Professional Conduct, Dress, and Cultural Etiquette Abroad Module 6 Handling Discrimination, Racism

Discrimination, racism, and microaggressions are complex and often deeply ingrained issues in many societies, including those considered progressive and inclusive. For migrant workers, especially those of African, Asian, Middle Eastern, or minority backgrounds, experiences of subtle or overt bias can be emotionally damaging and professionally disruptive.
This module empowers you to recognize, respond to, and report instances of discrimination, racism, and microaggressions in ways that are emotionally intelligent, legally sound, and professionally safe. It integrates empathy, policy awareness, and case study reviews to equip you with tools to navigate sensitive situations without compromising their mental health, self-worth, or employment status.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
Define and identify different forms of discrimination and microaggressions.


Distinguish between unintentional bias and systemic racism.


Use appropriate channels to report discrimination and seek justice.


Maintain professionalism when confronting offensive behavior.


Understand legal protections available in host countries like the UK, EU, and North America.
Content Module
6.1 What is Discrimination in the Workplace?
Discrimination occurs when an individual is treated unfairly or unequally because of their race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, disability, national origin, or other protected characteristics.
Direct Discrimination: "You can’t handle this job; Africans are not organized."


Indirect Discrimination: Rules or policies that apply to everyone but disadvantage a particular group.


Systemic Discrimination: Institutionalized practices that unfairly disadvantage minorities over time.
6.2 Understanding Microaggressions
Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional, derogatory comments or behaviors directed at minorities.
Examples:
“You speak really good English for someone from Africa.”


“Your hair is so exotic. Can I touch it?”


Repeatedly mispronouncing your name despite corrections.
They seem harmless but accumulate into trauma, especially when ignored or dismissed.
6.3 Racism: Overt and Covert
Overt Racism: Racial slurs, hate speech, exclusion, bullying.


Covert Racism: Not inviting you to meetings, overlooking your contributions, discrediting your work without cause.


Being able to recognize covert racism is crucial, many migrants suffer silently thinking it's just “office politics.”
6.4 Maintaining Professionalism While Responding
Stay calm. Emotional outbursts can be used against you.


Document everything: Dates, names, what was said/done, and witnesses.


Use professional responses like:


“I’m not comfortable with that comment.”


“Let’s keep this conversation professional.”


“Could you clarify what you meant by that?”
Avoid retaliating with insults or public confrontations unless in immediate danger.