By Jared W. Smith, AIA, NOMA
The below is part an overall series to discuss bias and privilege within the profession of Architecture. To get a better context in which I wrote this, please see the Kick-Off page here on the Equity by Design: EQxD Get Real Series. You can also see this post on EQxD here: Architecture: Open to ALL by Jared W. Smith I was on a trip to China, studying abroad with my college classmates. Being a 6'-4" African American in China, I expected to stand out. One day while in Shanghai, I ventured out on my own close to the university dorms. There was an indoor market with vendors selling various small items. I walked the floor glancing at the goods. At one vendor's station, I found something of interest. They seemed very hesitant as I approached. Having been in the country for a couple weeks I was aware that I'd attract some attention but this was like no other. As I continued to peruse, I could feel their discomfort growing. It escalated to a point where they did not want me to remain at their table to purchase anything. I was shocked to be "shooed" away. A bit of calm rather than anger came over me. It was best that I hadn't made a scene in a foreign country. Later on it hit me what had occurred. Yes, I stand out. |
BLOGJared W. SmithMy life as an architect, photographer and family man trying to stay positive in a negative world. Archives
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1. Life of an Architect 2. ArchiMom 3. Young Architect 4. Shoegnome 5. Little Miss Architect 6. EntreArchitect 7. Coffee with an Architect 8. Architecture Career Guide 9. Equity by Design 10. Defragging Architecture 11. Emily Grandstaff-Rice 12. L2 Design Click the image below to see the archive from my old blog.
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