your allies and your tribe. Keep your head held high.
Thank you for sharing your story, Jane. I'm sorry to hear that you've faced discrimination throughout your career too. I'm so glad that you've kept pushing through all those difficult times. It shouldn't matter who we are, we should all be respected as people. I hope you continue to stand up for yourself too! We're all in this fight together.
I just starts my career as helping profession in Australia. I have already experienced lots of rejection or doubts on my skills/ability to help in this field. It's sad and it's out of my control it. I can only control what's me coming out from the other side. Focus on what makes me stronger. Thanks for sharing and you definitely not alone.
Hello Penny! Stay strong because you are doing amazing things. Congrats on the beginning of your career. It will be a difficult journey, but remember to listen to those who believe in you! I love your mindset of focusing on what you CAN control! Thank you for watching this video and sharing your story.
I absolutely hear you. I am also shocked at what qualified professionals will do to climb higher and get what you have achieved. I feel your pain and am so happy you persisted. Would love to talk more.
I just listened to your live discussion about racism. It was very bravely done and will allow people an opportunity to see what these experiences are like in “other” people’s world. It will also allow someone to have the courage to share their experiences and in the process be empowered, instead of letting it tear them down.
Thank you for listening, Marilyn. I appreciate your support. That's exactly why I do what I do! It means so much to me that I have the opportunity to empower someone by sharing my experiences.
Wow! I’m so sorry for what that professor tried to do to you and for all the effort you had to go through to stop her. I just found your channel and have only seen one video, but I had to write to you because I felt for your story. Thank you so much for sharing such a personal experience! I host a number of platforms that educate white people about cultural competency/anti-racism, bigotry, inequality, and corruption (that covers it all pretty much). I started getting serious about my RUclips channel a few years ago when I was permanently kicked off my Facebook page community that I hosted with 7 admins. I was also banned for life, with no warning or reason, from my personal account and my “beginners” cultural competency group I hosted on FB as well. 😔 Needless to say, it was devastating to me on a very personal level. So I started all over on RUclips. They recently demonetized me so it looks like it’s happening again. 🤔😞🤔😳🤯 As a white educator, the people who have made strong attempts to destroy my work/passions have been what I call, “fake liberals,” for lack of a better term. I have too many stories to tell on this subject, but enough about my woes! I’ll move on again to another platform. I really just wanted to tell you I appreciate your video and look forward to viewing more. ❤️ I think my audience should see this video because it is so real and you tell it powerfully yet so thoughtfully. Thank you for this gift of understanding. Whenever a Black, brown, or indigenous person teaches white folks, I am appreciative because it helps us to empathize and hopefully climb one step further on the lifelong anti-racism continuum Amazing video !
Hello! Thank you for your kind words and welcome to my channel! I appreciate you sharing your platform to educate others about bigotry and discrimination. So sorry to hear that your efforts have been censored though. Please keep yelling your message from the rooftops! People need to hear what you have to say. Thanks for taking the time to watch my video. I sincerely appreciate your support!
Thank you so much for sharing. It means a lot to many people of color that you are providing education to different races about racism and how it affects the people of color. Don't let anyone stop your work and/or passion. As long as you stay on this path you will always have to fight to be heard or understood and deal with road blocks, just as people of color have for 100's of years. It's so sad but hope you want give up with educating others.
I was discriminated against by my tutor, and it has stopped me progressing in the counselling course at least now, she hated me, I thought it was because of my social status, I'm poor, not middle class. And I'm disabled so in her eyes not good enough. 😐
I'm so sorry to hear this, Suzanne. Remember, you will ALWAYS be good enough. I hope that one day you find the strength to continue this counseling course because I know you'll be able to make a big difference and have a huge impact. I wish you nothing but the best in your journey!
