Bypassing Prejudice
Remember those “Where are the women in design?” type entries that used to be around last year? One of the underlying issues I think that could’ve been discussed, but never happened was the fact that on the web you can still see prejudice and biases at work. I have gone my whole life dealing with breaking down barriers (not as much as some of you I am sure, but more than others) and I always found it interesting the dynamics that occur when nobody really knows who you are.
I think it’s safe to assume that if you write a site such as Whitespace with the ideas that I present along with being the CEO of 9rules, Inc. the assumption is that you are a 30-something white guy. Now I know not everyone has that assumption, but I won’t hesitate to say that the majority of people did about me. Going to SXSW and then the Business Blog Summit was an experience when people see your name tag and then look at you and put 2 and 2 together. Let’s just say that not too many people expected this:
Feel free to make fun of me at DIC.
Nothing too wrong with that pic besides the shirt needs to be ironed, but if you saw this what would you think honestly? Would you trust the guy in that picture with your company? Your website? Your VC money? People have balked on these things not because of my background, but because of my appearance. Really I don’t mind because that is part of society. You are generally more comfortable with people you understand and relate to than people you don’t want your daughter dating.
I created a list of qualities that would possibly make life easier as a CEO and for our company. These qualities will more than likely get some of you crazy mad, but I am looking at life through my eyes, not yours.
- White. Now I’m not saying you have to be white to be successful, I’m just saying it’s one less barrier/hurdle to climb if you are in this industry. Now only if I could rap my life would be much easier (whoops, there I go again, increasing the stereotypes that society has set for us…).
- Older looking. Let’s face it. Based on looks I am pushing 18-19 max. Youth usually means not having experience and to many people experience is key. That is something I don’t worry about because I work for my own company now. However, I am still having troubles convincing the women that I do run a company, have a Masters degree, and can get into R-rated movies.
- Ass kisser. One thing I hate about the “blogosphere” is the ass-kissing that goes on. If you read this site enough you already know that. I don’t mind giving props to someone, but do you ever get tired of reading comments on some sites or entries in another blog and know that the person throwing praise upon a product or service is just spewing bullshit? I have been told that you either love me or hate me, but at least you always know that what you are getting is genuine. We need more genuine people on the web, this isn’t corporate America so stop acting like it.
- CEO speak. I have no problem with communicating with people. My problem is communicating with them in terms that make me “seem” like a CEO/businessperson. In a perfect world I should be able to talk however I wish and have it not effect the way someone looks at me or our company, but unfortunately it doesn’t work that way so this is something I have been working on over the past year.
I haven’t told them, but because I am lacking in these areas there have been times I have considered giving up my position as CEO so that someone more experienced could takeover and possibly lead the company to greener pastures. However, it’s just too much fun to harp on Oliphant for doing nothing, Colin for doing horrible coding, and Rundle for creating the worst designs on the web.
What I love about our team is that before we even started we made a promise to ourselves that if a client didn’t accept us for who we are (we don’t holdback punches over IM or email) then we didn’t want them. We definitely have a dynamic that I never experienced in any other company and it’s even more fun because I know we are the type of people nobody expects anything from.
Blogging has created a wonderful opportunity for many people. I don’t think you should be ashamed of who you are or hide your cultural identity, but at least you have the option to do so. Blogging allowed me to let my words shine through and it wasn’t till at least a year later that I showed a picture of myself. By that time many people had already formed their opinion of me, most of them negative, and after they saw my picture it was kind of like “oh, he’s black, I still hate him”.
*sidenote: Technically I am half white, half black, but white people and black people like to consider me black for some reason…it’s like a Tiger Woods kind of thing. So no Joe I don’t like to be referred to as a “colored person”. Thanks though.
Why did I even write this entry? I’m not sure actually, it just came to me. Maybe I wanted to make people aware that not every company/person enters the race at the same starting line. Maybe it’s because I got ripped on in the comments at this 37sigs entry and I can only assume the guy doesn’t even know me. Maybe it’s because some stranger called me a nigger yesterday and I didn’t even know him (jealousy’s a bitch huh?). It wasn’t the first time and it won’t be the last time. I think I wrote it, as incoherent as it is, because it’s an issue that I have noticed in the past and never really read about anywhere else.
