White Guys Are Diverse, Too™!

Recently, I had a call from a diversity coordinator who was intrigued about the title of the program. As I shared she said that people may have trouble with the title of the program. I asked her why. She said that people would think it was racist or would make people feel uncomfortable.

She wasn’t the first person to say that, and sadly she won’t be the last. I shared with her the same thing I’m going to share with you.

If I write “Hispanics are Diverse, Too!” most people would agree. Hispanics are a very diverse group of people. Most people assume that Hispanics are the same, they are not. Even their language is different. That is why meeting planners now request that their presenters speak formal Spanish known as Castilian Spanish (the language standard for radio and TV speakers) because of the variation among Spanish speakers. The food is different from country to country. Religious beliefs are also different. Hispanics religious beliefs include Roman Catholic, Pentecostal, and yes even Jewish and Muslim.

If I asked you are “African Americans are Diverse, Too!” people would say yes….but when questioned further people share that “African Americans are Diverse, Too!” most often the reason cited is because of economics or education. When I ask an audience “What is ‘Soul’ food?” Most audience members will say chicken, black eyed peas, collard greens and corn bread. The word ‘Soul’ was applied to food (Soul Food) when, according to Wikipedia, “in the mid-1960s, the word ‘soul’ was a common definer used to describe African-American culture (for example, soul music). However African-American culture varies for instance. During African American History month many people serve ‘Soul Food” as the food of choice for African-Americans.

For a second generation Nigerian that may be different:
“When Nigerians crave “home cooking,” though, the specific dishes won’t necessarily be the same, says Kehinde, because favorites differ among tribes and even within tribes.For instance, the Hausa people of northern Nigeria favor meat kebabs; the Ibos of the south are partial to luxurious stews of fish, shrimp, crab, lobster, rice and vegetables — precursors of Louisiana gumbo or jambalaya. In the central part of the country, the Yoruba people, to which the Kehindes belong, enjoy stewed meats but divide on whether to serve mashed yams or mashed cassava alongside. Aderonke grew up with yams; Modupe’s family must have cassava.” shared Aderonke Kehinde in an interview for Meagwali.com

Or a second generation person from Belize, Central America:
Whose comfort food may include escabeche (an onion broth with chicken), chirmole or relleno. The food might include fish sere and hudut both of which are made from coconut milk, conch soup and the ever popular, thick cowfoot soup. .

We, you and I, must look deeper and not make assumptions of people. Not about Hispanics, African Americans, or women. The same goes for White Guys. We must look deeper and learn about the individual. No one owns diversity. We are all diverse.

White Guys are very diverse group of people. Religion, cultural history, immigration and family foods . You may think that comfort food is the same – hamburgers and fries… Well many people worldwide eat hamburgers and fries. White Guys and their families may have different comfort foods depending on their background. Here is a sampling of comfort foods that have been passed down through families.

Irish – Irish soda bread, Cockle soup, turnip soup, Irish stew
Polish – Pierogi (filled dumplings), Bigos (Hunter’s Stew), Kotlet schabowy (breaded pork cutlet with seasoning)
English – Roast Beef and Yorkshire Puddings and Fish and Chips
Australia- Anzac biscuits, meat pies, sausage rolls, potato croquettes and Promite

Know that “White Guys Are Diverse Too(tm)!” Just as Hispanics, African Americans, women, veterans, as well as you and I.
Have you seen the video at www.WhiteGuysAreDiverse.com?

On January 31st, we are hosting a DoD approved White Guys Are Diverse Too™! training here at our corporate center, I wanted to ask your assistance in helping us to spread the word. We want to have as many people be exposed to the training as possible. This is our first OPEN program – meaning open to employees of corporations and organizations who value innovative and inclusive diversity programs.

Diversity and Inclusion is both a top down and bottom up process. How people are perceived, how they engage with others and how they seek support impacts career development, leadership, productivity and profitability.

The program has been vetted extensively within the corporate arena. Leaders within Sodexo served as advisers, then Sodexo piloted the program (Alpha and Beta), reviewed by legal counsel, EEO and many, many people. The program was launched on March 2010.

The program has been vetted extensively within the federal government and DoD. The US Navy piloted the program at the US Naval Academy and several bases. JAGS reviewed the program. The National Guard Bureau in DC vetted the program through senior leadership. Sixty senior leaders reviewed the program and was approved. Senior staff from NASA, Fannie Mae, and Nuclear Regulatory Commission have participated and approved the program. The Congressional mandated Military Leadership Diversity Commission heard testimony regarding the program and the outcomes. The focus was on the impact on recruiting, retention and engagement of those with high propensity to serve.

We are passionate about the program and we want to share it with many people as possible. Do you have any coworkers that may be interested in attending? If so would you please tell them about the training? Do you have any contacts or could you suggest anyone who may be interested in finding out more about the program?

Any advice or help you can offer is really appreciated. I have also sent you the link to the invitation below. Thank you so much for your input.

White Guys Are Diverse Too(tm) Training in Jacksonville, FL Registration

The statistics and overview of the 3 hour intensive White Guys Are Diverse Too(TM)! shared with the Military Leadership Diversity Commission.