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I'm a little offput by diversity training that, to me at least, essentially challenges folks on a spiritual and moral level. I think everyone should challenge t
by humanrebar 6y ago
I'm a little offput by diversity training that, to me at least, essentially challenges folks on a spiritual and moral level. I think everyone should challenge themselves spiritually and morally, but I think the power imbalances inherent in work and academic training contexts make that kind of content patronizing or even inappropriate. I could see it being counterproductive in many cases.
It's probably true that employees, faculty, and some kinds of student leadership should be aware of ethical and legal obligations when it comes to diversity, though. So I think it would be hard to argue against all categories of diversity content.
It's just many (most?) recent forms of anti-racism content crosses the line from "meet these expectations about professional conduct" and into "proactively improve yourself as a person". I don't think it's appropriate for superiors to mandate the latter. A spiritual advisor, counselor, mentor, or mental health professional? Absolutely.
To be fair, I do think it's appropriate for employees to face consequences of their own racist behavior. Even, in many cases, when that behavior is unintended.
- itsdrewmiller 6y agoIt's just many (most?) recent forms of anti-racism content crosses the line from "meet these expectations about professional conduct" and into "proactively improve yourself as a person". I don't think it's appropriate for superiors to mandate the latter. Can you give an example of what kind of content you think is common that is crossing this line?
- humanrebar 6y agoContent that advocates for a particular moral framework. For example that outcomes matter more than intent. This is an area of philosophy that has been under continual discussion for thousands of years. In addition, curriculum that has participants take some sort of personal inventory. Also having them go through some sort of confessional process. Again, these are all healthy things to do. In the right context.
- rayiner 6y agoSee my link above about faculty and staff at a university Zoom meeting going around in a circle and each saying they are "a racist" and a "gatekeeper of white supremacy." There are ways to talk about implicit bias and systemic racism, but the confessional format crosses the line from providing information to something else. I go to church to be told I am a sinner and how to find redemption. Just give me the information and let me fit that into my value framework.
- newen 6y agoChristian bosses and managers in certain parts of the country a couple of decades ago firing you when they find out you don’t fit their morals. Now, the same people fire you if you’re not woke enough. It’s good, it’s progress.
- raxxorrax 6y agoDiversity training.