This article isn’t meant to bitch about anything or meant to come across as a sob story. Maybe I am just wondering if it’s even worth trying to knock down the biases that many people have or is it just better dealing with the people who have none?
I hear you, Paul. I think when I was branding myself and was about to launch my website, I thought long and hard about what type of clients I wanted to get and how to present myself. Then I thought, “Why am I even hestitating to be anything but 100% me?”
<heartwarming PSA;gt;I am definitely all for being honest, trying to speak professionally but genuinely at the same time, and most of all, being true to yourself </heartwarming PSA>. And really, by doing that, it’s like a pre-screening process for the clients you want to work with. If someone is going to be biased, they are going to be.
That comes with its caveats, too. A former prospect had approached me specifically because I was female because in his experience women were “easier to work with” — and when I looked at the project outline he had wanted me to do… it became clear to me that “easier to work with” = pushover. Needless to say, I said no to that project.
There will always be biases based on age, ethnicity and/or gender. It’s just a fact of life, but I do enjoy being part of what’s making things a little different on the web. I think in general, most people are starting become more aware that there’s a huge patchwork of people in business and online.
And *sigh* asses will almost make a fool of themselves when they spout racial slurs. Sometimes I want to just go up to them and say, “Actually, no, I’m not a chink. I’m not even part Chinese. Get your racial slurs right, for God’s sake!” Ha!
By Lea on November 17, 2005 2:12 pm
What do you think about professional attire? Do you meet with your clients face-to-face often? If so, do you wear a suit when you meet them? Do the clients you meet with wear suits?
Just curious because presentation is another way to be prejudged.
By Jason on November 17, 2005 2:16 pm
Lea: Being 100% yourself is really the only way to go about it. Sure you might need some tweaks here and there, but always stay true to yourself. Amazing how informative cliches are.
Jason: I never had to meet with any clients as of yet, but at BBS I wore the same clothes that I would wear to the mall, but during my presentation I made sure to dress in professional attire. I understand that the clothes you wear make a huge impression on the outlook of a client and it would be foolish of me to think that I can wear gym shorts, a t-shirt, and a hat and be taken seriously by an investor or client.
However, for pictures on Whitespace I am going to wear what I am damn well please ;-).
By Scrivs on November 17, 2005 2:22 pm
As long as you are wearing something!
By Jason on November 17, 2005 2:44 pm
I think prejudices are so common on the ‘net because it’s a largely anonymous forum where people can pretty much say and do as they please with little consequences either way.
As far as your individual case goes, you’re going to have haters no matter what simply because you may not be exactly what people expect. It’s going to be even more apparent because you’ve begun to achieve what I would consider to be vast success and exposure on the web.
This day in age, people ought to be wary of the fact that the face of business on the net is far different from the corporate world with which so many are so comfortable. For me, the web is a haven where I can go and truly be myself–I don’t have to do things I don’t want to do, and I don’t have to put on some facade to deal with things that I’d rather just dismiss.
For what it’s worth, I LOVE the way new and different companies are springing up around the web 2.0 ideals, and I hope everyone is influenced to change the paradigmal thinking that tends to be exclusive of some groups.
After all, if you cut out an organization like 9rules because you’re close minded, then you’ll miss out on what I think is a collection of AMAZING websites from AMAZING individuals–from very diverse backgrounds, too. Here’s to the glory of content in its many forms, and here’s to the people who make it a reality, regardless of their backgrounds.
By Chris on November 17, 2005 3:04 pm
Hey Scrivs,
What you need to do is hire some white, ass-kissing, older jerk that can talk like a CEO to be the face of your company for a small percentage. I just turned 31 in August - is that old enough? =-)
And if you want to talk about not looking like what people expect, try growing up as a white guy named Jemal.
By Jemaleddin on November 17, 2005 3:26 pm
You know Paul, this is about the 3rd picture I’ve seen of you. I also saw you several times in Austin. (Honestly, I apologize for not taking time nor making a real effort to say “hi”, I guess I just wasn’t too sure of the climate between us to make the effort), and frankly, I’ve not been entirely sure what your cultural background was until now — frankly, I didn’t care and still don’t. The only thing that surprised me was to see how tall you are. That, and the day that Oliphant came up and introduced himself to me, even after some of our disagreements and misunderstandings. Guess he one up’d me on that one.
