Recently Walmart, the world's largest retailer, decided to roll back its diversity, equity and inclusion policies, joining a growing list of major corporations that have done the same after coming under attack by conservative activists.
The saddest (and frustrating) part of all this is those that are in leadership still don’t get it. That side of the fence believes diversity efforts is charity. Equality is a nice-to-have verses a must-have. You measure what you treasure. See, the uncomfortable yet harsh truth is when those in dominate culture are used to stepping into board rooms, galas, seeing leadership org charts, and it being over 90% of people that look, act, and have shared values like themselves, they conveniently don’t blink an eye. I guess the saying is true – a fish cannot see water. But as soon as there is a slight change in that demographic; it feels like a forced compromise that they cannot accept.
I have seen how society treats the homeless so perhaps I shouldn’t be too surprised at how America views the notion of helping the most vulnerable. It’s never been about “Making America Great” but more so keeping the frontline strong. That means eliminating progressive ideas and laws. It means creating new age barriers and challenges for underserved people and communities only to disguise regression as a new reform policy that will bring more competitive talent.
The United States of America is built on the ideology of quid pro quo. I will only help you when I know I will receive something of equal or greater value. With that foundational understanding and lens, we all can then see why DEI initiatives are getting cut back or removed. Because dominate culture fears change and relinquishing power and influence.
I find most people’s kryptonite is accountability which is poisonous in the workplace. Executives enjoy their fancy titles at work, the high salary, bonuses, and perks being in upper leadership. Yet, ask them about the names of some of their employees’ significant other and you’ll get a blank stare. One of the many issues is executives are disassociated with their employees. They don’t understand the struggle nor care about the journey of their employees. Topic for another day but perhaps it’s the “isms” they are intentionally avoiding – classism, ageism, racism, colorism. Why does this feel like we are in 1950s addressing “Separate but Equal” (cough: it was never equal!) instead of being excited and hopeful for change or a positive outlook on what 2025 has in store for our country. This micro perspective, instead of macro thinking, is setting back our country for decades to come.
We are holding our breath because we have seen this channel and episode before! As President Abraham Lincoln said, “If you want to test a man's character, give him power.” We have seen dominate culture take far lengths to preserve their power. We have seen white men be the constant in resisting change. George Wallace, please come up to the front of the room. The former Governor of Alabama refused to allow the integration of schools during the Civil Rights Movement. In 1963, Wallace's inaugural address famously declared, "segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever.”
Do I believe all CEOs are evil? Of course, I don't. But I do feel there is an undeniable disconnect. To highlight their lack of self-awareness, they do not fully comprehend the magnitude of the larger message they are endorsing and sponsoring. Instead of investing in underrepresented people, they are stacking the deck in their favor by any means necessary. Unfortunately, when you have grown up with everything, you often appreciate nothing
I believe there is so much value in adversity. The desire, grit, hustle, never quit attitude runs deeper for people who have overcome challenges their entire life due to the isms that I previously mentioned. It’s the type of life experience that can’t be shown or learned via a book.
Its why someone like a Derrick Rose, former NBA superstar, who grew up in the dangerous neighborhood of Englewood in the South Side of Chicago, raised by a single mother, went to Chicago Public School, had a drive in himself that couldn’t be ignored. Yes, he had God given talent. But the stress of staying alive in that environment, that neighborhood, prepared him far more in life (and in basketball) than someone who had little to no pressure like that in their life. There is no better teacher than learning to overcome personal circumstances and struggles that are out of your control.
It’s also why a kid like Austin Rivers, who is the son of former NBA player and current coach Doc Rivers, couldn’t make it in the league. Austin was rated as the number #3 high school player in the country in 2011. He had every advantage as a teenage basketball player at his disposal. Attended the best schools in California. Had a father that played in the league. He didn’t have to worry about financial resources or getting shot just for walking outside. Austin would go on to have a great freshmen season at Duke before entering the NBA. Yet, he has only averaged 8.5 points for his career. He became a decent bench player. He showed all the promise and talent at 18 years old, but the passion and drive vanished as soon as he entered the league. His entitlement hindered his vision, work ethic, and growth which shaped his future and lack of success.
There is a deeper message here. Many of us are not feeling confident in the current trajectory like the elimination of DEI, Affirmative Action, Equality efforts and policies. Today’s leaders and executives are choosing cowardness over bravery. Choosing to fall to the pressures of conservatives and board of directors. Just imagine if we allowed the credo of George Wallace’s beliefs to affect other lawmakers and Governors. What if we didn't have a strong leader like President John F. Kennedy that believed in freedom for all, who stood up against Governor Wallace, would The Civil Rights Act of 1964 ever have happened or been signed?
The irony is the majority of these types of people who are in influential roles who choose to build walls and barriers for people… will inevitably speak on the topic of them being a strong leader. A leader who makes rough decisions for the greater good. Perhaps my definition of leadership is dated. I firmly believe that true leadership is about lifting and moving people forward. Eliminating progress and DEI literally does neither. Understand this, how you do anything is how you do everything.
And in case you still do not fully understand the need for DEI and its importance, let me put a pretty bow tie for you. This quote is from Hollywood Latina Actress, America Ferrera: “I didn’t need my dream to be easy, I needed it to be possible.”
Comments