I’ve been sitting on this blog post for a month, and I credit my friend, Dr. Trina Lynch-Jackson, for the motivation to post it.
It concerns the infamous March 10, 2021 episode of CBS’ The Talk.
On this episode Sheryl Underwood questioned Sharon Osbourne for Piers Morgan. Piers Morgan made controversial statements regarding Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex after she and husband Prince Harry were interviewed by Oprah Winfrey on CBS. Sharon’s exchange with Sheryl aired on live television and you can watch it in full here.
I have been in Sheryl’s shoes whenever a non-Black Person has felt defensive or attacked over a topic/activity/incident that impacted me.
For example, last May I posted on a social media platform my thoughts concerning the murder of George Floyd.
Photo by Priscilla Gyamfi on Unsplash
I was immediately confronted by non-Black connections, or as this platform refers to them, “Friends.” Posts flooded my timeline such as:
If he had had complied with the officer, this never would have happened.
The phrase “Black Lives Matter” offends me. Don’t all lives matter?
The police officer was just doing his job.
We have to support our Boys in Blue!
Barack Obama should have fixed race relations! (huh?)
But here’s the one that “put a bee in my bonnet.”
Chandra, why are you angry? Why are you upset?
Hmmm…I am a Black Woman who saw a Black Man murdered on television. I use the word “saw” versus “watched” because I could not endure the full 8 minutes and 46 seconds.
I typically let comments and questions like those mentioned remain unanswered, but I spoke up this time.
And then harsh rebukes were directed toward me, similar to things Sharon Osbourne said.
I was done arguing.
I ended up deleting and blocking no less than 12 people. This was huge for me because I use that platform to encourage connections and often joked that it takes a huge misstep for me to cut someone off.
I don’t have time for poisonous, draining and ill - informed people in my life.
But back to Sheryl Underwood. When she was attacked by Sharon Osbourne there was criticism as to why Sheryl didn’t “clap back” and cut Sharon off.
She couldn’t. I couldn’t when it happened to me at work, either. This leads to the first step.
Keep Your Cool
Had Sheryl Underwood reacted in any other manner than calm, she would have been labeled the “Angry Black Woman.”
If you are confronted in the workplace, fight the impulse to immediately respond. Take a deep breath, count to 10 and end the discussion.
How?
Stating something as simple as “I don’t believe this conversation will be productive, and I don’t want to continue it.” Then walk away.
Know You Rights
Sharon’s behavior has been described as harassment, which violates the law. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) defines harassment as unwelcome conduct that is based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information. To be against the law, the conduct must create a work environment that would be intimidating, hostile, or offensive to reasonable people.
Document Everything
Keep a list of troublesome conversations and activities. Record the date, time, context and names of witnesses. The more details the better.
This may seem like a chore, but I can guarantee you Sharon Osbourne’s interaction with Sheryl Underwood was not the first instance. Others knew their rights and documented interactions. There was a paper trail of harassing behavior with colleagues and in Sharon’s case audio and video of past statements.
Report The Incident
Follow your company’s protocol on reporting harassing behavior, but I recommend having something in writing addressed to your supervisor AND Human Resources. Unfortunately I know of incidents where supervisors have been made aware of harassing and threatening behavior, but did not report to HR. If your company has an online form where you can anonymously report abuse, use it.
CBS investigated the incident and determined Sharon Osbourne’s conduct didn’t align with their values for a respectful workplace. Her last day associated with The Talk was March 26, 2021.
And there is one more thing I’d like to share…
It Is Not Your Job To Educate
During the heated exchange Sharon Osbourne admonished Sheryl Underwood to teach her and educate her on when Sheryl heard Piers Morgan say racist things.
Dear Reader, IT IS NOT your role to teach on race relations, and for people to have that expectation is pure laziness.
Google is the site to look up song lyrics, recipes and find coupon codes. Those wanting to understand the history of race relations and the experiences of non-White Americans can conduct simple online research or connect with a local library.
However as a coach I will provide recommendations and resources to understanding the experiences of Black Americans.
A special thanks to my friend, Kacheyta McClellan, for his contribution to this list of recommendations. He serves as the Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging for the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
Book Recommendations
CAUTION - This May Hurt Your Feelings! : A Compilation of Poems and Short Stories on Racial Diversity & Inclusion by Dr. Trina Lynch-Jackson
Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years by Sarah L. Delany, A. Elizabeth Delany and Amy Hill Hearth
The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X and Alex Haley
A Promised Land by Barack Obama
Becoming by Michelle Obama
The New Jim Crow (Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness) by Michelle Alexander
White Rage by Carol Anderson
Black Fatigue: How Racism Erodes the Mind, Body, and Spirit by Mary-Frances Winters
Film/Documentary Recommendations
Roots – The Complete Miniseries
The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman
Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years – The Movie
If you encounter harassment of any type, remember
Keep your cool
Know your rights
Document
Report
You are not a teacher
If you’ve had trouble at work, there is help available to you. Please write me at chandra@solutionsbychandrallc.com. I’m not an employment law specialist, but I can direct you to available resources.
If you’re ready to seek employment elsewhere, please watch my training 6 Steps To Getting The Hell Out Of A Job You Hate.
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