Wow, yay! I love this so much, I am all these intersections. The same people who are educated, have multiple phds or use academia as a guise to “humble” me as us Gen-Z say and tell me I don’t know anything, or how they know more than me and are “always right” and use x,y, z with research, data, scientific research to “educate” me, rather humiliate me, degrade me, even with microagressions or unnecessary comments. I am a woman, mexican, came from an environment of ‘impoverishment,’ things I so badly wanted to not be a limiting characteristic and to say I got my degree in aeronautical engineering or went to space regardless of my identity! But alas, it proved to me that they are not limiting and who I am. That the entire us system was built on seeing these characteristics, traits, religion, race, colorism, class, all these -isms added to them and to make me see it as limiting. I found hope finishing your video, that no matter how ‘smart’ or rather knowledgable I become on topics and subjects I love, there will be people who don’t care if I have the same academic record as them, degrees, etc. and will continue to bring any of us who are a minority down. But, we unite and a disabled pale/white person, a black man highly ranked in academia (AND RIGHTFULLY SO) can find unity with a mexican-american woman based on our intersections! THANK YOU!
Thanks Elliott for sharing your experience I also have the story to tell within the helping profession about my age being discriminated because I am older than other professionals or colleagues the world will show their negative side about you as colleague
I am sorry that you were treated like that I am happy you didn’t give up and kept fighting for your worth I wonder if you ever met that professor somewhere else And if you do ask her What was she protecting you from Or why she hated herself soo much that she had to transfer that hate to you Tell her that all your guns we are glad you left her And from me tell her she still has a chance before she dies And talk to you You are a great knowledge keeper Elliot
Hello Elliott, I am really sorry you were treated so terribly. It's really unjust. Unfortunately we live not in a homogenized, but in a polarized universe. But the saying:' If all men are equal, some are more equal than others' holds true YOU being the MORE EQUAL for not allowing such sadly disappointing and degrading treatment turn you bitter and equally
Bigotry exists in many spheres of life. Women are treated as inferior- inferior in intelligence, inferior in physical prowess, just generally inferior. We are not expected to want to 'shine`and if we aspire to,' they' make every attempt to dampen out ambition and destroy our vision,both overtly and covertly. It's really sad.
Some of my best friends come from diverse backgrounds:some are black and some Chinese. When my husband passed on, THEY came to offer solace. Nobody from my own kind (did)
You are totally right, Maria. Unfortunately, we live in a very polarized society where bigotry is found in every corner. I will continue to do my part and speak out about discrimination. And I'm so thankful that people are willing to share their stories as well.
So appreciate your willingness to share this. As a white cis gendered female, I know the potential we (white people) have of using opportunities like this as a form of race porn. In my experience, us white folks are often very ready to listen to stories of POC but not as willing to share our vulnerabilities and feelings. So again, thank you
Your story is MY story…I allowed the experience to limit me from obtaining my Ph.D. 3.8 GPA, licensed, President of SGA at the University, paid for all course and dissertation credits; but in the end I was prevented from ever registering for my Dissertation proposal because my committee would not review my work. The pain still haunts me to this day! Thanks for sharing your story.
Hi Rosalind, this story breaks my heart. I'm so sorry to hear that you had to experience the discrimination and bigotry that I faced and that it limited you from obtaining your Ph.D. I hope that one day you are able to return (especially if that is a big dream of yours!)
Thank you for sharing your story in the comments. I hope other people see this as well.
I’m so sorry that happened to you. That’s so appalling. Like Elliott I hope you get the opportunity to return to finish. To prevent people from finishing their studies is beyond appalling.
In the U.K. I have learnt that even our most illustrious educational institutions are seeped in cultural bias and they aren’t always open to genuine critical thinking. I suspect that anyone with a truly independent fresh perspective may be a threat to the established order. The more independent and critical thinking a person is, and the less willing to play politics, the more challenging to the world order. But that’s how change is made. It may be that you made more difference than you know. I hope so.
Hi Rosalind. That's incredibly sad. You didn't say how long ago this happened, but I hope that you get the chance to return to university and complete your studies, even if you go to a different university.
wow
Thank You for sharing this experience!I’ve experienced racism my entire school career. I too had a similar experiences. In undergrad the professor gave my classmate a higher grade and they copied my paper. Then there was a professor who told me I could not graduate for no particular reason just because he could. Graduate school was horror story. A graduate professor berated me in class due to not answering a question but did not do the same with other classmates. I was told by a professor they were going to have me expelled for self plagiarism. Only to then say “I was just teaching you a lesson”. My field placement dropped me due to their biases. I agree with you. I would have never expected SW professors to handle cultural competence, stereotypes and bias so poorly. (Feels good to not be alone and tell others).