From what I can tell from the pictures and near run-ins is that my skin tone looks to be about the same as yours, and I’m mostly Italian.
We all got our little quirks and differences - don’t sweat it, and don’t waste time trying to knock down the biases - or perceived biases, either. I was joined in Austin by a young, black woman, new to the whole blogging, web world — talk about feeling out of place. She was the only one there who had no clue who Fried, Kottke or Zeldman were. I told her not to sweat it either, and just concentrate on soaking up the knowledge. She did, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see her on your network one day.
Long story short, just do what you do and don’t worry about everything else.
By Mark on November 17, 2005 3:32 pm
“Maybe I am just wondering if it’s even worth trying to knock down the biases that many people have or is it just better dealing with the people who have none?”
I personally don’t think that “people who have none” exist.
I am of the mind that you’ll encounter two types of people:
1. Assholes.
2. People who have biases just based on being surrounded by stereotypes, and just need to be reminded that every individual can’t be boiled down into a set of stereotypes.
The asshole doesn’t care about who you are or what you’re capable of, and you’ll be hard pressed to reach them, imho.
And number two would look at this entry and say, “Riiiiiight, everyone’s not a white male in this industry. Silly Me.”
Regarding my first point, I don’t think there’s a person on the planet that doesn’t have a bias (if not cultural or physical, then based on education, experience, clothing, music, etc.). Maybe I’m cynical but I’m of the mind that the stereotypes wear on you after a while. The same way that women end up being obsessed with enlarging their breasts are starving themselves, if you have enough imagery or rhetoric pounded into you, it effects you.
I have certainly been the victim of being stereotyped on more than one occasion, but a little communication goes a long way to clarifying. Really, you have to get to know someone enough to understand that they’re not, in fact, a stereotype. In which case, yeah, it’s worth knocking down the biases that many people have. You’re an individual. Let people know that.
By Lee Dale on November 17, 2005 3:34 pm
Scrivs,
I’ve seen your picture before, and I will admit I was a bit shocked at first, more of how young you looked and your ‘fro. :-)
I’ve been reading a few of your blogs for a while now, however (wish you’d do something with Simpl(e)y Done - I sent you an email about that a few weeks ago) and I certainly respect what you’ve accomplished. Hope I can catch you at SXSW to at least say hello.
By Jeff on November 17, 2005 3:47 pm
Hellooooooo… I do have a first name…
Love the contextual ads by the way.
By Oliphant on November 17, 2005 4:12 pm
I seem to recall that my exact and *obviously ironic* choice of words was “person living with colour.” You know, the sort of thing an invert (also ironic!) who works with the cripples (again!) and had a black lover for a year and a half might actually say.
And you’re not half white and half black, you’re all of each. A typical American misconception.
Gonna diss me on your blog again, bro? Because you’ve got better targets, I should think.
By Joe Clark on November 17, 2005 4:39 pm
“Would you trust the guy in that picture with your company?”
No, but that’s only because of the cap. ;)
I have to agree with Jeff. I was taken by surprise by your youthful appearance. It was much later when it even dawned on my that you are black. Although when I did noticed, I thought I saw some European features in there somewhere.
By Kim Siever on November 17, 2005 4:41 pm
Mark: Make sure to say hi this time in SXSW. If I don’t want to say hi to someone then you will definitely know about it. I would’ve stopped talking to you a long time ago otherwise. Even though you are an asshole, as am I, I have mad respect for you. Don’t think otherwise.
Joe: Not attacking you at all, but I know what was said and so does the people around us. I’m not going after you since that was 8 months ago. I don’t walk around proclaiming that I am half and half. I walk around proclaiming that I am me and only me *pounds chest.
I’m sure you are a nice guy, but you definitely stepped with the wrong foot when meeting me. That’s your personality no doubt and in Austin we can try it all over again. I know how you gay guys are…I kid, I kid.
By Scrivs on November 17, 2005 4:56 pm
I see black people.
I don’t care what race, nationality, creed or color someone is, if you have it, bring it - otherwise sit down. Paul, you’ve got it. And CEO you will remain.
As for the guy that called you Nigger yesterday. I have two brothers that live within one hour from you and I think its time for some hate-crimes.
Oh, unless that guy was me. Then forget I said anything.
