The Hidden Racism of Mispronunciation
Episode 282 | Host: Emilie Aries | Guest: C. Marie
“I’d rather you ask me three times than call me something else.”
- C. Marie Taylor
There’s a good chance that we’ve all been there before.
You see a name and you’re completely unsure where to start on how to pronounce it. But you attempt anyway and - surprise, surprise - you butcher it.
C. Marie Taylor (See. Ma-ree. Tay-luhr), a race equity consultant, drops by the podcast today to talk all about the hidden racism of mispronunciation and why it’s so important to create a safe, inclusive, and people-focused work environment.
One way we can start fostering a more inclusive work environment is by taking the time to do the labor when it comes to name pronunciation.
Here are C. Marie Taylor’s recommendations on how to handle pronouncing someone’s name when you’re unsure where to start.
“People are so afraid to fail and they’re gonna get it wrong. We’re all gonna get it wrong. I get it wrong all the time. this is how I make my living - I apologize, I pause, I google. I figure it out and I keep trying.”
- C. Marie Taylor
At the end of the day, it’s up to us to do the work, commit to do better, and never stop trying to bring awareness to valuing diversity with our everyday interactions with our colleagues in the workplace.
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