I can't believe I just said that, but it's true. I have Trump to thank for the inquiries I've received re my work in diversity. Lightning has not struck me down yet (for having thanked Trump), so I'll continue.
I think it's safe to say that organizations overall believe diversity training is a nicety, and not necessarily a priority. However, in the last few months things have changed. (I think). On that fated November 8, 2016 evening when the USA election brought us results we were not expecting, many Canadians started feeling a wide range of things, from disbelief and horror to sadness and bewilderment. From talk of the wall to legislating the ban, Mr. Trump gave permission for our 'dark side' to surface and the racism or the misogyny that we thought was not in us, raised its ugly head and struck.
There is an increase in nastiness and bullying in classrooms, workplaces and public places. That is for sure. The leader of the free world is showing us how to lie, be tough and elevate the 'us vs them' argument to a new height. Here in Canada, workplaces and schools are saying they want things to be different. They want to address the increased racial slurs, condescending comments, and verbal attacks they are witnessing.
Canadians do not want the same thing to happen in our country as is happening in USA. Our reactive responses to this absurdity have been driven firstly by fear. Then we moved to acts of civic mindfulness. Our collective fear was heightened with the election, the Trump rhetoric and the Quebec City shooting. But we are choosing not to stay with fear, and are turning our attention to civic engagement, where through workshops, editorials, satire, arts & culture, Canadians are telling us they want to build a different kind of country, one that is welcoming, inclusive and equitable for all.
So, maybe in a twisted way, having Trump in power is making us more committed, participatory citizens (many Canadians were part of the women's march), and more conscious of what we want and don;t want here, and in the world. So, maybe in a twisted way, I have Trump to thank for the queries I'm getting at Diversity Matters about my work in diversity .
Mr Trump, I never thought I would thank you, but before I do . . . . I think I'll go shopping at Nordstrom.
I think it's safe to say that organizations overall believe diversity training is a nicety, and not necessarily a priority. However, in the last few months things have changed. (I think). On that fated November 8, 2016 evening when the USA election brought us results we were not expecting, many Canadians started feeling a wide range of things, from disbelief and horror to sadness and bewilderment. From talk of the wall to legislating the ban, Mr. Trump gave permission for our 'dark side' to surface and the racism or the misogyny that we thought was not in us, raised its ugly head and struck.
There is an increase in nastiness and bullying in classrooms, workplaces and public places. That is for sure. The leader of the free world is showing us how to lie, be tough and elevate the 'us vs them' argument to a new height. Here in Canada, workplaces and schools are saying they want things to be different. They want to address the increased racial slurs, condescending comments, and verbal attacks they are witnessing.
Canadians do not want the same thing to happen in our country as is happening in USA. Our reactive responses to this absurdity have been driven firstly by fear. Then we moved to acts of civic mindfulness. Our collective fear was heightened with the election, the Trump rhetoric and the Quebec City shooting. But we are choosing not to stay with fear, and are turning our attention to civic engagement, where through workshops, editorials, satire, arts & culture, Canadians are telling us they want to build a different kind of country, one that is welcoming, inclusive and equitable for all.
So, maybe in a twisted way, having Trump in power is making us more committed, participatory citizens (many Canadians were part of the women's march), and more conscious of what we want and don;t want here, and in the world. So, maybe in a twisted way, I have Trump to thank for the queries I'm getting at Diversity Matters about my work in diversity .
Mr Trump, I never thought I would thank you, but before I do . . . . I think I'll go shopping at Nordstrom.