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...
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!
Agree with everything, except swapping out Pepsi for Coke. They are soooo different, and as a former Pepsi addict, I know Pepsi enthusiasts would never drink Coke. Better to quit them all, as I finally did.
The next boycott is next Friday, 28 February, which is a day of "buy nothing" -- except anything critical like medicine. But otherwise, spend NO money -- it's an attempt to show corporate America that their support of the fascist regime will hit them in their bottom line -- the only thing that matters to them.
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!
WIN!!!! Thanks for the follow up. I know that PBS stations work independently of one another.
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!
Thank you
Agree with everything, except swapping out Pepsi for Coke. They are soooo different, and as a former Pepsi addict, I know Pepsi enthusiasts would never drink Coke. Better to quit them all, as I finally did.
Fair enough -- I was just trying to provide simple examples.
I generally do not favor boycotts but it appears that we have no better weapon until we are able to dethrone King Trump.
The next boycott is next Friday, 28 February, which is a day of "buy nothing" -- except anything critical like medicine. But otherwise, spend NO money -- it's an attempt to show corporate America that their support of the fascist regime will hit them in their bottom line -- the only thing that matters to them.