Hi Tonia, thank you so much for sharing your experiences with us! I am so sorry that you have continued to face racism throughout your entire school career. It enrages me that professors feel like it's okay to be so menacing to us. I hope that you have overcome your experiences and are continuing to excel. Thank you for taking the time to share your story because it will really help others know they are not alone.
My professor just kicked me out of the lab for raising concerns of bullying. I need support to fight back.
All in this together! #solution-focused
Thank you Barbara!
- Elliott
Yes, racism is alive and well, even in the helping professions. I learned that when I returned to graduate school. I experienced the micro-aggressions that is so pervasive in this country. Like you, I fought back by excelling. In fact, I thought the coursework was too easy. Thank you for always being willing to be transparent and to teach us from your experiences. You are ever inspiring and leading.
YES VALERIE! Fight back by excelling! That is the perfect mindset to have. I am appalled to hear that you have also experienced this racism and discrimination in the helping professions.
Thank you for sharing your story with everyone and for supporting my channel! I appreciate your kind words.
Thank you SO much for this. I had a very similar story. I cried while listening. It really brought me back to my days in higher education spaces. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU for sharing your experiences and gifting us all with your perspective and your words of wisdom.
Thank you for sharing this. I too experienced racism while attending graduate school. It saddens me that that things like this are still happening. Sometimes those micro-aggressions had me scratching my head and wondering if I really experienced what happened or maybe I was being overly sensitive. But then, it would happen again and again and confirm my suspicions. The real irony is that I attended a Christian university. Apparently, some are not as Christ like as they proclaim to be.
I am sorry to hear that you also had similar experiences to mine. I often had the same reaction, wondering if it actually happen or if I exaggerated it in my head. But unfortunately, it's all to real for so many of us to experience these micro-aggressions.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Hi Elliott, hi anyone reading this, I'm not totally sure what to say that feels helpful. My own feelings around discrimination based on racism are to feel really sickened and almost kind of despairing. I try my best to call it out if I ever notice anything like this, but I sometimes feel scared of the consequences for me from antagonistic, racist people who often hold a lot of power. I have stood up to bullies in the past, though, so I know I have that strength in me if I need it! For my own story, I've experienced a fair amount of sexual harassment in my own career and I've done a pretty good job of letting it make me feel worthless at times. So I really admire and deeply appreciate you being so candid here; yours is a very powerful story. I take a lot of inspiration from your message. Thank you, please keep doing what you do, I think you are brilliant! 🙏💖
Hi Shona! Thank you for calling out racism and discrimination. It can definitely be scary to stand up to such antagonistic people, but you are certainly making the world the better place.
I'm sorry to hear that you have experienced sexual harassment in your career. Nobody should ever have to go through something so degrading. I hope you can continue to run with strength and overcome anyone who tries to tear you down. You got this!
Thanks for sharing your experiences in the comments. I am glad this video inspired you.
My whole life I’ve been dealing with this shit, I’m very tired of it
Thank you for sharing your story. I am encouraged by you. I just want you to know that ageism is alive and well too. I started my graduate degree later in life and all it took was one professor to doubt me and my capabilities. I struggled with that for a while however I continued to work hard and do well in my coursework. Then I met another professor who appreciated my work ethic and encouraged me and after I graduated and received my degree she asked me to speak to her class. I was so honored that she asked me and I will never forget her for that. I feel honored to do what I do and hope to help as many as I can. Thanks again,
Hi Ameita! I'm sorry to hear that you faced discrimination because of your age while pursuing your graduate degree. We all pursue life and education using different paths, and none of them are wrong to take. I'm glad you persisted and even found another professor who appreciated you and your amazing work ethic! Thanks for sharing your story.
Hi Elliott,
I’m a former student from the same campus. I too experienced inequality from the same professor, hired an attorney, etc etc etc. I’m saddened there are many other Black students who were discriminated against as well. Thanks for sharing!
Barbara, this breaks my heart. I am so, so sorry to hear that this also happened to you (and I imagine there are others this has happened to as well)
Thank you for sharing your story in the comments.
