MSG Presents : "Characters From Corporate" Black in the Office: Breaking the Ice or Breaking the Code?

On this installment of MSG Presents: Characters From Corporate, a listener writes in about a coworker who never speaks back—despite her repeated attempts to be friendly. She’s a Black woman. He’s a Black man. And his silence is starting to get under her skin.

Eric and Big Stew weigh in: Is she overthinking it, or is he just being rude? They unpack office dynamics, the invisible weight of identity, and the unspoken social rules many Black professionals navigate daily.

This episode is a reminder that not every moment needs a response—but every feeling deserves reflection.

🎧 Tune in for a real conversation about perception, pride, and letting go.

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Transcript

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Black In The Office: Breaking The Ice or Breaking The Code

Eric:
We got a listener letter. She writes:

Listener Letter (read by Eric):
"Hey Eric, love the show and the insight you and Big Stu deliver every week. Much appreciated.

I’m a 35-year-old Black woman from Detroit. I’m a corporate analyst.

Back when we were all in the office before COVID, I made a habit of speaking to people when I saw them. Most folks either spoke back or at least nodded or smiled.

But there’s one person — a Black man — who never responds. No words. No smile. No nod. Nothing.

As a Black woman, that bothers me. Am I tripping? Or is he just another character from corporate?"

[00:01:20]

Big Stew:
So she’s mad because the only other Black dude in the office won’t speak to her?

Eric:
Exactly. And honestly… yeah, sis, you’re tripping. Let it go.

Big Stew:
Right. She says she speaks to everybody, and everybody speaks back — except this one guy. Well, maybe he just doesn’t want to. That’s his choice.

[00:02:00]

Eric:
Facts. If somebody doesn’t want to engage, I’m not gonna keep forcing it. Who knows why? Maybe he thinks his blank stare is a response. Maybe his lady at home told him, "Don’t be talking to women at that office." You never know.

Point is — he doesn’t owe you anything.

Big Stew:
Exactly. We as Black folks gotta stop putting expectations on each other like that. Speaking ain’t mandatory.

[00:02:45]

Eric:
Right. And sometimes it’s deeper. I’ve been in situations where I didn’t say much to certain women because I knew I was attracted to them — and I didn’t want to go there. I’d nod or smile, but I kept it moving. Could be something like that.

Big Stew:
Yep. Could be anything.

Eric:
So, bottom line — sis, you’re the character this time. Relax. Don’t take it personal. Don’t question his Blackness. Just keep doing you.

Big Stew:
Exactly. Don’t take away from his Blackness. Chill.

[00:04:00]

Eric:
Good show today.

Big Stew:
Yep. Solid.

Eric:
Next week, we’re diving into 10 Things They Don’t Tell You About the Stock Market.

Until next time — peace!