Talking diversity

Much of the conversation around diversity presupposes that people are not always consistent in what they believe. While a person may work to consciously believe in racial equality--for example, due to their upbringing, friendships, experiences, or any number of factors--they may unconsciously carry around negative associations and stereotypes about a particular group.

But how can we recognize what our own biases are?

It's time to create an intentional environment that promotes diversity and not make excuses about how our job descriptions or organizational positions hinder us from hiring and promoting work equity. We should admit our bias and use it to create awareness of the issues facing us in the workplace. We must combat the promotion of homogeneity and its culturally accepted normality because that prohibits us from accepting our differences and embracing such uniqueness as a quality and not a detriment to organizations.

Jenna Weiss-Berman’s, a radio host/producer wanted to create shows that altered from the traditional format that catered to white male views and instead have more inclusive radio programming that spoke to a variety of underrepresented demographics. Though her podcasting structure opened the door for new voices, she argues that the lack of financial resources allocated in public and college radio stations, further enables the inequity seen since the only members who can rise through the ranks of such a system are rich white people in radio.

Men are becoming more present in the feminist rights movement but the attitudes towards women have changed very little. The sexual harassment and traditional notion of women having a secondary voice if not role altogether, still permeates the progressive movement. This lack of understanding among male progressives represents a hypocrisy within the movement in general that represents equality and an end to socio-political and economic disenfranchisement. Such attitudes that marginalize the voice of women have been shown to only exacerbate the inequity women face in society.

David A. Graham writes a piece that examines the role of monuments dedicated to the Confederacy and the struggle to take them down. These monuments commemorate a society that explicitly enslaved people on the basis of race, in a manner inconsistent with modern values, yet the monuments persist. Graham articulates the connection between these monuments and race, and examines alternatives that might remember the Confederacy without glorifying it.

Equal Future is a resource on social justice and technology — a web site and newsletter.

Marco Rogers outlines how to use Twitter to improve your understanding of social justice work. 

This article shares a lot of fundamental concepts and resources for those wanting to be better allies.

John Scalzi uses video games as a metaphor to discuss privilege.