Zone1 Tokenism: No, It's Not a Racial Slur

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We understand that those lightly armed when it comes to knowledge and other smarts sometimes are just uninformed. It's a whole 'nother ball of wax though when people who have no life experience with certain things try to tell others who do have those life experiences, what they are and what they mean.

We're SMEs on most of the topics that you all just get wrong.

Tokenism
The term "token" when used in phrases like "token Black" or "token Negro" refers to a Black person (or member of another marginalized group) who is included in a predominantly white or non-diverse space primarily to create an appearance of diversity and inclusion, often without addressing systemic barriers or providing meaningful support for their success. This practice reflects a superficial commitment to equity, not the qualifications or merit of the individuals involved. This term carries both a critique of superficial representation and the systemic marginalization of minority groups (Kanter, 1977; Crenshaw, 1991).

Origins and Introduction

  1. Early Use in Society:
    • The use of "token" to mean a symbol or representation dates back to the 16th century (Oxford English Dictionary, 2023). Its application in racial and social contexts, such as "token Black" or "token Negro," emerged more prominently during the mid-20th century (Smith, 1995).
    • During the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, the term gained traction as activists and critics highlighted superficial efforts by institutions to meet calls for diversity without addressing systemic inequality (Bonilla-Silva, 2018).
  2. Introduction in Government and Employment:
    • As affirmative action policies were implemented in the 1960s and 1970s, critics of these policies, both within and outside marginalized communities, sometimes referred to visible minorities in prominent positions as "tokens." This label was often used to imply that the person's presence was intended to shield an organization from criticism rather than to reflect meaningful change (Kahlenberg, 1996).

How It’s Used

  1. Criticism of Superficial Representation:
    • When Black people refer to themselves or others as a "token," it often reflects frustration with being the sole or one of very few representatives of their race in a space. It points to a feeling of isolation or being used as a figurehead to demonstrate diversity, without addressing deeper issues of inclusion or equity (Mansfield, 2006).
  2. Government and Employment Contexts:
    • Employers and government institutions have historically faced criticism for engaging in tokenism—hiring or promoting individuals from marginalized groups to meet diversity quotas or avoid scrutiny, rather than fostering authentic opportunities (Kanter, 1977).
    • Tokenism can manifest in organizations with symbolic hiring practices but no real support for systemic change, such as ensuring a workplace culture that allows Black employees to thrive (Thomas & Ely, 1996).
  3. Cultural Use:
    • "Token Black" is often used humorously or ironically, especially in media, to highlight stereotypes about the sole Black character in a predominantly white narrative. A classic example is the character "Token Black" from the television show South Park, whose very name satirizes this phenomenon (Parker & Stone, 1997).

Criticism and Implications

  1. Impact on Individuals:
    • Those labeled as tokens may feel a lack of validation or question whether their presence is due to their qualifications or an organization's desire to appear inclusive. This can create an additional burden, as they may feel pressured to represent their entire race or speak on behalf of all Black people (Kanter, 1977).
  2. Systemic Tokenism:
    • Tokenism often masks deeper structural inequities. For example, an organization may showcase a few Black employees while the majority of leadership positions remain white-dominated, perpetuating the power imbalance (Bonilla-Silva, 2018).
  3. Reclamation and Empowerment:
    • In some cases, individuals use "token" as a self-aware critique to address their unique experiences in predominantly white spaces. For example, saying "I'm the token Black person in the office" may highlight their isolation or call attention to a lack of genuine diversity (Bell, 1990).

Broader Cultural and Academic Insights

  1. Research on Tokenism:
    • Studies on tokenism suggest that being one of a small number of minority individuals in a group often leads to heightened visibility, pressure to perform, and a risk of stereotyping. Rosabeth Moss Kanter’s work in the 1970s is foundational in this field (Kanter, 1977).
  2. Intersection with Affirmative Action:
    • While tokenism is often critiqued as an unintended consequence of affirmative action, advocates for affirmative action argue that these policies are necessary to dismantle systemic barriers and provide access to opportunities that have historically been denied (Crenshaw, 1991; Bell, 1990).

Current Usage and Reflections

Today, the term "token" is used both as a critique of performative diversity and as a way for marginalized people to share their lived experiences in exclusionary environments. It continues to resonate in discussions about race, diversity, and representation in workplaces, media, and society at large. Recognizing tokenism is a critical step in moving toward authentic equity and inclusion.