Elliot, thank you so much for sharing this story, it is inspiring and brings a lot of hope to people who have been in a similar situation. It is such a challenge to understand how a group of professionals who claimed and preach to their students to be non-judgemental and have compassion can also treat others in this way... As a dark-skinned female who comes from humble origins, I have also dealt with these kinds of subtle behaviors that are hard to explain or and/be understood. I remember, in my first year of graduate school, this teacher frequently suggested I should leave the career of psychology because I was not qualified enough to be there, it was especially kind that he did that in front of the whole class. Then I got a couple of incidents during the next 5 years of school, and thank God a couple of other teachers told me I had potential, which encouraged me to keep going on... Knowing there's somebody out there who managed to survive all these struggles and keep going on until has become a leader in the field (and keeps a humble and attitude on the way) is really refreshing, especially from people who do not precisely fit into the status quo :)
Hello Raquel, I am so humbled that my video can help inspire other people and let them know they are not alone in facing discrimination in academia. I am so sorry to hear that you faced similar issues to the one in my story. Even though they can be hard to explain, I completely understand how much of an effect these aggressions can have.
I am thankful that you have had other teachers in your life that supported you and your studies. It's unfortunate that there are still people who try to inhibit others from pursuing their goals, but it's good to hear that you chose to NOT listen to those inhibitors and instead followed the words of your believers.
Thank you for watching this video and for your continued support! You will continue to do amazing things in your life.
I can totally relate to your story. Something very similar happened both in my undergraduate and graduate experience. It greatly undermined my confidence in my studies going forward and kept me from pursuing a doctorate much earlier as I hoped. Thanks for sharing your story.
I'm so sorry to hear that something similar happened to you, Denise. Thank you for continuing to pursue your studies even if it didn't happen in the timeline you initially envisioned. You have what it takes to make a difference in people's lives!
I'm so appreciative of your effort to create a safe space for the therapy community. And thanks to everybody sharing their stories in the comments. It's not easy to share trauma, but your stories have the power to make an impact on others and let them know they're not alone.
Thank you so much for your transparency and courage in speaking about this. I have just finished up my Bachelor's in Criminal Justice and now am enrolled in a Master's Program in Forensic Psychology. I have experienced racism not only at the college level but in high school as well. I was in the ninth grade and submitted a paper for a school writing contest. One of the faculty disqualified my paper because I "could not have possibly" written a paper of that caliber so she accused me of having someone else write it. I wish I could say that was the last time it was assumed that I could not produce the quality of work that I submitted because I was black but it wasn't. As I continue to pursue what is a God-given passion for my life, I am grateful for those like you who are brave enough to give their personal testimonies so that others can feel validated and inspired.
Argh, reading this makes me incredibly upset! I am so angry that this happened to you. Never give up on pursuing your passions and dreams because you are capable of so many amazing things. Best of luck to you in your Master's Program. You will change the world with your work.
Thanks for sharing your story. I'm so sorry to hear that this happened, but I hope your comment empowers people who might be in a similar situation.
Thanks, Elliott. The world needs your work. The world needs you.
Thank you, Julie. I really appreciate that. I will continue to share my message as long as it helps at least one person.
I am a white woman who has experienced many forms of discrimination, from assumptions that i would not understand what being poor was like, to not understanding how a child of an immigrate would feel, i am second generation American , to my southern accent moving to Washington state and being treated like i was not as smart as others in the room and i must beat my children because i had a southern accent. as a drug and alcohol counselor in school where because i am not or ever have been addicted to anything, some students were vocal that i should not be allowed in the program, one student had a private conversation with one of the instructors trying to get me kicked out of the program which i overheard.when i first went ti work in the field there is a definite us and them attitude. luckily most of my patients were kind and taught me. i became a very good drug and alcohol counselor because i listened to the feedback of patients, asked what i could do better and did not give up on my dreams. what happened to you Elliott was disgraceful and unfortunately still happening.
Hi Betty! Thank you for sharing your story. I'm sorry to hear that you faced discrimination in a multitude of ways. Thank you for continuing to push through those negative situations in order to help people with your work. You have helped so many people because of your resilience!
