I will be live tweeting how much I hate these trainings. A thread.

You know what makes a positive attitude for work?

Being treated and respected like a human. Not being silenced. https://twitter.com/laynescherer/status/1289301453513699331

All of these videos highlight traits that are usually associated with extroverts. The emphasis on being outgoing and connecting really paints over what introverts can bring to the table (not necessarily quietly, I’m a loud extrovert).

(2/x)

In this set of videos, everyone is young and abled-appearing. It would be great to have the representation of the disabled community in these trainings.

This training on teams doesn’t touch on of power dynamics & how to acknowledge your role/relationship to others.

3/x

I’m not sure if there are closed caption options either for accessibility?

A white woman is leading the training on Impact of Emotions in the Workplace

It does not address how BIPOC often try to express issues, but are regarded as angry or hostile due to racism.

4/x

The training addresses self-confidence with ZERO regard for how it is a social construct that is developed, displayed, received, & rewarded/discouraged differentials based on race, ethnicity, gender, national origin, religion, ability, sexual identity, & other identities

5/x

SURPRISE the next segment on conflict is being led by a white man. Again, an individual who represents a group in power and probably gets to dominate negotiations!

The tally so far is...

5- white men
4- white women
2- black women
2- Asian men
1- Asian woman

6/x

Now I’m on non-verbal communication. It feels SO ABLEIST.

not everyone has the ability to stand up straight & have the “proper professional” stance
those with Autism may not be process tone of voice and facial expressions the same as neurotypical individuals

7/x

HAHA

Keep direct eye contact
Lean in
Have a relaxed and friendly appearance

First 3 can put women in a situation where men may think they are open to unwanted sexual overtures. Sometimes body language draws boundaries & keeps distance from unwanted attention.

8/x

Use a neutral tone and slower pace to avoid sounding frazzled.

This one is a reminder that the way young women speak naturally is unwanted. Women have naturally higher registers & are punished for it.

9/x

We are now in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. While I think the issue below, that shame doesn't change behavior is true & all people commit microaggressions, I feel like "everyone has done them" ignores that some groups of people are more vulnerable to microaggressions.

10/x

Back on it. Glad to see the subsection on inclusive language does not address ableism and references a genre binary when trying to be inclusive! Good to see those reinforced.



11/x

O M G after several hours of training there is one that addresses ableism!

Mostly around “you may be giving people with disabilities less critical work and think less of them.”

Not in harm reduction around language.

NO INFO about how to support transgender colleagues

12/x

In the probably...5-6 hours of training I was required to take, here's the ONE INSTANCE I have noted on how to address bias related to transgender people.

I do not love this answer. Why not read and educate as an option? Putting up pictures seems like a strange approach.

13/x

I do believe adapting social media feeds can raise up voices, bodies, stories, and history that might otherwise be ignored.

There's been no mention of other issues. Classism. Fat-shaming.

or...WHY THESE BIASES EXIST. NAME CIS HET WHITE MALE PRIVILEGE.

Ugh. I'm done.

14/14