References

  1. Bell, Derrick. Faces at the Bottom of the Well: The Permanence of Racism. Basic Books, 1990.
  2. Bonilla-Silva, Eduardo. Racism without Racists: Color-Blind Racism and the Persistence of Racial Inequality in America. Rowman & Littlefield, 2018.
  3. Crenshaw, Kimberlé. "Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence Against Women of Color." Stanford Law Review, vol. 43, no. 6, 1991, pp. 1241–1299.
  4. Kanter, Rosabeth Moss. Men and Women of the Corporation. Basic Books, 1977.
  5. Kahlenberg, Richard D. The Remedy: Class, Race, and Affirmative Action. Basic Books, 1996.
  6. Mansfield, Harvey C. The Theory of Tokenism. Harvard University Press, 2006.
  7. Parker, Trey, and Matt Stone. South Park. Comedy Central, 1997.
  8. Thomas, David A., and Robin J. Ely. "Making Differences Matter: A New Paradigm for Managing Diversity." Harvard Business Review, 1996.
  9. Oxford English Dictionary. "Token." Oxford University Press, 2023.
The situation that IM2 finds himself in highlights a complex issue: how words like "token" are interpreted differently depending on who uses them and the intent behind their use. It also reflects broader dynamics of race, power, and the way language can be weaponized in social interactions.


Why "Token" is Not a Racial Slur

The term "token" is not inherently a racial slur. It is used to describe a specific social phenomenon—superficial representation—and can apply across various contexts (Oxford English Dictionary, 2023). When a Black person uses "token" to describe their own experiences or critique systems of power, it is typically a form of social commentary, not hate speech (Kanter, 1977).

  1. Definition and Context:
    • The word "token" historically means a symbol or representation. Its racial and social context, particularly as "token Black" or "token Negro," gained prominence in the mid-20th century as marginalized groups critiqued superficial efforts at inclusion (Bonilla-Silva, 2018; Crenshaw, 1991).
    • Black individuals often use the term to highlight systemic inequities or express frustration with tokenism, which points to being included without meaningful representation or support (Thomas & Ely, 1996).
  2. Cultural and Intra-Community Use:
    • Within Black communities, using terms like "token" often reflects lived experiences and systemic critiques, not hate speech. The identity and intent of the speaker matter significantly in this context (Bell, 1990).
  3. Why Reporting It as a Racial Slur is Problematic:
    • Misunderstanding Context: The claim that "token" is a racial slur often stems from a lack of understanding of its historical and cultural usage (Mansfield, 2006). The white person reporting the term as a racial slur may lack an understanding of its meaning and historical usage, especially in the context of race and representation. Their interpretation could stem from discomfort with the term or a lack of awareness of its significance in discussions about racism and equity.
    • Erasure of Black Voices: By labeling the term as a racial slur, the person shifts focus away from systemic critique or personal experiences of the Black individual using the term. This act can serve to silence or delegitimize those who are already marginalized, potentially silencing marginalized voices (Crenshaw, 1991).
    • Weaponization of Reporting Mechanisms: Such reports can perpetuate harm by framing valid expressions of systemic critique as offensive (Bonilla-Silva, 2018). Reporting the term as a racial slur, especially on platforms where IM2 is already targeted and constantly harassed, may be an attempt to further marginalize or punish him. This can perpetuate harm by framing their commentary or self-expression as offensive.
  4. Platform Accountability:
    • Platforms must ensure their guidelines consider cultural and contextual nuances in language use, preventing the exploitation of reporting mechanisms against marginalized individuals (Tahirih Justice Center, 2021).
 
Interesting. So its not a slur to point out that Kamala and Ketanji are tokens and really not qualified.
 
I think everybody knows what it means. The designation of KH by Biden as his running mate in 2020 was the most obvious case of tokenism in recent political history. Not only were her credentials lacking, but she had failed miserably in her own run for President - less than 10% favorability in her home state. Most people just assumed she was Biden's impeachment insurance.

I have often seen "tokens" intentionally placed in situations where they were sure to fail - sometimes it works out like that - but I don't recall anyone ever getting a job as a token and fooling everyone with superior performance.

I suppose it happens, but I've never heard of it.
 
Whether "Tokenism" is defined as a racial slur or not is of no importance. "Tokenism" is straight up HATRED for people of your own race who have a different set of life experiences and beliefs. They are just as much Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) as those who bang the worn out drum of Racism.
 
