D.E.I, those three little letters have become a mark of shame for persons of color in the media sphere. Redressing prejudices, systemic exclusion Diversity, Equity and Inclusion was meant to give a chance to ones who more than likely would be outside knocking on the door hoping to get a foot inside the entry way.
In President Trump’s first year in office the head of state set his sights on dismantling D.E.I. While wars raged, an affordability crisis that shows no sign of slowing down, the administration touted its success in getting P.O.C fired from their jobs. Without squirming, one after another, companies dismissed workers labeled as “unfair hires”, ditching diversity as fast as the speed of light. This happens when companies have the certitude of wet paper bags.
Outlets never fully embraced diverse hiring. At times it felt more like window dressing than an actual strategy. The created titles seemed as if right out of a comedy monologue. “Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging” was one. The joke writes itself, a lot of words with no authority. The officers “advised” yet had no place at the decision-making tables.
The Media Club is the same as a castle with a raised draw bridge surrounded by an alligator filled moat. Getting permission to enter as a member is an arduous task. Once in as a person of color, trying to fit in is a high wire act. What opinion to have? How not offend in order to get the invites? Knowing many opportunities will not come because of predispose attitudes. Speaking to Black Colleagues, there have told stories of being placed on B-Lists for attending events: meaning highly unlikely they may not get in.
From experience, as a person of color being in these rooms, there is awkward sense of belonging. The indirect questions behind a phony smile. The lead questions are “Who do you work for? Or “Who are your readers?” A code language asking if I am possibly worthy of being here. The hard work or ability is overshadowed by a perceived mark of tokenism based on race.
D.E.I was meant to take a step forward to include more voices in the conversations. In less than ten months the industry went back five paces.