An interview with my dad, Part Two: Challenging mindsets and prejudice

Yesterday (20th September) was my dad's 72nd birthday, so it seemed fitting to release Part Two of my interview with him for "The ESEA Echo" right during the storm of ESEA Heritage Month! I say storm, but actually it's been disappointing seeing the lack of conversation and action around it, but that's for another article...

In the second part of this chat, we talk more about how he believes prejudice and the lack of equality can be tackled from a workplace perspective and in society. It is really interesting to hear him (though for me, not the first time) and his thinking around speaking up and standing up for yourself and what you believe in. While some ESEA people are of the mindset that doing so hinders you from a Model Minority Myth and Bamboo Ceiling perspective, my dad isn't - as long as what you say or do doesn't get you into trouble with the law, obviously!

I also challenged him on why he and my mum pushed me and brother into going for careers in law and medicine, the former of which my brother did - and I went into marketing... Why do a high number of ESEA parents want this for their children? Especially in hindsight when people in those careers - least of all ethnic minorities - are more likely to experience bullying, discrimination and harassment? Although many believe it to be a stable and high paying job that can help their children look after their own family, for parents it is also about "face" - there is certainly more pride in telling someone your child is a lawyer rather than a shop worker (I used to be one - a shop worker that is!)...

You can watch Part Two below as well as catch up on Part One here.