Have you ever been in a toxic working environment? How did that feel? How did you cope? I wrote this article to reflect on this subject. I chose to use a popular example that we all know. But the lessons could apply on anyone.
I initially wrote this article in 2020. I wanted to reflect on the toxic work environment which Nicki Minaj, the Queen of Rap, experienced from 2017 until 2019. Let’s get into it.
Many work environments tend to be harmful to some people. And only those who are thick-skinned seem to survive the constant attacks from toxic associates and working environments. Looking into the entertainment industry, a teachable moment is that of Nicki Minaj, who is a rapper.
Nicki Minaj rose to fame and fortune because of her hard work; writing her songs and also delivering them in a way that has captured many people around the world.
Assassination of character
However, with her unmatched success, also came bitter and envious people. These are the people who started to build up stories in an effort to assassinate her character. Something which is quite normal when it comes to power and success. They paid people to lie about her. They obtained some information about her which they twisted and used against her . They built up “artists” to compete against her. But luckily, all of that did not amount to full success …because no one can take away her talent, or match her work ethic.
Playing a victim role
Associates usually achieve this by spreading false information about your behaviour, attitude, and state of being. They usually get others to pity them, making themselves appear as victims. By showing their “victim” side, they appeal to human nature and urge them to disregard any bad in their own actions, thus putting the focus on their target. Psychologists refer to this manipulation act as ‘triangulation’.
These toxic individuals usually surround themselves with a large group of people. They use them as convey-belts to move around their dirty baggage. They also convince their friends, family, and colleagues to spread false information about the target. In Nicki Minaj’s case, DJs, other artists, and fan-bases worked and conspired against her, and started to spread false information through the media and social networks. What a rough experience, I suppose.
We must not normalise toxicity; we must expose those who are conniving, hurtful and are ill-intent.
Taking away deserved accolades
Through their disturbing ways, toxic associates will assassinate the image of their target, tarnish their legacy, and also convince powerful people or decision-makers into snubbing their target of well-deserved awards. In the case of Nicki Minaj, her enemies have made sure that everyone who is against her receives the highly acclaimed Grammy Award. Although well-deserving, and highly successful in her genre, she is still not getting the Grammy Award. And at this point, it’s quite obvious …even blind mammals can see what’s happening.
Using company resources for personal use
What we must remember is that toxic associates are not shy from using company resources in making sure that they sabotage their targets. They will abuse not only their target but also the company’s resources. Companies, also beware lest your brand image gets tarnished in such a mess!
Wishing the Queen of Rap more success in her future. Long live the generous Queen.
This is written for entertainment and teaching purposes only.
Images from Nicki Minaj’s video on YouTube.
Mitta Xinindlu 
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