Warning: This article contains spoiler.
One of the most popular movies of the year Green Book received 3 Oscars out of 5 nominations this year, including the best supporting actor, the best original screenplay and the best motion picture of the year.
The movie is based on a true story of a working-class Italian-American bouncer becomes the driver of an African-American classical pianist on a tour of venues through the 1960s American South.
Working for an African origin person as a white man wasn’t a common thing in the 60s. Tony Lip the leading character wasn't eager to work for Don Shirley, a successful jazz pianist at first. However, having lost his job, he didn’t have much choice in his financial circumstances. Spending 8 weeks with Don Shirley and getting to know him helped Tony to recognise his unconscious bias against black people and slowly he started to develop a true friendship with his boss.
Here are the 3 key messages for you from the 'Green Book' movie.
1- Open up a conversation: By accepting the job offer, Tony opened up a conversation with his boss even though it was unwillingly. Opening up a conversation at the workplace with a colleague from another culture you don’t know maybe challenging; however, it is worth trying. Waiting for the first step from the other person mostly end up missing the opportunity to break the ices and understand each other genuinely.
2- Stop making an assumption: Tony thought every black man love eating fried chicken and so as his boss' event organisers. Making a general assumption/guess on a particular race, nation, religion, group is one of the biggest mistakes. Nobody likes to be subject to a general assumption. Avoid assuming, instead ask direct questions to individuals.
3- Act together: When Tony saw unacceptable behaviour to his boss Don from others, he always defended him and became an ally. This attitude is the key to solve inequality issues in communities and at workplaces.
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