Quite often in my professional life I’ve told members of my team, “That’s motion, not movement. We need movement.” There is a subtle yet important difference between the two, actually. Motion, simply put, is a change of position over a period of time; movement, however, is physical motion between points in space. Jumping up and down in one place is motion; actually walking across the room is movement.
Movement, therefore, implies progression (or, yes, regression sometimes) whereas motion is just an expenditure of kinetic energy.
My point here, is simple: the events of the past few weeks has inspired a plethora of motion…
…but how do we create movement?
While no expert in the subject and will be nowhere near as eloquent or erudite as some others, here are some points for your consideration:
1. Keep Up the (Non-Violent) Protesting. Note that I didn’t say “peaceful,” as that has taken on a negative connotation lately. No, peaceful does not mean quiet or subtle, but it may be misinterpreted as such so I’m changing my terminology.
As I’ve stated before I do not believe in violence, looting, or anarchy…but I’ve no intention of being quiet. Be heard, and support others in being heard.
2. Statements, Thoughts, and Prayers do not Equate to Action. CEO statements and affirmations of support from businesses are more than appreciated and do have an impact…but only a little if they are not backed up by action.
I remember during my last gig as a CISO, when my company touted its diversity program and its “commitment” to ethnic diversity. I made the mistake of asking what, specifically, they intended to do in support of that commitment. “Are you tracking minority candidate numbers applying for positions? Are you recruiting from schools with reasonable minority populations? Are you considering placing candidates with alternative backgrounds into positions as an opportunity to grow them?”
I got no answers.
While statements of solidarity are a great start, I would hope that these companies are also implementing effective diversity guidelines that are backed up with effective strategies re: creating and fostering a truly diverse and welcoming environment. Remember, you are what you do, not what you say.
3. Stop Blanket Demonization. Let’s stop assuming the worst of individuals based upon their ethnicity, job, or their views. All people of all ethnicities and all political views need to hear this!
Several years ago I had the opportunity to listen to the TED talk of Theo E. J. Wilson. In it, Wilson describes his “infiltration” of the alt-right (not as difficult feat for a young black man as you might believe). Wilson found himself surprised that there were areas of commonality that he found with his former trolls…and a need for all sides to step back and communicate openly and fully in order to achieve understanding…
…and that understanding is the beginning of (re)creating community and civility.
4. Vote. In all elections. At all levels. Do not accept elected officials who preach messages of discrimination, misogyny, or caste politics. Above all, do not surrender to the myth that your vote is meaningless. Be counted.
* * * * *
Now is the time for movement, not motion. Now is the time to insist on meaningful, purposeful, and permanent change. The only way our society, our democracy, our civilization will continue to flourish is if we finally (finally!) stop giving in to the exhortations and temptations to “sit down and be quiet” and use the current tragedies to move towards a better tomorrow.
Commenti