Avoiding the Discussion of Race & Hatred In The U.S. is Not an Option
Neil Foote, President & Founder, Foote CommunicationsThe tragedy in Charlottesville, VA is revealing the ongoing discomfort this country has in addressing race and hatred. This, sadly so, has been an underlying reality throughout this country’s history. What’s critically important for this nation’s political, social, civic and business leaders is that they set the tone on how their citizens, residents, neighbors and co-workers perceive race. Leaders must send the message that diversity and inclusion are acceptable and required components of our society. What is clear is that this condemnation of hate groups is not a question of political correctness. Condemning such acts is sending message that we are a society who will not tolerate those who are trying to destroy what so many people have fought against for decades.The demographics of this country are real: Racial groups – black, Latino and Asian will become the majority of residents in cities around the country within the next two decades. When groups, specifically formed to spread hate based on race and religion, leaders must call them out because they are, in fact, domestic terrorists. Yes, terrorists. You know, the kinds that this country’s leaders are quick to label those who commit acts, like driving cars into crowds, in other parts of this country. If this country truly represents a beacon of a model of racial, religious and ethnic tolerance to the world, then Charlottesville is a horrific symbol of how hypocritical we are. You could pull hundreds of thousands of newspaper clips and thousands of hours of footage from media outlets that show the racially and religious driven hatred in this country and around the world.For corporate leaders and marketers, the events in Charlottesville should be seen as an opportunity to create forums to discuss the importance of race and tolerance in this country. Look at ATT’s CEO Randall Stephenson who made a point during an employee message to stress the importance of diversity and inclusion, even acknowledging the issue that “black lives matter”. Stephenson’s bold move is a great lesson for other CEOs. Other major companies are walking the talk by developing campaigns for a variety of brands that include racial, gender and ethnic diversity. CEOs and marketers need to use their powerful influence within their companies and as vehicles to reach mass markets to discuss diversity and inclusion. The risks are minimal; the advantages are long lasting. Here is a moment to send a message that that difference is not a thorn in our sides or a threat to our history, but a celebration of our strength. [author]About the Author: Neil Foote is a veteran journalist and media executive. He draws from his experience at the Miami Herald, Washington Post, Belo Corporation and Tom Joyner’s Reach Media. He also teaches digital and social media for journalists, media management and business journalism at the University of North Texas’ Frank W. & Sue Mayborn School of Journalism and runs Foote Communications, a media consulting firm. The native of Brooklyn, NY also is president of the board for the National Black Public Relations Society and founder of PoliticsInColor.com[/author]
