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184 CONFIDENCE EQUITY
The term imposter syndrome refers to the feelings of doubt and inadequacy many people suffer even after achieving an impressive goal, such as landing a great job or publishing a respected book. Rather than believing we earned our new position, we fear being exposed as phonies, frauds, or wannabes. Njoki Gitahi, a designer from Kenya, is a senior design lead at IDEO, one of the world’s most respected consul- tancies. Despite her success, she experi- ences doubt: “I wish I had the confidence of a straight White male, who might be thinking, ‘Everything’s going to go my way. I’m going to do this. I deserve this.’ I marvel at that kind of confidence.”
Although such feelings of self-doubt are, in Gitahi’s words, “bullshit,” they are nonetheless common, especially among people subjected to racism and/or sexism. The term imposter syndrome labels this feeling as an illness or delusion rather than a social problem. If we just tried harder
to love ourselves, we wouldn’t feel this encroaching sense of failure.
In fact, imposter syndrome is triggered by external social forces, not just inner anxieties. Perhaps we doubt our own achievements because the people around us are, in fact, doubting us. Marginalized people are pushed to prove themselves more strenuously than those with pre- sumed dominance. People subjected to sexism and/or racism are often harshly judged when displaying strength. Stereo- types such as “ballbuster” or “angry Black woman” demean those who speak up and question the status quo.
Members of an underrepresented
group may feel isolated at work. Joining an affinity group, seeking out a mentor with
a common background, and writing down your professional accomplishments can be helpful techniques. Kevin Cokley, professor of educational psychology at the University of Texas, Austin, explains that a work diary can not only help you take pride in your abilities, it can also be used as evidence if you file a discrimination claim.
“Did he have a Tiger Mom?”
 “Is she just a diversity hire?”
“Did he benefit from affirmative action?”
     “Is she only on this panel because they needed a woman?”
“Can a lady really fly an airplane?”
HELLO MY NAME IS





















































































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