How to "act white"

 I will rely on general cultural perceptions and stereotypes often associated with "acting white" in a professional US context, while applying Neuro-linguistic programming, NLP strategies to build a model. My aim is to guide you through this exploration in a way that fosters understanding, behavioral flexibility, and personal empowerment.

In the context of a small business in the US, "acting white" might be perceived through certain behaviors, communication styles, and cultural norms often associated with mainstream white American professional culture. These perceptions can vary widely depending on regional, social, and individual perspectives, but I'll outline some commonly recognized traits and how they might manifest in a workplace setting. Using NLP techniques, we’ll frame this as an opportunity to adopt behaviors that align with professional success and effective communication in this environment, while maintaining authenticity.

What "Acting White" Might Look Like as an Employee in a Small Business in the US

Professional Appearance and Demeanor:

 In many US small business environments, "acting white" might be associated with adhering to a polished, mainstream professional appearance. This could include wearing business casual attire (e.g., collared shirts, slacks, or blazers) that aligns with typical corporate or suburban norms, maintaining neat grooming, and displaying body language that conveys confidence and formality, such as direct eye contact and a firm handshake. In NLP terms, this is about modeling observable behaviors of successful professionals in similar environments. Individuals can visualize themselves embodying this demeanor using timeline therapy, imagining a future where one confidently presents oneself in this way.

Work Ethic and Behavioral Norms: 

Perceptions of "acting white" in a workplace might include a strong emphasis on punctuality, individual accountability, and a structured approach to tasks—traits often stereotypically tied to mainstream white professional culture. This could look like arriving on time, meeting deadlines consistently, and focusing on individual contributions rather than collective or communal approaches. Using NLP’s reframing technique, you can shift any internal resistance by asking, “How does adopting this structure empower me to succeed in this role?” This helps align your mindset with the desired behavior.

Interpersonal Interactions: 

In a small business setting, "acting white" might be perceived as maintaining a reserved or formal tone in interactions, avoiding overly emotional expressions, and prioritizing direct, task-oriented communication over personal or relational dialogue. This could include keeping personal opinions or cultural expressions subdued to fit into a perceived "neutral" or mainstream workplace culture. In NLP, we can use the Meta-Model to clarify assumptions by asking, “What specific interactions feel most effective in this environment?” This helps identify precise behaviors to adopt.

What "Acting White" Might Sound Like as an Employee in a Small Business in the US

Speech Patterns and Language: Linguistically, "acting white" might be associated with using Standard American English, minimizing slang or regional dialects, and adopting a clear, articulate speaking style often linked to mainstream white culture in professional settings. This could sound like using formal greetings (“Good morning, how can I assist?”), avoiding colloquialisms, and speaking at a moderate pace with a neutral tone. In NLP modeling, you can practice this by observing exemplars—perhaps colleagues or media figures—who embody this style, and replicate their tone and vocabulary in a way that feels congruent with your identity.

Communication Style:

 The communication style might involve focusing on logic and efficiency over emotional or storytelling approaches, often perceived as a "white" professional trait in some contexts. This could sound like concise responses, such as “I’ve completed the report and identified three key areas for improvement,” rather than a more narrative or expressive style. Using NLP’s anchoring technique, you can link a confident state to a physical gesture (like touching your thumb and forefinger) and trigger it while practicing this communication style to feel more at ease.

Conflict Resolution and Feedback: 

In terms of handling conflict or providing feedback, "acting white" might sound like using indirect or polite phrasing to address issues, such as “I think we might consider a different approach for next time,” rather than a more direct or confrontational style. This aligns with a stereotype of emotional restraint often associated with white professional culture. NLP’s Milton Model can help here by using suggestive language patterns to soften communication and bypass resistance, both in yourself and others, fostering smoother interactions.

Applying NLP to Adopt These Behaviors Authentically

In NLP, the goal isn’t to lose your identity but to expand your behavioral flexibility so you can adapt to different contexts while achieving your desired outcomes. Let’s apply some specific NLP patterns to integrate these behaviors in a small business setting:

Patterns for Building Empowering Self-Images:

 Visualize yourself as a successful employee who embodies these traits while remaining true to your core identity. Ask, “How can I adopt these behaviors in a way that feels authentic and enhances my professional growth?” This builds a positive self-image aligned with your goals.

Strategies for Empowering Action Plans: 

Break down the behaviors into small, actionable steps. For example, practice Standard English in specific workplace scenarios, or set a goal to arrive five minutes early each day. Track your progress and adjust as needed.

Core Transformation Pattern: If adopting these traits feels in conflict with your identity, explore the deeper intention behind wanting to “act white” in this context. Perhaps it’s about achieving respect, success, or connection. Connect this change to a core value, ensuring it feels meaningful and empowering.

It’s important to note that cultural perceptions like “acting white” are subjective and can carry different meanings based on individual and community perspectives.  This response is based on general cultural stereotypes and NLP strategies for modeling behavior. 

Sources

1 Core Transformation by Connirae Andreas and Tamara Andreas

2 The Sourcebook of Magic by L. Michael Hall Ph.D. and Barbara Belnap M.S.W.

3 Time Line Therapy by Tad James and Wyatt Woodsmall

4 Precision by Michael McMaster and John Grinder

5 Introducing Neuro-linguistic Programming by Joseph O'Connor and John Seymour

6 Solutions by Leslie Cameron-Bandler