Imagine what it would be like for a lifelong resident of Miami, who never traveled north, to visit Boston during one of our famous nor’easters.
Do you think he or she would feel comfortable driving around in this situation? Probably not. They would feel out of their element.
I bring this up because I believe it’s analogous to how most white people feel when it comes to issues involving diversity and inclusion. Most of “us” never really had to concern ourselves with the cold harsh reality of the existence of another world.
Like most things, there’s a range of interest when it comes to diversity and inclusion. Where do you fall in the following range?
- Are you disinterested?
- Are you a dino? (diversity in name only)
- Are you a diversciple (disciple of diversity)
There are different levels of diversity. Diversity can certainly exist among a group of white men. Different religions, ethnicities, education and income levels, sexual orientation, age, physical and emotional conditions all come into play.
However, if true diversity is to exist, we MUST go deeper. It’s the difference between snorkeling and scuba diving. Diversity and Inclusion CANNOT succeed unless there is “white buy in”.
Take a moment and think about that statement. I certainly have and I believe it’s time to do the “white” thing! “Diversity of thought” doesn’t go far enough.
There has to be an intellectual and emotional acceptance and difficult conversations have to take place. Resistance will occur and how that is addressed is the key.
Diversity is about validating all groups and not invalidating a specific group. We should come from a place of collaboration and participation, instead of isolation, alienation and discrimination.
It’s not that we don’t care (obviously some don’t and that is sad) but our world is different. A few month’s ago I took a tremendous class called White People Challenging Racism and was shocked to learn that some of my classmates didn’t know any people of color. It’s not that they didn’t want to, the exact opposite was true.
There is no such thing as a master race. One group is not superior to another. We truly are all equal, so let’s make sure the playing field is level. A football team with shoulder pads, helmets and cleats clearly has an advantage over teams that don’t. The players on the team with the equipment should not be blamed, but they do need to be cognizant of not unintentionally (or intentionally) running up the score. Players in the game of life and business should all play by the same rules.
So as a lifelong New Englander, I believe we should approach things like we do during one of our infamous blizzards and go outside (our comfort zone) and introduce ourselves to our neighbors. It’s a great way to get out from the cold.
