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I applied for a tech job at @Morneau_Shepell when they were called Morneau Sobeco. They called me back right away. I have a white-sounding name and I had a well-to-do zip code. They interviewed me over the phone. (I sound white in both official languages). Then I was invited 1/n https://twitter.com/Morneau_Shepell/status/1268294661162110976
to an in-person interview. I got my hair done dressed in my best suit. When I showed up at their Montreal office, the receptionist asked what my business was. I stated my name and my interview. Her face went pale. It's as if she'd seen a ghost.
2/
2/
The receptionist calls up the hiring manager. He walks into the reception area and says "You're Rachel Décoste?" .
Incrédule comme Thomas.
They didn't expect a woman w/my resumé to be Black. And I was welcomed like a hair in a soup.
They couldn't even hide their dismay.
3/
Incrédule comme Thomas.
They didn't expect a woman w/my resumé to be Black. And I was welcomed like a hair in a soup.
They couldn't even hide their dismay.
3/
They sleep-walked thru the interview, and they were giving each other funny looks as they pretended to take notes. One of the all white jury even snickered as he shared his notes with a colleague.
I would bet my bottom dollar it was a racist joke.
4/
I would bet my bottom dollar it was a racist joke.
4/
They didn't even pretend to listen to my answers.
It was so obvious.
Needless to say I didn't get the job.
You'd think this was a 'one off' in a diverse city like Montreal. It wasn't. The same thing happened 2 wks later at another tech firm, except this time....
5/
It was so obvious.
Needless to say I didn't get the job.
You'd think this was a 'one off' in a diverse city like Montreal. It wasn't. The same thing happened 2 wks later at another tech firm, except this time....
5/
...they went from "Come by the office tomorrow. There are several jobs that fit your profile. We can sit down and pick the one for you." to "Thanks for coming here in person. We're sorry. The position is now filled" in 24 hours.
It was like whip lash. Pun intended.
6/
It was like whip lash. Pun intended.
6/
All those jobs they wanted me for suddenly vanished when they saw my Black skin.
Today, they probably get H.R. to find your social media account and save themselves the trouble if pretend-interviews with Black people.
In the old days, you got to see polite racism in person.
7/
Today, they probably get H.R. to find your social media account and save themselves the trouble if pretend-interviews with Black people.
In the old days, you got to see polite racism in person.
7/
I almost forgot about this racist incident because there are so many, I lost count. But when I saw the
@Morneau_Shepell
anti-racism tweet, I had to share.
It's nothing but performance.
I have scars to prove it.
#blacklivesmatter
#canada #racism #tech
8/8
@Morneau_Shepell
anti-racism tweet, I had to share.
It's nothing but performance.
I have scars to prove it.
#blacklivesmatter
#canada #racism #tech 8/8
