Problem
Imani is an African American woman who works for a large social services agency in an urban area. Her boss is a white man who frequently tells "ethnic jokes" to his fellow middle managers while loitering in open areas of the building. Because the sound carries, Imani can hear everything everyone says. She is hurt by the jokes and by the laughter and comments that result. When Imani approached her boss, he laughed her off, but said he would discontinue his jokes.
Imani's boss must have told others about their conversation because she now hears others make comments like, "Watch what you say. The political correctness police are listening." She also has noticed people glancing her way with disapproving looks.
A. Which terms define these brief daily verbal and behavioral indignities? Explain your answer.
B. Imani's yearly performance appraisal takes place a few weeks later. When she attempts to bring up the subject of race, her boss quickly shuts down the conversation. He says he tries to turn a blind eye to racial differences in the agency and would prefer to avoid the subject all together.
C. Imani's boss would fall into which type on the Rowe, Behrens, and Leach framework? Explain your answer.
D. What would you do to help improve the work environment for all employees? What key aspects of the helping process would you draw upon to address Imani's situation? Incorporate concepts from your textbook and outside sources to answer this question.