LibraryScenariosWhy being the only one creates impossible burdens
Scenario

Why being the only one creates impossible burdens

I have been the only Black person in my graduate program for two years and I am exhausted from being the voice for my entire race in every discussion but I also feel guilty when I stay quiet.

Juana
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Tokenism transforms individual presence into unwanted representation, making silence complicity and speech performance.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Responsibilities — the other side of rights?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.