Addressing the Elephant in the Room: Why We Need to Confront Our Fear of the “Other”
The US is facing an elephant in the room that we can no longer ignore — the fear of the other. This fear is often directed towards people of color and immigrants who are increasingly participating in American society at all levels. It is fueled by a vocal minority of conservatives who are actively seeking to limit the political and social power of diverse groups. But what about the silent majority? What about those who remain quiet or fail to express their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)?
We need to confront this elephant in the room if we want to create a more just and equitable society. We need to acknowledge the fear of the other and the harm it can cause. If we remain silent, we are allowing this fear to fester and grow, leading to further marginalization and inequality.
To address the elephant in the room, we need to start by recognizing that DEI is not just a political issue, but a moral and ethical imperative. We need to take action that helps embrace the “other.” This requires us to be proactive in addressing institutional racism and structural inequality. We need to engage in meaningful relationships with those who are different from us, and to listen to their stories and experiences.
At the same time, we need to acknowledge that embracing diversity and inclusion is not a simple task. It requires us to be empathetic to those who come from markedly different societies with different cultural traditions and values. But this is precisely what has made America great — our ability to embrace diversity and harness its potential.
We also need to recognize that our silence can be complicit in perpetuating the fear of the other. By failing to speak out or take action, we are allowing this fear to continue unchecked.
So let’s address the elephant in the room. Let’s confront our fear of the other and commit to DEI in our actions, words, and relationships. Let’s create a society where all people are valued and respected, regardless of their background or identity. By doing so, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society for all.
Effenus Henderson, President and CEO of Henderworks
