Separation and Community
Diversity, equity, and inclusion — how to create a harmonious and peaceful world
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US has close to two mass shootings a day on average according to BBC News in the past three years.
A person in the USA is 824% more likely to get shot than a person in neighboring Canada, and a 2,200% higher chance than someone in the European Union. Shocking and traumatic statistics. We have to ask, why?
Mass shootings are usually hate crimes. Something that came about because in the shooter’s judgement, frustration, and perception there is no other way of dealing with the issue. The US Department of Justice defines a hate crime as:
How can you help change these alarming and heart-breaking statistics? Literally your life could be on the line if we don’t. The shootings happen in public, “safe” places like shopping centers, outdoor celebrations, places of worship, entertainment centers etc., indiscriminately hurting/killing people. The ones targeted often are members of a group that the shooter feels have wronged him/her with some perceived injustice. The ones who suffer most are African, Hispanic, Asian, Jewish, Indigenous, LGBTQ+ Americans, and other marginalized communities.
At some level we all carry misconceptions about others, frequently from lack of first-hand experience and information. We pass that bias in our thoughts, words, and actions to influence others. That unconscious bias hurts, and now more than ever, kills.
As a member of a group that is increasingly being attacked, and who works and consults in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion field, I say there are solutions. And they can be developed by each one of us. Now. Please.
Change is not easy, but it is crucial for everyone to feel and be safe, to fully contribute, and flourish. And each one of us can make a difference.
Steps to harmonious and peaceful world:
1. Learn and get to know people with differing perspectives, ethnicity, cultural, religions and orientations. What we don’t know and misunderstand can cause judgments and reactions that are detrimental to others and ultimately to ourselves. We all have biases…
