It is so hard to be living in the times we are in because there are so many lies, layers and layers of hatred and fear being spread by this Trump administration. I was listening to an interview of Joan Baez by Dan Rather, in which she commented on how hard the times were, being careful not to be too specific or to name anyone. And yet, that is exactly what the times call for because the truth is simply the truth and a lie is what it is: a lie.
For example: every day we are inundated with fear mongering statements promoted by this administration about the horrors of diversity programs and trainings. That folks who attend are being indoctrinated and brainwashed by “woke” and “left wingers.” The truth be told; diversity is just the opposite of what we’ve been told DEI programs are about. Diversity is exactly what its name implies: diverse points of view being talked about and debated. Inclusion is about making sure everyone is included. Equity is about fairness. The consequence of a lack of diverse points of view and representation are exactly what we are witnessing in this administration. Each of us knows what would happen if any cabinet member disagreed with Trump. They would be humiliated, called derogatory names and pressured to resign. Those who stay silent are promoted and praised. Is there something familiar about this picture? It’s called “authoritarianism.” Being ruled by threats, fear, humiliation and being publicly punished and shamed.
Diversity is about trying to make this a better world for everyone, not just for a privileged group or party. As someone in one of my workshops once shared: “I know I wasn’t responsible for slavery or segregation, but what I have learned from this class is that I have benefited from those injustices by the privileges and advantages that I now have that others don’t.” You see, the goal of diversity programs isn’t about guilt or shame, but rather what are we willing to do to make our communities and institutions more equitable and fair, not by just fulfilling a quota, but by actually examining our attitudes and behaviors and to be willing to change.
What the Trump folks are saying is that no one should be made to feel “uncomfortable.” What begs to be answered is: Uncomfortable for who? Made more comfortable for who?
“You can cut all the flowers, but you cannot keep Spring from coming.”
—Pablo Neruda
