The race card is a term we have all heard before. It is generally met with negative thoughts, as it is often used with negative connotation. The race card is used to describe victimization, as many people often believe bringing up race is an attempt to create self-pity. It is also used to suggest living in the past, as some would like to believe that we have made the type of advancements in society that no longer require us to consider race. The reality is that as a minority we desire nothing more than to pull the race card, and eliminate it. What do I mean by that? We want to be able to say we have equal access to equal opportunity regardless of the color of our skin. We want to be able to walk in the room, and not feel a sense of discomfort due to a lack of minority representation. We want the organizations and leaders who profess to care about us as consumers and employees to offer us a seat at the table, and give us a chance to drive strategy. The truth of the matter is that we still have a way to go before we can throw the race card away. We are still in a position where we need to pull the race card, and talk about it.

Diversity and inclusion can be difficult topics to approach, as they are often met with frustration on all sides. The excluded class feels awkward for bringing the topic up, and the opposing side can at times feel attacked. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to admit that the way we have done things is not the right way. So, we gloss over hard topics, and never make progress. Have you ever been in a relationship, and been miserable because your significant other wasn’t meeting your needs? Or have you ever been super aggravated with them, but refused to let them know out of fear of their reaction? I’m sure many of you have answered yes.

continue reading »