Black and White

Happy Martin Luther King Day and the annual opportunity to look at where we are in terms of achieving Dr. King's goal of peace and brotherhood. The very clear message that I have gotten from having an African-American president is that that is not the time to work on race relations.  The fact that you can wrap racism in the cloak of politics and "I just don't agree with you" is shockingly prevalent.  Race is still a very big deal and we are no where near the point where Dr. King would like to be even though almost 50 years have passed wince he voiced this hope.  Change is difficult, and it is also very slow.

I would not have predicted it when I was younger, but for a very long time I have voiced the extremely unpopular belief that the best advocates for diversity are those who do not have a dog in the fight. Men can be far more effective advocates for the rights and representation of women, so long as they are actually passionate about that cause. The same goes for straight and long time married people vocally advocating for marriage equality.  The role of bringing diversity and civility and fairness to education and the work place is complicated, but essential.  If the person tasked with that job is merely window dressing, someone who is there to demonstrate that indeed "we have a Diversity Officer", then they are just as ineffective as the next guy.  Organizations need to want change, even demand change or it will not happen.  But if there is a will there is a way.

My annual MLK Day speech to my four white male offspring, all of whom are now adults, is that they need to be the most vocal advocates for civil rights. Speak out in favor of civil rights when none of them directly benefit you--because the truth is that we all benefit from diversity, and to know people who come from different places and cultures and perspectives is the best reward of all. Doing the right thing makes the world a better place, which is ultimately good for everyone. So keep up the good fight.