@@TheSolutionFocusedUniverse i think things are getting better, long ways to go yet
@@HorsesandHealing I agree, I'm glad things are improving for future generations, but we definitely still have a LONG way to go!
Great post Elliott.
Yes. I have experienced discrimination too. Not as overt usually but it’s good to have that recognised. Discrimination because I’m a woman; because I’m Catholic, because I’m not of Norman descent, because I’m too young Orr later, too old. Or because of health issues. Sometimes subtle. Sometimes overt. I’ve had men claim my ideas as theirs in meetings (with me sitting right there), I’ve had men not read my papers or talk over me in meetings, patronise me, overlook me, harass me, humiliate me. I’ve had people deliberately try to set me up to fail or gaslight me. I think we all have at some time or another.
But largely I looked the part. I sounded the part. I passed. And while I experienced degrees of discrimination generally it wasn’t the result of a concerted and deliberate set of actions because of my skin colour, my race, my religion or my culture. It was more subtle. The worst was in British (private) public schools where they don’t even know they are doing it! Racist? Well you may be better off being a Nigerian Prince educated at Eton rather than a Welshman from a mining village or an East End cockney. Discrimination is contextual. It’s always about an imbalance of power and it never ceases to amaze me how many people abuse their power.
So be careful out there. Stand up for yourself. Fight your corner. Find your allies and your tribe. Keep your head held high.
Thank you for sharing your story, Jane. I'm sorry to hear that you've faced discrimination throughout your career too. I'm so glad that you've kept pushing through all those difficult times. It shouldn't matter who we are, we should all be respected as people.
I hope you continue to stand up for yourself too! We're all in this fight together.
@@TheSolutionFocusedUniverse I did what you did! I now work for myself and so the only person who can discriminate against me … is me!
I just starts my career as helping profession in Australia. I have already experienced lots of rejection or doubts on my skills/ability to help in this field. It's sad and it's out of my control it. I can only control what's me coming out from the other side. Focus on what makes me stronger. Thanks for sharing and you definitely not alone.
Hello Penny! Stay strong because you are doing amazing things. Congrats on the beginning of your career. It will be a difficult journey, but remember to listen to those who believe in you! I love your mindset of focusing on what you CAN control! Thank you for watching this video and sharing your story.
I absolutely hear you. I am also shocked at what qualified professionals will do to climb higher and get what you have achieved. I feel your pain and am so happy you persisted. Would love to talk more.
I just listened to your live discussion about racism. It was very bravely done and will allow people an opportunity to see what these experiences are like in “other” people’s world.
It will also allow someone to have the courage to share their experiences and in the process be empowered, instead of letting it tear them down.
Thank you for listening, Marilyn. I appreciate your support.
That's exactly why I do what I do! It means so much to me that I have the opportunity to empower someone by sharing my experiences.
Wow! I’m so sorry for what that professor tried to do to you and for all the effort you had to go through to stop her.
I just found your channel and have only seen one video, but I had to write to you because I felt for your story. Thank you so much for sharing such a personal experience!
I host a number of platforms that educate white people about cultural competency/anti-racism, bigotry, inequality, and corruption (that covers it all pretty much).
I started getting serious about my RUclips channel a few years ago when I was permanently kicked off my Facebook page community that I hosted with 7 admins. I was also banned for life, with no warning or reason, from my personal account and my “beginners” cultural competency group I hosted on FB as well. 😔 Needless to say, it was devastating to me on a very personal level. So I started all over on RUclips. They recently demonetized me so it looks like it’s happening again. 🤔😞🤔😳🤯
As a white educator, the people who have made strong attempts to destroy my work/passions have been what I call, “fake liberals,” for lack of a better term. I have too many stories to tell on this subject, but enough about my woes! I’ll move on again to another platform.
I really just wanted to tell you I appreciate your video and look forward to viewing more. ❤️ I think my audience should see this video because it is so real and you tell it powerfully yet so thoughtfully. Thank you for this gift of understanding. Whenever a Black, brown, or indigenous person teaches white folks, I am appreciative because it helps us to empathize and hopefully climb one step further on the lifelong anti-racism continuum Amazing video !
