We started November 2020 anxious and unsure of what the conclusion would be for one of the most important US elections of our generation. By the end of month, we had sighed a huge collective sigh of relief! We saw the power of grassroots mobilisation, activism and collective persistence. Even if you’re not based in the US, an election like this has global impact on our economies and our communities.
It can sometimes be overwhelming to think about how we might overturn global systemic oppression. The trick is to begin local. It’s about playing to your strengths and capabilities. November’s Diversity Dictionary words sought to show that matter what your political leaning, we all have an individual responsibility to do what we can to continue having a positive impact on our family, friends, communities, colleagues and society as a whole.
persona
We’re in the midst of some greatly important historical moments, while many injustices continue to sweep the globe, on a local and international level. At times like these, the feeling of overwhelm, confusion or helplessness can begin to creep in. If you’re unsure of how to make a difference at this moment, it may help to find your social justice ‘persona’.
A persona in this context is a social role a person can adopt, that aligns with their values, strengths and capabilities, in order to show up for social justice, equity and inclusion.
Personas are the chance to identify and re-centre ourselves, particularly in sustained or intense periods of social upheaval when we may feel like we are losing our sense of self amidst the campaigning, media reporting and onslaught of information from every direction.
The process of finding your persona in this context is the opportunity to explore the question: ‘What role can I play?’ and ‘How can I be most useful?’ In short, your persona can be your purpose.
There are a number of different persona ‘models’ or ‘maps’ that exist. One model that people may find particularly useful for November 2020 and beyond is the #SocialChangeMap developed by @deepaviyer, Director of Movement Building at @buildingmovementproject. This map comes with a worksheet and is for any individual looking to make a difference. You can find more info and all downloadable information via the link in their bios.
As we say at @_TheOtherBox, not everyone can do everything but if we’re all doing what we can, we will have a positive impact at an individual and societal level.
representation
The word ‘representation’ has many meanings. For the purpose of this week’s #DiversityDictionary offering, it is when an individual or group acts, speaks and is present and visible on behalf of other individuals or groups.
The past week has seen some much-needed relief and representation in global news. Joe Biden has been elected President of the United States and with him, Kamala Harris as the first Madam Vice President, the first woman, the first Black woman and the first South Asian woman to hold office at the White House.
The phrase ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’ couldn't be more relevant. Harris’s presence on the global stage has opened the doors for many. And it is entirely possible to celebrate this representation while at the same time continuing to hold elected representatives to account.
Here is why: representation does not automatically equal equity, justice or inclusion. For example, Harris’s policies and voting record have not always been favourable to the most marginalised in society. The UK’s Home Secretary Priti Patel, who is of Indian descent, is passing immigration laws that may have prevented her own parents from settling in the country where she holds one of the highest positions in government. In more than half the world’s countries, including Bolivia, Afghanistan and Iraq, there are mandated quotas for women in politics, yet this representation does not automatically prevent violence towards women and girls.
While representation is crucial, we as individuals and communities must continue to be accountable for ourselves. Representation can and must be paired with individual action and education. In our courses we talk about the ripple effect: as individuals, we all have the power to positively impact our families, friends, organisations, and society as a whole. It begins with individual responsibility.
Accountability
Accountability is an individual or organisation’s willingness to accept responsibility for their behaviour, language and beliefs. In the context of diversity, inclusion and allyship, accountability encourages transparency, collaboration and can enable people to learn from mistakes.
For example, while it may be easy to assume that elected government representatives have our interests and safety in mind, COVID-19 has shown that we cannot passively depend on their leadership. We must actively hold leaders to account, so that they will follow through on commitments and to be transparent about their policies and decisions.
It’s important also to hold brands and organisations to account in the ways they treat people, and to demand transparency about their processes. For example, in June 2020, we saw hundreds of brands posting a black square on their Instagram feeds for #BlackOutTuesday in support of Black Lives Matter. Yet many of these brands have taken no further action since. Or it has come to light that they have a problematic history of how they have treated Black employees in the past. Accountability is about moving beyond performative actions, owning up to past shortcomings and taking responsibility to create a plan of action for positive change.
At a time of social change and uncertainty, we need to be individually accountable and responsible for our own education and actions. In this context, accountability is about getting clear on what your personal values are and how your actions align with those values.
Accountability is also about accepting responsibility for mistakes we might make, being open to feedback, and having the agility and humility to course-correct. It is the acceptance that we are always in the process of growing and learning.
everyday Activism
Activism tends to be seen as the work of dedicated campaigners and advocates, working in an organised way towards a specific social movement. For many people who are not knee-deep in this work, it can be easy to think ‘activism is not for me’.
Everyday activism, however, is the everyday talk and action, not consciously coordinated with the actions of others but inspired by a social movement and consciously intended to change others' ideas or behavior in directions advocated by that movement.
While recognised activists like Greta Thunberg and Angela Davis have immense (and necessary) global impact, the idea of everyday activism can help reframe our understanding of the impact each of us can have through our daily actions and choices.
Everyday activism is about aligning with your values, doing what is within your means and starting local. Think about the influence you can have on your immediate social circles, workplace and communities through the choices you make.
Here are some examples of everyday activism:
Speaking up against microaggressions in the workplace - even if you’re not directly affected by the microaggression.
Expressing yourself through art, music, writing, to raise awareness and create action.
Being conscious and intentional about where you spend your money.
Sharing educational resources on social media or other platforms.
Recommending movies, books, podcasts and TV shows that offer a different perspective on marginalised experiences.
What are some forms of everyday activism that you take part in?
Part of our mission at The Other Box is to educate as many people as possible in the language of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). On all our social channels, we share weekly words and their definitions, with a different theme each month.
These terms are a taster and have been taken from our Diversity Dictionary™ module in our Know Your Bias™ course. If you'd like to learn more, check out our courses page and fill in the contact form.
Is there a theme you’d like to see covered in Diversity Dictionary? Let us know! Our work is co-created by our community to work towards creating a world that is more inclusive and safe for everyone.
Words by Roshni Goyate
Header image by Oleg Laptev on Unsplash