Understanding Name Bias: Breaking Stereotypes in Freelancing
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Chapter 1: The Challenge of Name Recognition
Navigating life in England, I often encountered puzzled reactions at Starbucks whenever I ordered. “Niha-what?” was a common response. This made me realize that my name, quite familiar in my homeland, posed pronunciation challenges for many. It's an understandable situation; accents and pronunciations vary globally. I, too, have stumbled over names while traveling across Europe.
But there’s a more troubling aspect. Why must my name lead to assumptions about my worth as a freelance writer? Just because my name suggests a South Asian background or comes from a developing nation, does that imply I should work for only $5 or even $20?
Does My Name Indicate 'Cheap Labor'?
Does my intricate name, dark hair, and distinct accent convey that I am inexpensive labor? If so, that’s disheartening and reflects an unconscious bias. I participated in a workshop on ‘unconscious bias’ at my previous workplace, emphasizing the need to treat everyone with fairness, devoid of preconceived beliefs. My name or appearance shouldn't diminish the quality of my language skills or professional capabilities.
While outsourcing is a legitimate practice that can benefit both businesses and individuals, it's unfair to assume that all freelancers from certain regions fit into a 'cheap labor' stereotype.
Let's Discuss Accents
I don’t perceive my accent as thick, yet to others, it might be. During my initial week at university in England, I struggled to comprehend my professor, whose British accent seemed to swallow half of his words. With time, I adapted. Television often portrays South Asian accents in exaggerated ways, yet not everyone speaks that way. The diversity in accents across regions is vast. Furthermore, many of us in urban areas communicate fluently in English, often since early adolescence.
We must avoid generalizing an entire population of billions based on limited experiences.
Chapter 2: Challenging Gender Stereotypes in Writing
Recently, after my engagement, a long-term client inquired whether I would continue my “writing hobby” post-marriage. I wonder if my fiancé faces similar questions about his career choices after marriage. Yes, writing was a childhood passion, and it comes more naturally to me than data analysis. I am determined to transform it into a thriving empire.
My journey in freelancing has evolved into creating digital products and successful courses. With a degree from a top-tier business school and experience in reputable firms, writing has been a conscious choice leading to my financial independence.
Approaching Freelancers with Inclusivity
When seeking a freelancer, it's crucial to focus on their skills rather than their name, appearance, or nationality. My travels have taught me the beauty of cultural differences. While our emotions may be universal, our expressions vary, and therein lies a unique beauty.
Treating each other with humanity should be our standard practice, transcending race, gender, or background.
Leaving Preconceptions Behind
During my solo trip to Germany, I was warned about the perceived rudeness of Germans, which made me anxious. However, my first experience there was quite the opposite. At a quaint café where the owner didn’t speak English, he trusted me to pay after I found an ATM. A couple even assisted me with directions.
Dear clients, please approach us without preconceived notions. Each individual is unique, and rates can vary even within the same country.
The Reality of Brown Women
Media often portrays women from my background as dependent and subservient. While some stories may hold truth, many brown women are leaders, entrepreneurs, and successful professionals.
Ultimately, we can thrive in our careers.
A Social Experiment in Perceptions
A friend and I, both freelancers, once contemplated an experiment to explore biases by switching names—me adopting an American name and him an Indian girl's name. This would reveal how differently we might be treated. However, strong verification processes in freelance platforms thwarted our attempt.
Assuming that an individual’s worth is dictated by their name, image, or origin is discriminatory. Clients should focus on the work at hand rather than negotiating based on stereotypes.
Being respectful and kind costs nothing but yields significant rewards.
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