Hello! Thank you for your kind words and welcome to my channel! I appreciate you sharing your platform to educate others about bigotry and discrimination. So sorry to hear that your efforts have been censored though. Please keep yelling your message from the rooftops! People need to hear what you have to say.
Thanks for taking the time to watch my video. I sincerely appreciate your support!
Thank you so much for sharing. It means a lot to many people of color that you are providing education to different races about racism and how it affects the people of color. Don't let anyone stop your work and/or passion. As long as you stay on this path you will always have to fight to be heard or understood and deal with road blocks, just as people of color have for 100's of years. It's so sad but hope you want give up with educating others.
I was discriminated against by my tutor, and it has stopped me progressing in the counselling course at least now, she hated me, I thought it was because of my social status, I'm poor, not middle class. And I'm disabled so in her eyes not good enough. 😐
I'm so sorry to hear this, Suzanne. Remember, you will ALWAYS be good enough. I hope that one day you find the strength to continue this counseling course because I know you'll be able to make a big difference and have a huge impact. I wish you nothing but the best in your journey!
So sorry you had to experience that😢
Thank you for sharing
Thanks for watching, Diana!
Wow, yay! I love this so much, I am all these intersections. The same people who are educated, have multiple phds or use academia as a guise to “humble” me as us Gen-Z say and tell me I don’t know anything, or how they know more than me and are “always right” and use x,y, z with research, data, scientific research to “educate” me, rather humiliate me, degrade me, even with microagressions or unnecessary comments. I am a woman, mexican, came from an environment of ‘impoverishment,’ things I so badly wanted to not be a limiting characteristic and to say I got my degree in aeronautical engineering or went to space regardless of my identity! But alas, it proved to me that they are not limiting and who I am. That the entire us system was built on seeing these characteristics, traits, religion, race, colorism, class, all these -isms added to them and to make me see it as limiting. I found hope finishing your video, that no matter how ‘smart’ or rather knowledgable I become on topics and subjects I love, there will be people who don’t care if I have the same academic record as them, degrees, etc. and will continue to bring any of us who are a minority down. But, we unite and a disabled pale/white person, a black man highly ranked in academia (AND RIGHTFULLY SO) can find unity with a mexican-american woman based on our intersections! THANK YOU!
Thanks Elliott for sharing your experience I also have the story to tell within the helping profession about my age being discriminated because I am older than other professionals or colleagues the world will show their negative side about you as colleague
I am sorry that you were treated like that
I am happy you didn’t give up and kept fighting for your worth
I wonder if you ever met that professor somewhere else
And if you do ask her
What was she protecting you from
Or why she hated herself soo much that she had to transfer that hate to you
Tell her that all your guns we are glad you left her
And from me tell her she still has a chance before she dies
And talk to you
You are a great knowledge keeper Elliot
Thank you for sharing 🙏🏿
Hello Elliott, I am really sorry you were treated so terribly. It's really unjust. Unfortunately we live not in a homogenized, but in a polarized universe. But the saying:' If all men are equal, some are more equal than others' holds true YOU being the MORE EQUAL for not allowing such sadly disappointing and degrading treatment turn you bitter and equally
Judgemental towards them. They hurt you so much yet you embrace everyone with the same attitude of kindness and acceptance.
Bigotry exists in many spheres of life. Women are treated as inferior- inferior in intelligence, inferior in physical prowess, just generally inferior. We are not expected to want to 'shine`and if we aspire to,' they' make every attempt to dampen out ambition and destroy our vision,both overtly and covertly. It's really sad.
Not spheres of life `areas of life'.
Some of my best friends come from diverse backgrounds:some are black and some Chinese. When my husband passed on, THEY came to offer solace. Nobody from my own kind (did)
You are totally right, Maria. Unfortunately, we live in a very polarized society where bigotry is found in every corner. I will continue to do my part and speak out about discrimination. And I'm so thankful that people are willing to share their stories as well.
So appreciate your willingness to share this. As a white cis gendered female, I know the potential we (white people) have of using opportunities like this as a form of race porn. In my experience, us white folks are often very ready to listen to stories of POC but not as willing to share our vulnerabilities and feelings. So again, thank you
Thank you for taking the time to watch my video, Robin. I appreciate your thoughtful comment.