DEI
This company belongs to my CEO.
He will not see me sitting here,
As he delivers the annual report.
For me to still be working here
With people who think themselves elite
And care so little about their peers.
And act as if there's some mistake.
I try to introduce myself
But my hand they will not even shake.
They aim to prevent inclusivity,
But I could never accept defeat,
Knowing the purpose of diversity.
Note:
I've used my creative license with Robert Frost's poem "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening," which you can read at the following link: Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
A Case for DEI
Imagine a child who has been confined to the basement of a building for most of his life. Certain forces in society have denied him the freedom to explore, learn, and grow in a world that values diversity and inclusivity. For years, he was forced to navigate a narrow, isolated world that emphasized conformity over individuality.
But now, as you free him from this prison, you're not just setting him loose into the world – you're also confronting the legacy of centuries of wrongs done to people like him. The systemic injustices, biases, and prejudices that have held them back for generations are still very much alive today. As a society, we've perpetuated these inequalities, often unintentionally, but with devastating consequences.
The question is: how do you support this young adult as he navigates the treacherous landscape of adulthood? Do you send him out into the world, leaving him to fend for himself and potentially fail as a result of living a life cutoff from the same freedoms enjoyed by other members of society? Or do you provide him with a safety net, offering guidance, resources, and a community that can help him heal from the wounds inflicted upon his family and heritage?
But this support is not just about ensuring the young adult's success – it's about creating a ripple effect of positive change that can spread far beyond his individual circumstances. By providing a foundation for his growth and development, you're also investing in the well-being of humanity as a whole. You're acknowledging that our shared struggles are not limited to any one individual or group, but are instead deeply intertwined with the fabric of society.
As the old adage goes: "it only takes one bad apple to ruin the bunch." But what if we flip this narrative on its head? What if we recognize that it's not just the individual who needs fixing – but also the systems and structures that perpetuate inequality and injustice? By supporting this young adult, you're not just helping him succeed; you're also contributing to a collective effort to create a more just, equitable, and compassionate world.
In this context, being against DEI is not just about rejecting progressive values or promoting exclusivity – it's about perpetuating the status quo, reinforcing systems of oppression, and denying humanity the opportunity to thrive. It's about choosing to ignore the harm caused by centuries of wrongs, rather than confronting them head-on.
As a society, we have a choice: we can continue down the path of fragmentation, isolation, and disconnection, or we can choose to build bridges, foster empathy, and promote understanding. We can choose to create spaces for people like this young adult to find their voice, their purpose, and their place in the world – and in doing so, we can create a brighter future for all humanity.
The question remains: what will you do? Will you join the movement towards a more just, equitable, and inclusive society – or will you stand in the way of progress?
