Racism in Communities: Who Matters?

Decades ago, before the advent of social media, I made thirty-seven calls a day to reach CEOs or C-suite executives in corporate businesses. My livelihood depended on these calls, and my boss meticulously supervised each one. This was the era of cold calling and lead generation. Business-savvy individuals like me were hired to make these calls and navigate past gatekeepers, earning significant money in the process. I made a good income, dressed well, and enjoyed Oat Lattes from fancy Starbucks cafes where white executives held their long meetings.

My boss was focused on closed leads: no lead, no money. We used an expensive company-purchased database with names, surnames, and job titles. Through persistence and a personable attitude, I often got past gatekeepers to reach potential clients, setting up meetings for our sales team. With 75% of my leads qualified, I built a network of C-suite contacts and sales professionals. As a temporary worker, I excelled and was frequently recognized as the best in the company. My French accent was attractive and distinctive, and despite having poor English, I consistently closed leads. My name was on the Wall of Fame each week.

People often asked how I could close leads so quickly; my answer was always persistence and patience. With a basic salary and on-target earnings (OTE), I could refurbish my kitchen and buy my son cute clothes. However, times have changed. Policymakers have banned cold calling, and GDPR laws have emerged. Those expensive databases and connections have evolved into exclusive, non-diverse, and often racist networks. Membership in these communities requires payment, invitations, or selection, favouring those who fit specific intellectual and social criteria. The Corridors of Power are not inclusive.

These communities can significantly boost self-esteem and societal status, showcasing belonging to the top 1% of influential people. Yet, if you are black, wear a hijab, or are from another marginalized group, you must conform to specific norms to be accepted. With the rise of platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp, creating and managing communities has become more accessible, but it has also led to new forms of segregation. They are the hotbed of misinterpretation and misinformation.