By Colin D. Devroe on November 17, 2005 4:57 pm
I do biz/web dev for a main job. On most weekends I work at williams-sonoma which is a nice cooking store in a very upscale part of the bay area. Since im young (24) and male I get a lot of people making rude comments or ignoring me when I talk about cooking technique or something of the sort.
I made this, so I do have some idea of what I am doing, they just assume I don’t.
By Rob Poitras on November 17, 2005 6:24 pm
arg, looks like I can’t post pics.
This picture is what I am refering to.
By Rob Poitras on November 17, 2005 6:25 pm
Damn, why don’t you ship that over this way.
By Scrivs on November 17, 2005 6:30 pm
Scrivs, don’t be misrepresenting your own statements or mine. You did in fact call yourself half black: “Technically I am half white, half black.” Yes, I know, you are all man, not half anything.
Exactly what I said was exactly what I said I said: “person living with colour.” (Here, fact-check your own arse and Google the acronyms PLWA PLWHA. Hence the irony.)
Sure, go for it– get Oliphant and Rundle in here if you want. Do you really think the actually-unstated phrase “colored person” is worse, even if viewed ironically? (Oddly, the NAACP would discourage ironic reading. But if you want to do that, we get into Judean People’s Front/People’s Front of Judea territory.)
Why don’t you take a break from publicly insinuating I’m either a racist or an arsehole or both? I don’t make statements in public fora, including registration lines in convention centres in foreign nations like Texas, that I can’t back up. You’re being a tad optimistic if you think I’m going to so much as acknowledge your presence if we’re in the same building next year.
By Joe Clark on November 17, 2005 6:48 pm
As a straight white male, I’d never pretend to know anything about discrimination in comparison to anyone of another race, orientation, or gender.
However, I will say that I also look young (I’m 29, but most people peg me at 22 or so), and it’s often very frustrating. I work at a University and I blend in with the students. People assume I’m a student employee, rather than an actual faculty member. People that know I’m an employee figure I must be straight out of college, when I’ve actually had full time web jobs since 1997. I definitely feel like older folks think they can take advantage of me because “I’m young” (even though I’m not that young), and then I definitely feel like they think I’m just some snot-nosed punk-ass kid when I question them or don’t just go along with their every whim.
Prejudices are definitely frustrating. It’s too bad they’re a fact of life.
Only sort-of-related: One of my favorite books is called “Nigger: The Strange Career of a Troublesome Word.” If you’ve ever asked yourself, “why is it okay for black people to say the n-word, but not white people?” or “how is ‘nigger’ any different from any other racial slur?” you ought to read this book. It’s really interesting.
By Jeff Croft on November 17, 2005 7:04 pm
It’s the only way to be brah. In the timeline of great world changing moments in history, you’ll see the way littered with plenty of men and women who were labelled assholes and pricks, but you won’t find one little pussy in the bunch.
Ya feel me? (Pounds chest proudly)
Nevertheless, I’m proud to see we’re moving away from judging people and assigning labels — right?
*
By Mark on November 17, 2005 7:06 pm
“Why did I even write this entry? I’m not sure actually, it just came to me.”
That was a long post for not knowing why you wrote it. I love posts like that, that is, not knowing why you’re doing it, but doing it anyway.
Oh, and rock on. (I needed something semi-related to the post)
By Glen C. on November 17, 2005 7:35 pm
I get this problem all the time, with my Red Eyes and Green Hair http://1800hart.com/pics/leisuresuit.gif .. No .. really .. I look like that..
By HART (1-800-HART) on November 17, 2005 7:37 pm
Joe: So I guess we can cancel those dinner reservations.
Jeff: I will definitely look into that book.
Mark: *dap. Anybody else read Mark’s comment and think of Team America?
By Scrivs on November 17, 2005 7:57 pm
Two things, no… three; in order of importance:
1) Rob should write for Chef Vault. (I feel ya Rob.)
2) Mark, I introed myself to you to meet you. That’s all. Definitely no hidden agenda.
3) My memory serves that Joe said to Paul: “I didn’t realise you were a person of colour.” Said to me: “Oliphant? I bet you get teased a lot about that.” I won’t speak for Rundle. I think we all felt dissed instead of well met as we tend to not expect people to say insulting things (joke or not) before they even get to know us.
