wn up with a silver spoon in his mouth, the kind that granted him access to the highest echelons of society. His father was a respected businessman who

y referred to as "cultural superiority," a perspective that subtly-and of

d on maintaining their distinct identity as superior Europeans. "We must protect our culture," his father would often say, over Sunday dinners where conversations

ved like him. He was taught that hard work was important, but equally, that certain groups of people-immigrants, people of color, those from different

e to his privileged background and connections. In his circle, discussions of diversity or equality were often scoffed at. His colleagues, many of whom shared his

the respect of those around him. He didn't need to question th

nternal

unsettled. At first, he had dismissed her without a second thought. After all, what did a woman from Ghana-a place he had barely thought about-have to

ion, that left him feeling unnerved. Why had she not reacted like most people did when they encountered his dismissiveness? Most people would have wilted

o be interested in her. He wasn't supposed to be. And yet, here he was, replaying their brief encounter in his mind. Maybe it was her

en taught to think this way, to maintain the standards set by his family and society. He couldn't be blamed for living up to those expectat

rejudice

racter. His prejudice often showed itself in subtle ways, though Karl never thought of himself as overtly racist. He didn't shout slurs or engage in open discrimination, but his preferences were clear to those

oing in," he would say, brushing off contributions from employees who didn't fit his mold. He was careful not to make it obvious, but his actions spoke louder than his wo

er. When she spoke, offering insightful comments on a project, Karl could feel a growing irritation. He didn't acknowledge her ideas and quickly moved on to the next topic, pretending

, and though she didn't confront him, her expression said it all. She wasn't surprised. She had encountered men like Karl before. But someth

Real Encoun

t thrilled about it. He had tried to avoid working with her directly, but there was no way around it now. He found h

orking together," he s

ould sense his discomfort, and part of her enjoyed watching him squirm.

nitial data. I'll share my findings with yo

something was shifting inside him. Her confidence, her intelligence-it was unsettling. He had expected her to be nervous,

ng Karl's I

ugh he didn't know why. He had worked with countless people before, but this was different. He didn

r? Karl tried to shake off these thoughts, but they lingered. He was used to seeing people like Ama as outsiders, people who

n't want to think about her, but he couldn't help it. Somethin

o a colleague, laughing at something they said. For a moment, Karl felt a strange sense o

he knew it was

ing closely on the project over the next few weeks. He stared at the screen, feeling a mixture of dread and cur