Rasheeda Speaking Tickets

Rasheeda Speaking is a gripping play that delves into the murky waters of race, power, and control in the workplace. It follows the story of two colleagues - Ileen and Jaclyn - who work together at a Doctor's office.

As the play unfolds, it becomes clear that there is a significant power dynamic at play between Ileen (a white woman) and Jaclyn (a black woman). Ileen is in charge and often makes insidious comments towards Jaclyn. At the same time, Jaclyn models herself as an exemplary employee and seeks to have a good working relationship with Ileen.

What does this have to do with soccer, you may ask? Well, consider this: soccer, like most sports, has a complicated history with issues of race and power. In the United States, for example, it wasn't until 1948 that Jackie Robinson became the first black baseball player to play in the major leagues.

Even then, he faced a barrage of discrimination from fans and fellow players alike. He was barred from hotels and restaurants during road trips, and even subjected to death threats. Similarly, many black soccer players have faced racist incidents throughout their careers, both on and off the pitch.

This is an issue that soccer's governing bodies have tried to address. FIFA, for instance, has implemented a new three-step protocol to deal with racist incidents during games. The protocol allows referees to stop matches and ask for announcements to be made over the loudspeaker, give teams the option of leaving the field, and ultimately abandon the match if necessary.

But what about the everyday interactions off the field? What about the dynamics between coaches, managers, and players? This is where Rasheeda Speaking comes in. It highlights the ways in which power can be abused and how those abuses can play out in subtle and not-so-subtle ways in the workplace.

Just like Jaclyn, black soccer players (and other athletes) often feel the need to "model themselves" as exemplary employees. They have to prove themselves not only against their white colleagues but also against a wider societal expectation of what blackness should look like.

This is an enormous burden, and it's one that many black athletes find difficult to navigate. Rasheeda Speaking underscores the importance of recognizing these dynamics and working to change them. It shows the devastating impact that even seemingly small actions can have on those who are subjected to them - and how addressing these issues requires bravery, honesty, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.

In conclusion, Rasheeda Speaking brings to light complex and important issues around race, power, and control in the workplace. Its lessons apply not just to the medical profession, but to industries across the board - including soccer. By emphasizing the need for a recognition of privilege and the importance of treating colleagues with respect and dignity, it offers an important perspective on how we can all work towards creating more equitable and inclusive workplaces.