Combatting the Loss of DEI
Many companies have dismantled their DEI programs. Others have not, and remain committed to DEI1. This is especially problematic for those of us who work for the companies with no more DEI. If we are anything other than a white, Christian, male, do we stay so that while the program is gone, we are still standing and visible? Do we leave to prove a point, even if there is a risk about not being able to get a job with a decent company? Hard decision.
For those of us who use products and services from the bad companies, is there another option? In some cases, yes, in other cases no. And sometimes it is a difficult decision. For example, do you stop watching PBS? Do you give up your Ford, Nissan, Toyota or Harley if you’re still paying it off and you’re upside down on your loan?
Some of it is easy, if the geography works: do your food shopping at Albertson’s, Kroger, Lidl, Publix or Wegmans, and not at Aldi, Target or Walmart.
It’s also easy to switch from Pepsi products to Coke products. Or from McDonalds to Burger King. There are more!
Anything involving tech is far more complicated since they’re all complicit in one way or another. For example, for now, Microsoft is keeping its DEI programs intact, but they contributed to the inauguration. Is now the time to switch from Zoom (no DEI) to TEAMS (a Microsoft product)?
How do I know all this? I have the list, which gets updated as more information becomes available, along with links to each company. Here’s the list.
Some of you might ask if getting a Whopper instead of a Quarter Pounder will make any difference. If enough of us do, and not just for burgers, YES IT WILL. Companies care about their bottom line and the more we all cost them, the greater the impact.
You know what you need to do.
In the interest of full disclosure, I was hired for my first professional job because of affirmative action (forerunner to DEI), specifically, the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972.
I wrote my local PBS station and asked "Before I donate, I want to know whether you plan to close your DEI office."
Their response was: "... Because OPB is a separate organization from PBS, this decision does not directly impact the work OPB is doing. At OPB and at KMHD, we work to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed, valued and heard. We remain committed to continuing our efforts to foster an inclusive environment for all, and one that reflects the communities we serve. ..."
My response back: "... Thanks for the reply. Alas, what you did not do was answer my question. I know that in 2019 you partnered with the Center for Equity and Inclusion and established a DEI team. I understand your stated goals of fostering an inclusive environment for all. However, my question remains: Are you closing your DEI office?"
Finally.. a direct answer! "... No. There are no name changes, no staff reductions or transfers ..." with more of the same fostering an inclusive environment, etc...
It was great to hear!
Great write, as usual! I have to add, a lot of us who are strongly involved in the Palestinian cause, are already following a list of businesses not to use. This create a conflict as some of the companies still supporting a DEI programs are also supporting genocide. Then there are the companies that have no announced position on neither Palestine nor DEI, but are knonw to be run by rightwingers.
Some of these companies might be an alternative for both of the above, but you are still doing business with people who support harmful agenda, like the GOP in general.
It can sometimes be tempting to say "they are all bad so shop wherever" but that is clearly not the solution. Places like Mcds and Starbucks and Coke have already shown that a widespread resistance can hurt them on their bottom line. Some companies will move the direction of the boycotters demands, especially if it clearly organizies and presents a clear set of demands.
Of course, like an old buddhist friend taught me a long time ago, not eating meat isnt as much for the animals you dont consume as it is for you, becoming a person who doesnt kill and eat our brothers and sisters.
Thank you for a reminder that financial resistance is real and important for those same reasons!