Tokenism
The term "token" when used in phrases like "token Black" or "token Negro" refers to a Black person (or member of another marginalized group) who is included in a predominantly white or non-diverse space primarily to create an appearance of diversity and inclusion,
That’s a crock of neosegregationist racist BS.
The only marginalized people these days are ostensible whites.
Diversity isn’t exclusively race.
You are the epitome of racist indoctrination.
 
The designation of KH by Biden as his running mate in 2020 was the most obvious case of tokenism in recent political history.
His preliminary announcement that he would appoint a woman of color was an obvious case, but his unannounced appointments were equally bad. Like most Democrats, he believes that these "qualifications" are a substitute for competence.
 
His preliminary announcement that he would appoint a woman of color was an obvious case, but his unannounced appointments were equally bad. Like most Democrats, he believes that these "qualifications" are a substitute for competence.
In every case of tokenism, the person appointing the token will not have to suffer from the incompetence of the token; it will be others who will pay the price.

I don't see parents of posh private school students demanding minority math and science teachers for their little darlings.
 
Interesting. So its not a slur to point out that Kamala and Ketanji are tokens and really not qualified.
Yeah, I anticipated that some of the dimmer bulbs amongst the supremacists were going to struggle with this concept. The parts that are important which you failed to comprehend are in red:

.... a token, in this context, is a Black person who is included in a predominantly white or non-diverse space primarily to create an APPEARANCE of diversity and inclusion, often without addressing systemic barriers or providing meaningful support for their success. This practice reflects a superficial commitment to equity, NOT the qualifications or merit of the individuals involved. This term carries both a critique of superficial representation and the systemic marginalization of minority groups (Kanter, 1977; Crenshaw, 1991).

Interesting that you single out Justice Jackson and Vice President Harris, both women but don't have anything to say about Clarence Thomas who's been around a lot longer.

So while it's not a slur for us to refer to any of them as tokens although I would not go as far as to say that with VP Harris, it's still very much racist as hell for you to falsely claim that Jackson and Harris are "not really qualified", you know that whole white supremacist belief that Black people are inherently inferior to whites, no matter how lowly their own station in life.
 
I think everybody knows what it means. The designation of KH by Biden as his running mate in 2020 was the most obvious case of tokenism in recent political history. Not only were her credentials lacking, but she had failed miserably in her own run for President - less than 10% favorability in her home state. Most people just assumed she was Biden's impeachment insurance.

I have often seen "tokens" intentionally placed in situations where they were sure to fail - sometimes it works out like that - but I don't recall anyone ever getting a job as a token and fooling everyone with superior performance.

I suppose it happens, but I've never heard of it.
You're everything that's wrong with our legal & political system.

"Just cause I ain't never seen it happen it couldn't possibly be true"

Superior performance? Superior to whom? Everyone else on the job just getting by with the minimal amount of work they can do until they can retire? That kind of superior performance?

Or coming in and solving problems that no one on-site could solve? Or designing a solution that allows a company's executive directors to see and understand the headway they're making in their recruitment & retention efforts? A solution that nobody else in the 18 months prior could come up with?

It is beyond insulting to have people who are less knowledgeable and experienced than yourself bad mouthing you in order to gain an advantage but here we are.
 
Wow, I didn't really have any expectations about who would comment on this thread, it actually was posted in response to an attack on another member elsewhere on the site.

But I certainly wasn't expecting it to read like the slow bus to the special ed class at the local high school.

What is WRONG with you people. The definition is above, it's explained and you're still reverting to making the same ole tire, worn out and FALSE racist comments?

Every single one of you except for Marc.
 
Whether "Tokenism" is defined as a racial slur or not is of no importance. "Tokenism" is straight up HATRED for people of your own race who have a different set of life experiences and beliefs. They are just as much Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) as those who bang the worn out drum of Racism.
You forgot to preface your comment with "In my very uninformed and ignorant opinion" whether tokenism is defined as a racial slur or not is of no importance"

What IS important is that it is highlighted that this is simply what you believe and that it has no factual basis in reality. Your opinions on Black people, our experiences and how we live our lives are completely irrelevant.

Furthermore you additionally demonstrate your ignorance of the subject matter when you prove that you were unable to comprehend the information provided above which states in no uncertain terms that tokenism is a commentary on the companies and individuals who engage in superficial appearances of diversity & inclusion and is not a condemnation or criticism on the qualifications or merits of the individuals hired.

