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Prejudice And Discrimination In The Military

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Racial Prejudice
“[T]he core of racism essentially includes a prejudiced sense of superiority…Individual racism occurs when individuals discriminate against members of another racial group because they believe that their own group is superior” (Utsey, Ponterotto, & Porter, 2008, p. 339). The chain is only as strong as its weakest link in a military service. Racism, prejudice, and discrimination are kinks in the moral integrity of the chain that have negative effects on employee morale and the service’s reputation. In 2007, the United States Coast Guard’s (USCG’s) commitment to diversity and inclusion was tested when personnel in connection with the USCG Academy cadets found hangman’s nooses. The actions taken by senior leadership following …show more content…

In September of 2007, Admiral Allen released an “All Hands Message” to the fleet summarizing the noose incidents. Furthermore, the message announced the investigation by CGIS and explained Admiral Allen’s stance on the racial incident (Allen, 2007). Admiral Allen stood firm, writing that racist conduct goes against the USCG’s core values and will never go unchallenged (Allen, 2007). Further, he reminded the servicemen and women that the USCG is about protecting the citizens and the Constitution, and that holds true for the people of the service (Allen, …show more content…

All members of the staff should feel safe in their work environment. Discrimination in the workplace may cause the victim to feel unsafe, so it is the manager’s responsibility to help make them feel whole again. Investigating the act and punishing the offender can be part of the victim’s healing process. The requirement of immediate action also shows other staff members that leadership will not tolerate further actions in the workplace. Also, it is an opportunity for the manager or higher leadership to reiterate their position on zero tolerance of prejudicial behavior by any employee. Taking action and sending the message soon after the incident may also put the minds of minority employees at ease because they will know senior personnel consider their safety a

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