During these troubling pandemic times, many good things have happened, people have been reflecting more about the value of a life, of respect, and of family.
On the other hand, we also saw many terrible things happen, the economy, businesses, people losing jobs, selfishness, and aggressiveness. And what always grabs my attention during times like this, is the behavior of people.
All around the globe, we have seen extreme acts of violence which have brought up a discussion about racism, inequality, and injustice.
I write today in observance of an extremely relevant date in the history of the United States, June 19th, which is the date for celebrating the end of slavery, but I could have written this article on any other day the year, and its relevance would still uphold.
Thinking about the fact that we are living in 2020, and there is still moments of extreme discrimination, inequality, and injustice is simply astonishing and unpleasant. We still watch these situations happen and few are those who react and take valid actions in order to correct this problem, and there is much to be done.
Discrimination can start through small action on the day-to-day basis, to which we pass by, see, and start to accept as the “normal”. And there’s where the danger lies, silent discrimination, the initial comments are taken to be jokes, but have the intent to hurt someone, or those that are made in a more discrete manner, without any witnesses, but are direct and aggressive. Silent discrimination leeches away the confidence and self-esteem of the person involved, to the point where the person might not value themselves or not be deemed worthy, and it can become the new “normal” for them.
In my years of experience in corporations, I am certain about one fact I have learned:
Most people seek equality and not special treatment. They want to be given the same opportunities, regardless of color, ethnicity, country of origin, religion, sexual orientation, and any other physical differences.
I have faith that one day, the only diversity being discussed is the diversity of minds, because that is what increases out capacity to have better results. Talented and brilliant minds complementing each other.
Cheers for equality!
Emília Z.
LAECAM collaborator