None of us were born homophobes, racists, ageists, misogynists, or classists, we become these things through a powerful process of social conditioning that reinforces so many of the divisive social constructs that wreak havoc in our society and work. While social conditioning start almost the moment we’re born, many children do not see color or race as adults do. If children can see the world this way, so can adults.
This unusual and moving story illustrates our capacity to move from racial hatred to recognizing our common humanity and loving all human beings.
This video clip is referred to in the Book and illustrates Morgan Freeman's desire to set aside the social construct of race. Every major shift in thinking starts with you.
In the book we talk about the critical need for all groups to address internal barriers to success. Our unconscious thoughts and feelings drive behaviors that result in the inequality our DEI programs are designed to address. Not only are certain groups disadvantaged by external factors, but many groups are unconsciously disadvantaged by their own sense of themselves. Greater self awareness through mindfulness can help to reveal unhelpful, destructive thoughts and so empower change.
None of us were born homophobes, racists, ageists, misogynists, or ableists, we become these things through a powerful process of social conditioning that reinforces the divisive social constructs that wreak havoc in our society and work. Without some intervention, children grow into adults expressing the biases ingested over a lifetime of social conditioning. Mindfulness and the greater self awareness that arrives with mindfulness can help to reverse that social conditioning.
Gender roles are taught by adults to children both consciously and unconsciously, and causes little boys and little girls to grow into adults that unconsciously express gender behaviors that often undermine them in their careers and in other aspects of their lives. Being mindfully aware of thoughts that drive such behaviors can empower women and men to consciously exchange unhelpful behaviors for more empowering behaviors.
In the book I suggest that colleagues experiment with Power of Eight Groups, devised by Lynne McTaggart, to drive better DEI outcomes. In this video, Lynne provides guidance on running Power of Eight Groups.
LBC is a popular talk show in London, UK. Darren, a doorman working in London, called to reject the anti-immigration sentiment being expressed by other callers on LBC. Darren is a 'white' British man with a clear understanding of inclusion and the benefits of diversity. A wonderful example of what's possible all of us.