The Most Disrespected Person In America

Written by Kahlil Haywood

“The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.” - Malcolm X

In recent years this quote has been revisited more than ever by people in the Black community. It rings as accurate today as it did back in 1962 when Malcolm X said it during a speech. We have a real problem in the United States regarding racism and sexism, and Black women consistently get the short end of both sticks. From Sandra Bland to Breonna Taylor or more locally for me, Jennifer Mcleggan, a Black woman’s fight for equality is simply the toughest that there is.

Since men are behind every social construct that exists, we have a nasty habit of seeing the world through our lens. Male privilege is very much real and is still as prevalent as ever. Due to this, so much about Black women’s concerns go unnoticed because we won’t get out of our own way - or theirs. Male ideologies passed down through generations all too often go unchallenged. Challenging the status quo needs to be more of a thing, and it’s something I’m constantly trying to do with the fellas around me.

It’s on men to be accountable for the toxic culture we perpetuated by not supporting the women around us. This issue takes many forms. One place toxic culture rears its ugly head for women is in the workplace.

Recently, a good friend shared her experience silenced and alienated in her workplace, one experience in particular. Even though it happened years ago - 2015 to be exact, these are experiences that she’s held on to as so many others do. We talked over brunch one day, and I realized that her story was all too common but hardly ever discussed.

My friend began as a meter reader for Con Edison here in New York five years ago, and that’s where our conversation started.

First, I asked what happened.

My lowest point at Con Ed would have to be a tie between realizing that my safety and concerns did not drive them to accommodate me whatsoever. Being treated like a substance abuser (which I am not and never was).

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Kahlil Haywood is a writer, editor, and content creator from Brooklyn, NY. Kahlil’s content chronicles the experiences of a millennial, Afro Latino man. His work discusses politics, dating, and contemporary culture.