“Mom, why do people treat us like that?” My daughter asked me. She was in the room when I learned about the mass shooting and wanted to know what I was reacting to. I told her, and she sat there in a daze, devastated. I put my arm around here and said, “People are taught to …
racism
False Accusations and Weaponized Tears
I was going to write something "lighter" this week, but then I saw the video on Instagram of a white woman in a store, crying and screaming and saying she was being threatened by a Black woman who was videotaping her. The video opens with what looks like the white woman coming to hit the Black …
Conversations for Leaders on Race, Racism and Belonging
Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) are not new – these are words we have heard in business for at least 20 years now. What is new is the leaning in around issues of race. More than Representation Companies that are committed to D&I are being asked to take a look at the representation of …
[Continue reading] Conversations for Leaders on Race, Racism and Belonging
The Monarchy and White Supremacy – Meghan and Harry (part 2)
This week, let’s examine white supremacy and the monarchy. White supremacy is a concept (not a hate group, although those groups are based on the concept and use it to do hateful things). As a concept, it is about white skin being the standard or norm, and people with white skin being …
[Continue reading] The Monarchy and White Supremacy – Meghan and Harry (part 2)
The Pervasiveness of Racism – Musings about Meghan & Harry’s Interview with Oprah (Part 1)
There are so many things I want to write about, with regard to the interview Meghan and Harry gave with Oprah which aired on Sunday. You’ll see these musings over the next few weeks. Today, I’m focusing on the big picture – the pervasiveness of racism. Racism is Pervasive Let’s take in the …
Musings about Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss is getting a lot of attention this week. If you haven’t read about the decision to no longer publish 6 books you can do so here. The CBC article has many good points, some of which I will discuss below. Impact First, let’s talk about the impact of images and words in books. The …
Anti-Black Racism is Real
I’m feeling hopeful this week as our federal political leaders have publicly stated that anti-Black racism is real in Canada. Because it is. Because we need to talk about it. Because allies help in our struggles for justice of all kinds. (You can read about the statements made here and …
Food for Thought for Black History Month
Every year I cringe when February arrives. And every year I try to think of new ways to raise awareness that can bring us closer to understanding and bridging the racial divide. This year I encourage you to pay attention to what you see and hear during Black History Month specifically related to …
The (Subtle?) Ways History can Undermine Inclusion
Last week I was in San Antonio, Texas for the Evolutionary Business Council’s annual conference. My colleague and I led a short session called Real Talk: Race, Equity and Raising Social Consciousness. We also met with the organizational leadership to discuss these issues in the context of …
[Continue reading] The (Subtle?) Ways History can Undermine Inclusion
Brownface and the impact of Race as a Social Construct
So, Justin Trudeau is in hot water as images of him in “brownface” 18 years ago have surfaced. And although I’m disappointed, I’m not surprised. Well, maybe a little that it was only 18 years. Why? Because this is an example of how deeply the social construct of race has embedded itself into our …
[Continue reading] Brownface and the impact of Race as a Social Construct