Breaking Stereotypes
What are some common stereotypes about the Asia Pacific community that you have encountered?
A: Common stereotypes about Asians include the ‘perpetual foreigner’ stereotype, viewing them as outsiders regardless of their residency. Additionally, Asians are often incorrectly seen as homogenous while individuals are pigeonholed as submissive and passive.
How does Zalando promote an accurate and diverse representation of the Asia Pacific community as an employer?
A: Providing regular sessions on cultural competency and creating a certain platform for networking provides a good opportunity to create a more inclusive workplace culture.
Building Confidence
What are some effective techniques for building self-confidence in the face of stereotypes and discrimination?
A: Regularly reflect on your skills, accomplishments, and positive qualities to reinforce your strengths. Acknowledge and accept your emotions related to discrimination with self-compassion to lessen their impact.
How can individuals maintain confidence while navigating environments where stereotypes are prevalent?
A: Know Your Worth/Self-Affirmation: Start by believing in yourself and your abilities. Document your accomplishments and contributions to build a strong foundation of self-worth.
Embrace Your Voice: Don't be afraid to speak up and share your ideas. Use data and evidence to back up your points, showcasing your expertise.
Find Your Allies: Build a network of supportive colleagues who appreciate your unique perspective.
Focus on Facts: Don't let stereotypes define you. Focus on delivering results and exceeding expectations.
Focus on Goals: Keep your long-term goals in mind. Let your passion and commitment drive you, not the biases of others.
Own Your Narrative: When stereotypes arise, address them calmly and professionally. Explain your perspective and highlight your strengths.
Be a Role Model: Support and empower others facing similar challenges. Together, you can create a more inclusive environment and advocate for diversity and inclusion.
Remember, confidence is a muscle that gets stronger with use. By staying focused, prepared, and connected, you can navigate any stereotype-laden environment and thrive!
Community Support
How can community support systems be strengthened to help individuals overcome the impact of stereotypes?
A: We believe that strengthening community support systems to help individuals should involve several key strategies, but mainly public awareness campaigns and providing resources like counselling and/or mentorship programs. This is the reason why we opened the APCC Workshop for breaking stereotypes and will do so again for future events.
What role does Zalando play in building and sustaining the community?
A: Diverse sessions and feedback will play a crucial role in sustainability. Additionally, celebrating cultural events to foster inclusion will contribute to the social and cultural well-being of the ERG communities.
Personal Reflections
How has this workshop changed your perspective on stereotypes and confidence within the Asia Pacific community?
A: This workshop has significantly broadened our perspective on stereotypes and confidence within the Asia Pacific community by highlighting the diversity and individuality within the community. It emphasised how cultural competence can empower individuals to build confidence and advocate for others as well.
What specific actions can we take as an employer to continue breaking stereotypes and building confidence?
A: Promoting positive representations and engagement in the ERG community will further help in breaking stereotypes and will contribute to the work environment development.
