Coloring Within The Lines: The Misconceptions of DEI
We could be mismanaging an amazing opportunity…
Unfortunately, it appears that we are living in times where the opportunist shroud of advancement has clouded the focus and direction of civic engagement and social responsibility. It seems that instead of working together and actively focusing on the “common good” or the “collective we,” we are now, viewing basic human needs as a political stunt or media framing. The heart of humaneness is being lost in the nuanced-driven lens of principle, which is causing more confusion than progression, more dissension than togetherness. When humanity is taken out of the equation, it is easy to argue semantics because the logical aspects of life are more convoluted and subjective; and, yet, we fail to see another life is at stake.
There is a way to find economic and political balance, without demoralizing efforts of civility. It is quite disheartening to witness the level of pollution that has saturated goodwilled endeavors. The conversations and work of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are difficult enough without individuals harping on their self-centered soapboxes. Such actions denigrate these opportunities reserved for collectively moving forward. Spaces, where true learning and community can be forged, are being stripped into assemblies of confusion and divisive-inciting tactics. We must take a step back and focus on the things that connect us, not separate us.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) should be the vehicle that brings individuals together through the appreciation and awareness of various cultures, experiences, and perspectives. This is something we all have and can all share. Equally, there should be an openness to leverage strengths where there is an opportunity for growth while welcoming the uniqueness, individuality, and differences of others, even in opinions. By helping others to understand, there is no loss of self to understand and/or connect with others.
DEI should not be used to only discuss race relations or as a mere history lesson on oppression but as a collaborative opportunity that is explorative, experiential, and relational. Though biases may be discussed, bias education alone is not DEI. There is so much to learn about people and their fluidity that one conversation or dump-all approach isn’t enough. True, DEI is a lifestyle and paradigmatic.
We believe when attempting to implement a DEI initiative, it is important to partner with individuals and/or organizations like, Love Is A Parable that inflames togetherness and has the knowledge, experience, and agility to navigate through various climates. It takes a unique skill set to understand that even opposition is a part of DEI. If we allow unprepared, misinformed, or untrained entities to continue to erroneously facilitate operations under the DEI umbrella, we run the risk of further widening the divide and creating reactions that may cause irrevocable consequences, leading to the demise of inclusion while fortifying the restraints of the disenfranchised, vulnerable, and marginalized populations.
Training and Development
Whether you are looking to improve yourself, company culture, team dynamics, or overall performance, consider us for your corporate training needs. We offer customized curriculum services as well. Additionally, we provide resources that specialize in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Conflict Resolution, and Organizational Leadership! Fulfill your need HERE!
Through our reflective thinking approach and in conjunction with our Sacred Box Theory, we are doing our part to bring people together by focusing on the internal workings of self, assisting others to reduce the tendency to rely on restrictive ideologies, limiting beliefs, and assumptive stances. We assist in removing the limitations that hinder us from being the best we can be and seeing that same in others!
J. Dwayne Garnett, BSRT, MHA, QP
Chief Executive Officer
Love Is A Parable
Available for Empowerment Speaking Engagements, Consultations, Uncovering Sessions, and Instruction.
Find out more about J at by clicking HERE!
#loveisparable #entrepreneur #smallbusiness #empowerment #love #DEI #healingforward