As our world becomes increasingly smaller, we expect to see resistance. For many, this is their first time “rubbing elbows” with individuals with different cultures and values from their own. That resistance surfaces in the form of individualism, bigotry, and bias and believe it or not, it’s more human than one might expect. Creating an inclusive personality or business takes effort, intention, and often collaboration. Our current climate makes it easy to remain in our bubbles instead of reaching across the aisle, but we all know that it’s the right thing to do.
The most effective way to fight division and hateful rhetoric is to make sure you are doing all you can to educate yourself on those who are considered “them”. Businesses aren’t exempt from the responsibility of promoting inclusion – if anything, they are more responsible. As a business owner, it’s vital that you promote diversity and inclusion in your brand, your hiring process, and most importantly, your content.
Producing content that takes into account the variety of the human experience is the first step to culturally competent marketing as well as customer interaction. It’s not enough to avoid offensive terminology. Today’s organizations need a mindset that proactively rejects the ‘-ism’ with which we have all become too familiar. Allow me to assist your company on the path to cultural competency.
As a Black woman, I’ve spent much of my life navigating a world that ‘othered’ me from birth. As a student of Psychology and a researcher of public health disparities, I’ve learned so much about the barriers and biases that limit marginalized groups on their journey to mental and physical health. Unfortunately, I experienced a few of those barriers- some of which left permanent scars, but I made it. Despite a few painful memories of life experiencing racialized sexism, I believe I can use my personal and professional experience to bridge the gap between ignorance and equity. It won’t be easy but it will be worth it.