Frankly I don’t give one fuck if you are an arsehole or an asshole. You know that most people don’t think of you as ironic, so I am not sure why you’d expect us to know it when that was the first time we’d ever met you.
I know we will all sleep a bit easier now knowing we won’t have to be impacted by your presence at any time in the future. You are an ass and a boob, sir. Beyond your general authority on accessibility, I find you contribute little to any discussion. And in most of my experience, “discussion” I use liberally as what I have seen is often termed “shouting down the opposition” rather than discussing.
By Matthew Oliphant on November 17, 2005 8:18 pm
Scrivs: you weren’t the only person who thought Team America! FUCK YEAH.
By Lea on November 17, 2005 8:19 pm
Matthew -
Yeh, I know. I appreciated the gesture, truly. I wasn’t meaning to suggest there was an agenda of any kind on your part.
In my saying “you one up’d me”, I was meaning you were the better man in that instance, that’s all.
By Mark on November 17, 2005 8:25 pm
It’s nice to know you came out. Now can the rest of us get on with our party. Gee wiz can’t us white people get back to being white people. No one points out that I am white anymore. Do you know how many posts I have written on being white. Zero. Just because of this I think I am going to. Scratch that. I know I am going to. I am dreaming up titles already.
The Most Powerful White Bloggers in History.
Here’s an even better title: BET buys Gawker creates first Black Blogging Network.
Come on. For Real.
By liberalcowboy on November 17, 2005 8:33 pm
Paul says I have to play nice and bow down to him in order to stay in the network. I don’t think so. I think I will go back to my days of not liking him. Just like everyone else.
By liberalcowboy on November 17, 2005 9:45 pm
See as CEO I don’t have to be nice to everyone, but they have to be nice to me.
By Scrivs on November 17, 2005 9:50 pm
Its good this is a virtual company. Lest I am sure Scrivs would want half of the company to relocate to under his desk.
By liberalcowboy on November 17, 2005 10:05 pm
Hey Scrivs,
Great post. You would think the internet would be an escape from prejudice - but sadly the internet still exists in the real world.
Cheers. I owe you a beer in Austin!
By M Rodriguez on November 17, 2005 10:33 pm
Works for me.
By Scrivs on November 17, 2005 10:34 pm
Do you, Paul. It’s what we love (or hate) about you.
By Omar on November 18, 2005 12:20 am
What attracted me to this site and your writing was that your posts always seemed more blunt, more honest, more to the point that most other blog I read. I like that, and this post really explains/expands that.
To be honest, I would have guessed you were a 30-40 year old white guy who was nearly bald. But this is a pleasant surprise ;)
Stories like yours give all us “young looking” web geeks out there hope. Keep up the honest writing.
By Brad on November 18, 2005 1:10 am
When it comes down to it whatever you might be by gender or by race or by anything … if you are good at what you do then to me that is all that counts. Then again I am a mungrel female.
By karmatosed on November 18, 2005 5:37 am
To add to this judging by my last post I also can’t spell.
By karmatosed on November 18, 2005 6:01 am
I agree 100%: race, religion, gender, age, dialect, height, or hair style should not measure a person on line or in person. I only discriminate against someone if they iron their T-shirts.
By Rob on November 18, 2005 6:47 am
People are always surprised at my gender and race. Many people online have linked to what I wrote and referred to me as “he”. I’m in a male dominated field I don’t let it bother me anymore.
I’ve written about being in situations like this (damn, another conversation you missed) where I was told to my face that the business issue was not going through because of my race and gender, not because I was unqualified. In the end they ended up needing to come to me. The tables were turned and I got the satisfaction of telling them exactly what I thought of them, doing things on my terms without jeopardizing everything I worked hard for.
Damn, I should not have clicked on Rob’s and Matthew’s links – now I’m hungry…
By Tyme on November 18, 2005 8:41 am
Ha ha, this is a good post. I think some of the most prolific artists, scientists, and inventors have not fit the mold. Eventhough he was a white dude, Buckminster Fuller comes to mind, his life is really intersting to read about. He didn’t fit the mold or care what anyone thought, and he was a revolutionary thinker, though perhaps underrated.