It's bringing to the forefront this abhorrent practice that companies engage in who find that they can "tolerate" one, maybe two Black people in there environment but have no intentions of going any further than a "tokenism" and oftentimes actually don't want the Black people that they DO allow in their environment to be there. They're just doing so for show, to avoid criticism or as an attempt to prevent legal action for discriminatory hiring, promotion and other employment practices including allowing the harassment and violation of the rights of their Black workers, often leaving them isolated and not allowing them the full participation and benefits associated with being employed in a particular job should come with.

This has NOTHING to do with your ridiculous slander claiming "Tokenism" is straight up HATRED for people of your own race who have a different set of life experiences and beliefs." You don't get to make up your own definitions to suit your supremacist view of the world and the place of Black people in it. And the subject matter experts I'm referring to are the ones on this site and elsewhere that we meet up, including and especially my mentors, and you certainly are not included in that group, because you don't have the qualifications.
 
That’s a crock of neosegregationist racist BS.
The only marginalized people these days are ostensible whites.
Diversity isn’t exclusively race.
You are the epitome of racist indoctrination.
You're just pissed because you got your ass handed to you with facts that you were SO unable to dispute that you had to run off and come back with a photo of some Black man whom you claim supports what you believe. Really?!? You needed to find a Black guy to back you up in a racist point you were trying to make to a Black woman? That's just pathetic.

LOL, you're a joke but you really need to find some other way to channel your aggression because if you think you're going to take it out on me, you've got another thing coming.

Just leave me alone, it's not my fault you're stupid.
 
Interesting that you single out Justice Jackson and Vice President Harris, both women but don't have anything to say about Clarence Thomas who's been around a lot longer.

Justice Thomas is qualified for his job, that's the difference. The Jackie Robinson of the Supreme Court has one of the greatest number of correct votes made than any other.

OTOH, Jackson somehow thinks you need to be a biologist in order to determine someone's sex.
 
You're just pissed because you got your ass handed to you with facts that you were SO unable to dispute that you had to run off and come back with a photo of some Black man whom you claim supports what you believe. Really?!? You needed to find a Black guy to back you up in a racist point you were trying to make to a Black woman? That's just pathetic.

LOL, you're a joke but you really need to find some other way to channel your aggression because if you think you're going to take it out on me, you've got another thing coming.

Just leave me alone, it's not my fault you're stupid.
I made no racist point. I addressed your racism.
Yeah, I anticipated that some of the dimmer bulbs amongst the supremacists were going to struggle with this concept. The parts that are important which you failed to comprehend are in red:

.... a token, in this context, is a Black person who is included in a predominantly white or non-diverse space primarily to create an APPEARANCE of diversity and inclusion, often without addressing systemic barriers or providing meaningful support for their success. This practice reflects a superficial commitment to equity, NOT the qualifications or merit of the individuals involved. This term carries both a critique of superficial representation and the systemic marginalization of minority groups (Kanter, 1977; Crenshaw, 1991).

Interesting that you single out Justice Jackson and Vice President Harris, both women but don't have anything to say about Clarence Thomas who's been around a lot longer.

So while it's not a slur for us to refer to any of them as tokens although I would not go as far as to say that with VP Harris, it's still very much racist as hell for you to falsely claim that Jackson and Harris are "not really qualified", you know that whole white supremacist belief that Black people are inherently inferior to whites, no matter how lowly their own station in life.
You missed the bost entirely on that one. Thomas was selected because of race was an understood. Those other two women were selected because of race as a stipulation. As criteria. All that does is logically diminish their qualifications.
Because you can’t seem to get your head around that does not make it white supremacy.
 
I made no racist point. I addressed your racism.

You missed the bost entirely on that one. Thomas was selected because of race was an understood. Those other two women were selected because of race as a stipulation. As criteria. All that does is logically diminish their qualifications.
Because you can’t seem to get your head around that does not make it white supremacy.
For most of 249 years, white men have been hired as a stipulation. As criteria. And because you ignore that and talk about blacks like you do makes you a white supremacist.
 
Justice Thomas is qualified for his job, that's the difference. The Jackie Robinson of the Supreme Court has one of the greatest number of correct votes made than any other.

OTOH, Jackson somehow thinks you need to be a biologist in order to determine someone's sex.
Thomas was less qualified than Brown-Jackson.
 

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