Dilemma: Why does speaking up feel like a risk?

This week’s dilemma:

“I feel like I’m playing a character at work. And I hate it.”

In this minisode, we respond to a listener navigating the complicated, coded politics of speaking up as a Black man in a predominantly white, middle-class workplace.

His company claims to value inclusion but when he challenges ideas, he’s met with silence, side-eyes, and labels like “intense” or “too passionate.” Now he’s wondering: Is it worth it? Or is this just the cost of being visible while Black?

If you’ve ever second-guessed your voice to stay employable, palatable, or “professional,” this one’s for you.

Got a work dilemma?

We’re answering real-life listener dilemmas all season long. Send yours to [e-mail] - anonymous, always.

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