Mgmt 250 D - Thinking on Your Feet

MGMT 250D: Thinking on Your Feet

Final Paper

Executive Summary

Although it feels like a far distant memory, Racial Discrimination unfortunately still exists in the world today. The daunting thing about racial discrimination is that it not only cause feelings of depress and discouragement to its victims at the moment, but it also casts shadows of doubt and fear on the victims' minds in the future. Fortunately, people are capable to learn from past mistakes and have spent time analyzing and developing concepts to lessen the effects of such atrocity. This is exactly what TOYF provides and these are some of the concepts taught in class that can be applied.

The first key idea is to verify whether racial discrimination actually occurs in current surrounding. In some cases, the close-mindedness of the victim can magnify a simple unintentional gesture to a prejudicial act. The SMART and CHAOS models are useful tools to validate if racial discrimination truly takes place. The next step is to adjust the mindset, so the victim will not be overwhelmed by past encounter with racial prejudice. Divided Attention, Anchoring and False Memory Syndrome are methodologies to be used for such purpose. Last but not least, once racial prejudice is checked and its negativity is mitigated, the next step is to find ways to overcome it. Constructive Comebacks and Positive Deviance are counteractive measures that one can put into usage to overcome the mind trap placed by racial discrimination.

You may have already guessed by this time that I was a victim of racial discrimination and you are right on that. As an individual who have been studying abroad for the majority time of his life, considering me as a victim of discrimination may seems like a long-haul. However, after reading the details of my story, you will feel that the above statement is not overrated.

My international academic career started when I was eight years of age. Due to the tension between the Taiwan Strait at the time, my family decided to immigrate to North America. Out of the various possible destinations, my parents chose Belize due to its English speaking roots and recommendations from family members who were living in the country. After making the decision, the immigration team set off consisting of my mother, three sisters, two cousins and my grandmother who came to help us settle down.

My early days were surprisingly pleasant. Although the country was very foreign to me, the warm weather, brand new culture and close family interactions persuaded me to stay. When school first started, I too fell in love with the environment. Although my English skill was raw, I interacted with my schoolmates via games and body languages. I felt welcomed by my peers and bonded with them. I had found a group that I could relate to and associate with; I felt