I think the difficulties in our lives (like facing prejudice) help to spur creativity and independent thinking. Without this the world would never change. So, eventhough what you’re describing is frustrating, I sense that it also serves as an impetus for change and motivation in your life. Seems like the worst thing to be is apathetic or stagnant, and I you don’t sound like you’re at risk for either of those!
It’s an interesting thing to think about, hope we get to chat at SXSW.
By Sally Carson on November 18, 2005 10:22 am
I do enjoy your blog. When I first visited, I didn’t know if “Whitespace” had a double meaning of some kind … if it meant more than it does in the design sense.
I’m pleasantly suprised that you are “young and urban”. I work with kids in HUD projects in LA, trying to encourage them to be entrepreneurial. Now I’ve got one more good example. Thanks!
By danboarder on November 18, 2005 8:17 pm
All of those false assumption, that you mention in your post, are most probably right, whether we admit them or not, they lay somewhere in the back of our brain…
but
i must admit that what shocked me, was that i was not waiting for such a Young man :)
gosh, that is overwhelming, i still can’t get how the generation that rules the cyber space and so many companies that has to do with Hi tech is ruled by youngsters and youngsters that make sense and are responsible, and motivated by success and new order and will shape our new future and up coming advanced reality.
By moon on November 19, 2005 8:19 am
I’m chiming in late here. I wanted to say that I can identify with some of the stereotypes you mentioned. Being 1/2 Japanese, I hear all the “Oh, you know kung-fu?” jokes, and being married to a Russian, hear all the communist mobster / “paid postage,” jokes. It gets old after awhile, and sometimes you just need to vent. If not on your own site, then where else? More power to ya’.
By Nathan Smith on November 19, 2005 5:09 pm
Frankly, you look very cozy and approachable in that picture and I wouldn’t hesitate to trust you.
I am a little young to be in college and also happen to be somewhat short (although that seems to be changing) but I always found myself using these attributes to my advantage…playing the quick, sly character that beats the lumbering big guy. People don’t expect a kid that’s 17 and looks 15 to be in college so I surprise people with that and mess with them when I get them off balance.
Also, I’m originally Lebanese and look the part, and although the problem has subsided since moving up north, people are surprised to know that I still get alot of shit from people because I’m Arabic. It ranges from “terrorist” references to other derogatory stereotypes, but it always hurts.
In the end, I find it as just one more challenge that will make it a little bit sweeter when I break through.
By Thame on November 19, 2005 9:35 pm
Damn, you get so many comments it’s hard to keep track of conversation.
As for my experience as a freelance web designer CEO Talk, as you refer, is not the most important thing. You should be able to cativate the client, make him see it’s simple and easy and make him more motivated in investing on the project, so I really don’t think it should be a priority.
But I do see alot of prejudice expeceally about the age question. Many times I got a first meeting with a client and ended up being left aside by a more experienced person, but not always more experience means better quality.
And other thing I strongly agree is the fact that if a client rejects you, you shouldn’t accept him as a future client since he has showed not to trust in your capacities once.
I guess that’s all, keep on the interesting posts :)
By Mario on November 19, 2005 9:43 pm
Hey man, while I can’t related based on skin color, I can certainly relate when it comes to looking young. I look really young for my age and I always have. It’s always bugged me that people make so many assumptions based on appearance. I’m sure you know better than I.
I guess I have a bit of the “CEO” speak problem as well, but I’ve found that there are many, many people out there who appriceate you being yourself and the added benefits outweigh any disadvantages.
One of the major reasons I left my previous job and started my own company is that I wanted to do things my way, and speak with my own voice. So far — so good.
I’ve always been a results driven person. As long as people I work with do what they say they are, and do it well and on time. I don’t give a rat’s ass what they look like, how they talk or what they do with their free time.
I also wanted to comment on the asskissing stuff. Sure there is quite a bit of asskissing, but there is also quite a bit of unneeded conflict as well. It reminds me of High School at times — people ripping on people they hardly know and all that — getting very personal.
It takes much more than reading someone’s blog or a quick meeting at a conference to get to know a person. It always amazes me how personal things get on the blogosphere and how bent outta shape people get.
Anyway, interesting post man.
By Keith on November 20, 2005 3:38 pm
The only thing about that photo that would perhaps make me question your CEO status had nothing to do with race, age or any of the other points you make in your post, so I was a bit surprised when you got in to that side of the message. That’s just me though.
