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I didn’t realize this was an issue until recently
I’ve heard the phrase “low-hanging fruit” used over a dozen times by colleagues without a single worry or insight into the history and incalculable pain behind the phrase.
But I did notice every time the phrase was used, it bugged me. However, I didn’t reflect on why it did until a recent conversation.
I was approached by a black female in HR that shared her story with me.
She conveyed how she had to correct an executive white male at her company because he kept utilizing the phrase: “low-hanging fruit.”
As soon as she told me, enlightenment hit, and I instantly thought of a song by Billie Holiday called “Strange Fruit,” that’s when I knew the phrase was beyond a microaggression.
It was and is flat-out insulting, insensitive, and racist.
We live in a world where free speech exists, and everyone is entitled to say the words and phrases they prefer, but many words should never be used. Yet, many people do utilize these words because they are frequently unaware.
I was unaware of why the phrase low-hanging fruit is offensive. I didn’t recognize why the phrase bugged me until this year, even though I’m black and consider myself a somewhat highly aware person; this one went over my head, though.
And I think this is partly because, in the corporate world, racism and insensitive remarks can be masked behind the corporate culture.
As I continue to educate myself on the black experience, which often comes from conversations with other blacks, I can increase my awareness about what should be tolerable in the workplace and what should not be.
Why Did I Immediately Recall “Strange Fruit”
Strange Fruit was written and sung by Billie Holiday.
The song describes the lynched black people that were hanging from trees.
The imagery and pain of these sights can be felt in her lyrics.
Not only were these black people hanging from trees, but they were hanging low since the weight of their bodies was heavier multiple times over compared to your average piece of fruit.
When Someone Uses The Term Low-Hanging Fruit
Don’t disregard the comment and indirectly perpetuate the continuance of the phrase.
Take the time to educate the person (in private) who used the phrase – as the Black HR woman did.
Many people are entirely unaware of the history behind the phrase and that it is directly linked to black lynchings.
The only way to decrease the usage of this phrase is to make others aware of it and the meaning behind the phrase.
I used to vocalize the phrase “Good Hair,” which I have now eradicated from my vocabulary because I realized that all hair is good. African-American hair is not less beautiful than Eurocentric hair types. But it took me time to reach this point – even though I’m Black.
If many Black people are unaware of racist remarks, then think about how much non-black people are unaware.
Can We Please Stop Using The Phrase “GOOD Hair”?
Insulting our heritage and genetics is just plain ignorant
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.