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Vote on Desiree Davidson's Story
Were they afraid we were planning a coup d'etat?
I spent my first summer during Columbia Law School at a firm in Philadelphia described as one of the best places in the city for black lawyers. I believed that if there was any place where I would have an equal chance at opportunities, be treated fairly and succeed, this would be it. There were three black female summer associates out of sixty that year but any time all three of us were in an office talking, one of the partners would knock on the door to see how we were doing. It happened too often to be a coincidence that sometimes we would purposely agree to meet in so-and-so's office to test our theory that we were being monitored. Like clock work, ten minutes after we would get together a partner would stop by.
What a bad compliment
- Workplace Unfairness
- Female
- Arab/Arab-American
- Architectural Services
- Left & is now Self-Employed
- Architectural Services
- Cultural Educator
- Double Standards
- Stereotyping
I have found great ignorance of Arab or Near Eastern history, leading to a range of reactions from hatred to condescending compassion. Once, I was told that my assertiveness and independence is surprising since I am a woman of Arab heritage. It was meant as a compliment. Very often, if I do try to explain Near East history, I feel no one wants to listen, or I get the "so what, we kick ass" attitude. Also, sometimes, I feel as though I cannot truly explain facts, because I will be accused of not being American.