We need to see ourselves
To create a sense of belonging, we must be able to “see” ourselves represented in our leaders, media, teams, workplaces, and brands we trust. Positive media representation can reduce stereotypes and bias plus increase self-esteem of systemically marginalized populations.
The positive shift starts with images and stories that reflect and elevate the diverse world we live in. But we don’t stop there. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging aren’t about looking the part; they’re about doing the work. We’re each responsible for taking action that welcomes diverse voices, listens to new ideas, and shares both decision-making and leadership opportunities.
Start with yourself
When you wake up each morning, ask yourself if you want to perpetuate a world where discrimination, hate, oppression, and other forms of systemic violence are maintained. If your answer is no, then vote. At the ballot, with your actions, with your dollars, and with your day-to-day decisions.
Is diversity represented in your music, your fashion, and your food choices? Is diversity represented in your team meetings, in your company’s leadership, and in the sources you cite? Can you identify more than ten categories of diversity? Can you identify ten ways you created a more inclusive and equitable world today?
Our firm is evolving itself
Like many of us, companies, too, take time to reflect on who they are, what they stand for, and who they strive to become. If you know Unify Consulting, you’ll notice something new—an enhanced website, vision, mission and values. With a renewed sense of purpose, new DEIB goals, and a new look, we’re ready to act and take the rest of the 2020s by storm—because representation matters at every table where decisions are made.
Insightful resources
- This Changes Everything: Top actresses discuss gender discrimination in the media and entertainment industry.
- Salesforce, Why Representation Matters: Black, Indigenous, and Latinx share their perspective.
- BBC’s Equality Project: The biggest collective action BBC has ever taken to increase representation.
- PBS, Why Media Representation Matters to Teens: What the future generations have to say.
- Psychology Today: Why representation matters and is also not enough.
