ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Bamboo ceiling

Have you seen a bamboo tree? It’s a tall, sturdy plant with strong roots and a lot of leaves. Just like the bamboo tree, some people who come from certain backgrounds, like Asian or Pacific Islander, may find it hard to climb up high in their work or school. This is called the “bamboo ceiling.”

The bamboo ceiling is kind of like a barrier or limit that can keep people from moving up in important roles. It’s like a tall tree that can be tough to climb. People who face the bamboo ceiling might be really good at their jobs or have great ideas, but they don’t always get the same opportunities as others. This can be because of things like stereotypes or unfair treatment based on their race or ethnicity.

Just like how bamboo can grow really tall and strong, people who face the bamboo ceiling can be resilient too. Sometimes, it takes a lot of hard work and perseverance to break through the ceiling and reach higher levels. But by doing this, they can show that they deserve to be there just as much as anyone else.
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