The image below was recently found in multiple places online. One tweet proposed that this image was providing both language and definitions that DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion) needed. I disagreed and said it did not go far enough. Belonging does not mean that we get to do what we want without worrying about what people think. To truly belong means that we have a voice, that we can speak up, that our opinion matters and is heard, listening to, and sought after.
Being able to wear the shoes that I want is “too easy”. Too often today, DEI (and Belonging which is sometimes included) is reduced to a checklist that is easily managed.
Do we “look” diverse? Check
Do we “say” we include everyone? Check
Can people “wear” the shoes they want? Check
The problem is that many are not willing to do the hard work of pursuing belonging. For this to happen, we need to ask for input, we need to give space and place for this input to be spoken, we need to be willing to listen humbly, to apologize, to change, to do better, and maybe get out of the way so those in the margins are in the center. This will come at a cost, but until then, belonging will just be a nice buzz word to throw around. . . to the person wearing crocs.
