When I was at dinner in New York recently, a family of four sat not too far from me. Two women and two girls. The girls were probably no more than 12 years old.

I overheard parts of their conversation, and it was interesting. They were discussing diversity, equality, and inclusion.

I tried to remember some of what they said, much of which was directed to the girls:

“Fundamentally, it boils down to whether you are a good person or a bad person. 

That is what matters, but also connecting with others is what matters. Listen to the people you connect with. And remember, you are important, no matter what and no matter who you are.

I want you to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to because, in spite of everything you may think, your opinions will count.”

So I sat there, at this restaurant, very happy to overhear the bits of the conversation that cropped up when they did.

#DEI

It is currently Pride Month. June.  

Last month, May, was Mental Awareness month. In March, we observed (or “celebrated”) Women’s History Month and in February, it was Black History Month.  

I’m a supporter of having these months. We need them. Unfortunately, many people simply need them because they need to be made aware or reminded (again and again) of the importance of the issues faced by certain segments of our society. Discrimination and prejudice.

But it drives me crazy to think, for instance, that we need an entire month to remind ourselves that women, for instance, “contribute to society.” Can we not extend that to the other 11 months, please? 

So many of us are trying to challenge inequality.  

Wealth inequality.

Power inequality.

Educational inequality.

Political inequality.

Boardroom inequality.

Health, religion… it could go on. We are trying to produce a society where diversity, inclusion, and equality shouldn’t just be a means to an end, but that is how it feels. “Something done only to produce the desired result.”  Only.

And sadly, that end just cannot come soon enough, so I don’t need to use #DEI as a hashtag here on Twitter or elsewhere.  The future I hope rests in those like the two girls I overheard and the lesson they hopefully learned.

I hate using #DEI as a hashtag, and I hate saying that. I’m sorry. I’m fed up using it, but if it helps produce a means to an end, I’ll continue to.

Yours frustratingly,

Chris Garrod, June 2022.