Racial diversity and inclusion work is not new in our country. It started since the civil rights movement. What happened afterwards was a quota system where affirmative action was required to make sure we have diversity, such as on education and employment.
A quota system is a rule. When there is a rule, we comply. Because when we don’t, we would face a consequence and punishment.
For the past 60 years, compliance has been proven not working, at least around the diversity and inclusion work. When we have to do something to avoid being punished, it’s very different from doing it willingly.
There are times when rules are needed to assure the order in the society and keep everyone well. Using the traffic lights as example, we obey the rules to make sure everyone gets to share the road and arrive the destinations safe and sound.
There are times when rules are not serving us. For example, fee required enrichment programs only available during the after-school hours and there would be no bus service (because school can’t afford it) for the children in need. Many kids are not able to participate.
There are places that we need to comply to live in harmony. But when compliance is the only option we have, when it's not serving us, it denies our choices and connections we are longing for.
Beware of compliance.
