I went to DEI training for my job this week, and the DEI discussion leader was the coolest dude - biracial: black and Mexican, and told us he identified as a "big black man" because he used to be a powerlifter. Loved his presentation so much, I requested to know when the optional sessions are.
But anyway, we got to the part of the presentation on equity, and he goes "You know that one image with the boxes? Yeah we're not allowed to use that one now because it 'perpetuates a racial stereotype of black and brown people watching a game without paying because they can't afford a ticket'."
And apparently I made such a face the he was like "Yeah, I know, I think that's a stretch too," and I was like "No sorry, my brain is shorting out on how we managed to get a racial stereotype into the EQUITY DIAGRAM???"
And looking back on it, I don't think that's the intention - I think it's trying to highlight that equity initiatives and barriers to equity frequently affect racial minorities, but in the moment it was just funny as my brain was like HUH? They're stereotyping for what now? There's a stereotype in the WHAT?"
And for reference, the bicycle one is the one people like to use now, and I also like it because it includes people with disabilities.
Just felt like sharing for the sake of the funny part of the story and in case anyone has something to add to the discourse. There have been some really interesting interpretations of the original image, including one person who wrote an article talking about how it bothers them because the accommodations are clearly being made for height, which is a biological difference, implying equity is applied to help people who are "biologically deficient." You can read that op-ed here.
Top graphic is also an interesting study about how even when you're trying to make something good, your pre-existing biases or the those of others can affect how it's ultimately used and interpreted.
Evidence shows that better training doesn't lead to better officers. It is a persistent myth and narrative that prevents real, necessary reform when it comes to policing and public safety.
In the past, I’ve gotten a very “Jews don’t count” vibe from company DEI stuff. But given that I’m also queer and neurodivergent and also given the horror of recent events, I’m hoping I have a shot.
It would feel good to do some IRL, in-person work that could make life easier for everyone.
Cuz right now every day at work feels like “haha they’re all just working and my entire world is crumbling hahahaha it’s like we’re in different worlds hahahah 🙃🙃🙃”
Representation is more important than ever, especially for the kids who are most marginalized.
Digital illustration of an older Latina teacher wearing an apple print dress. She’s standing in front of a blackboard that says, ‘inclusive curriculums benefit all students.’ There’s a variety of items around the image, including a pride flag, Black lives matter sign, globe, and plant.