For me it was the T-shirt, cap and junk in the background as opposed to shirt, tie and office in the background.
By Michael McCorry on November 20, 2005 6:20 pm
One of the beautiful things about internet business entrepreneurship is getting to work in your PJs. I personally would never meet with a client wearing a T-shirt and ballcap, but working at home by myself…heck yeah!
By Shane Shepherd on November 20, 2005 10:01 pm
very interesting take on race and the web. I’ve been reading you for a while and totally didn’t know or think you were (half) black until that first time you showed a picture of yourself.
I’m totally laughing at the Google ads on this page…
By blackmartha on November 21, 2005 4:00 am
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you’re totally cute Scrivs. ;)
You already are knocking down the biases. It’s the upshot you get by just doing what you do.
(You can call that ass-kissing if you want, but honestly, I just think you’re neat-o).
By Lindsay on November 21, 2005 7:46 am
In my personal experiences, I find that if you aren’t exactly what people expect, they don’t take you as seriously. I’m in the process of finding a new full-time job right now, in part because of similar issues to what you’ve brought up.
I often find my boss deferring to the guys I work with, even for matters that I may have more expertise with, because they are guys. It is his assumption that men will know more about anything technical, which is why women in our company (me being the exception) only get hired for service positions. It’s a shame people are so backwards thinking without even realizing it.
I feel for you.
By Beth on November 21, 2005 11:23 am
Hi. I am not a blogger so I decided to share my thoughts because I’ve found this post to be very interesting and lively.
As a white deaf male who is still an unknown web professional pushing 40 next year, I know Scrivs’ feeling of dealing with people who are biased and/or prejudiced. (I may be old yet people still don’t believe my actual age! ;)
Yes…I do know sign language. But that doesn’t mean I can’t talk! ;)
I do feel that I am a minority in a majority society because my deafness has made a lot of people (or employers) questioned my abilities (i.e., web design) in the real world. Honestly, my so-called “disability” has caused a lot of people to be awkward and uncomfortable. Hint: read a person’s body language and it will be answered with one’s facial expression. *grins*
You’d be surprised with all the bullshit I had came across over the years. I’ve had to break down so many barriers and obstacles to get people to accept me for who I am, NOT what I am.
Oftentimes, I know a b.s. when I see one and sadly, I find it pretty amusing and always have to laugh when they give me some ridiculous lame ass excuses. It never bothers me.
BTW, I’m not an ass-kisser. My goal is to open up my own small martial art school next year so I don’t have to dealing with pompous asses or people with political agendas in a workplace. Ah…the beauty of not hearing is that I don’t have to listen to the gossips. ;)
By Mike on November 21, 2005 12:31 pm
I hear you, Paul. As an Asian woman who work in a male-dominated field in Europe, I get stereotypical remarks and am constantly being discriminated against. Online, it may seem easier to “pretend” (or consciously omit a fact) to be like everyone else but why bother? It will soon be 2006 and I can’t understand why there are still people out there who judge people based on the color of their skin!
By Melissa Petri on November 22, 2005 7:36 pm
What about guys with mustaches? What about the 40 year old dude with the Mickey Mouse tie? What about the very corporate body building Chinese from southern California in his Prosche?
It’s fun to judge people based on their appearances, and it’s a lot of fun if you get it right, ad it’s even more fun if you totally get it wrong. And it’s very efficient to suprise people that have prejudices because of your appearance. There is a lot of power in the understatement.
But you just gave it all away. Aren’t you a little too proud being a black teenager CEO? As a matter of fact, you are:
- neither a CEO: and you know it (you’d need at least 30 employees to seriously call you that),
- nore black: and you know it (very obviously not)
- nore a teenager: and you know it (you look more like 28,if you ask me)
By stating and even overstating what makes you look like a cool dude (a young fun guy with a small energetic company and fantastic writing skills), you wear down your magic (your brand). If you act as if you didn’t know you look young, black, and own a company, you can make it all work for you…
Don’t tell me that kind of skill is reserved for dudes over 30…
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By ÌؼÛÊýÂëÏà»ú on February 9, 2006 10:56 pm
everything you said is true. I had those prejudices too.
By paul on February 11, 2006 3:31 pm