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If that’s the case, it could be that you need to move on to an organization whose values are more aligned with yours. You may well be surrounded by people who are unwilling or uninterested in living in the real world where diversity exists. That said, you can do only so much and, frankly, you have done enough. So much important work toward change happens in the uncomfortable moments where we are forced to confront the things that challenge us. As for your colleague, it is the height of privilege to be able to avoid the discomfort of discussing difficult issues.
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This is an absurd situation and one that you should not have to deal with. At some point, you have to decide how long you’re going to do this extra work for colleagues who aren’t willing to meet you even halfway. Unfortunately, there is little that we can do to make people care about these issues. And I imagine it is very lonely being the only person who is willing to do this work. and make your employer establish a structured plan. I understand why you’re trying to raise awareness of D.E.I. They get to focus solely on their work while, all too often, you have to do the work for which you were hired and the work of diversity, equity and inclusion, a specialized field you probably have no training in. In the workplace, this means that you and your white colleagues do not have the same job.
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It is lonely to be the only nonwhite person in almost any situation. What can I do to feasibly enact change, both with my colleagues and at the institutional level? She became defensive and has stated in the past that she does not like “making people uncomfortable” by discussing these issues and that “this is the world of classical music.” I am growing tired of being the only person doing the work and beginning to feel resentful. I exclaimed that no one cared about diversity and inclusion at our organization. I recently had an argument with a close colleague, who I trust and who is white. I am the sole person on my team who has been vocal for change. I have tried to raise awareness around having a structured equity, diversity and inclusion plan in place. I am the only nonwhite person on my team. I work for a prominent classical music organization. Include your name and location, or a request to remain anonymous. Send questions about the office, money, careers and work-life balance to.