Some of the most common perceptions and myths about Latinos are embedded in our collective subconscious.
The Diversity Lectures and Cultural Arts Event on Wednesday will be an interactive, high-energy conversation featuring insights that will foster understanding and acceptance of cultural diversity in the workplace.
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Wilka Toppins, J.D. |
Can you give us an example of one or more of the perceptions of Latinos in the workplace?
Latinos are often perceived by non-Latinos as “overly” family-oriented, which is actually a positive perception, and not willing to relocate far from their extended families or familiar neighborhoods for a job or promotion, which is actually a negative perception. Therefore, these opportunities are often not presented to Latinos in Corporate America. This has a negative impact on the career progress of Latinos. But with the new generation of young Latino workers who moved away from home to attend a college or university, that perception is changing. This is a perfect example of outdated perceptions that can often be viewed as negative in workplace in terms of promotion and career advancement.
Why is it important for non-Latinos to become aware of their perceptions and discuss them?
Many of us will end up managing or working for or with a person that is a Latino or associated with Latino heritage. It is important that we understand this huge demographic force around us and that we learn positive as well as potentially negative perceptions we may have that could impede or affect how we interact with each other.
How does this awareness foster greater workplace diversity?
It makes people comfortable to be able to discuss these perceptions in non-threatening settings where we can understand where we are coming from and how we can see the positive in everyone’s diversity. Latinos, like many other cultural and racial groups, have wonderful attributes that if perceived in a positive way can enhance the workplace for everyone. It is only when perceptions become negative that diversity becomes a threat instead of an asset.