Writing responses

Respond to two students discussion post. Just type the paragraph under the discussion. It doesn’t have to be in essay form.

Also, make sure that your response(s) are substantial and at least 100 words.  In your responses, you must include connections to course learning objectives. 

Discussion Post #1

Terry Gainer

Mellody Hobson and Queen Elizabeth I both presented compelling views on race, ethnicity, and gender. For Queen Elizabeth I expressed in her speech to not underestimate her based on her stature as a woman; which some may categorized as being weak and feeble. She wanted to be known as one who possessed the heart and determination of a king. This stance demonstrated her desire to show strong leadership in society and time dominated by men. Mellody Hobson expressed in her TedTalk presentation that seeing the world through “colorblind” eyes, is like saying that we do not see color differences. In fact, there are differences and we should be brave enough to confront and embrace them. She suggested that when we see these differences to create a culture of understanding. 

On several occasions, I have had the opportunity to serve on interview committees and hiring teams. It was evident that the entire process was more a formality because others on the committee already agree who they were going to hire. I consistently saw the biasness toward well qualified and talented individuals, but they were “outsiders.” In other words, they were not a part of system of partners or affiliated groups. When the organization only hires within that pool of familiar candidates, there was no opportunities to employ fresh talent or staff who can challenge the status quo and present ideas to appeal to broader groups. I felt this hiring biasness limited our ability to expand and grow departments that really needed forward movement.

Discussion #2

Rhyne Owenby

The words of the two female speakers are timely as the world grapples with engulfing social unrest.  As leaders across the globe struggle to respond to the cry for racial and gender equality, the question becomes, are they responding because of the realization that changes are needed, or are they, as many suggest, simple virtue-signaling hoping that the issues will disappear?

The call for equality is not going away, nor should it.  Mellody Hobson's speech, Color Blind or Color Brave, is a passionate call to action that every leader should want to hear.  Hobson tells the story of inequality using facts while, at the same time, using rhetorical tools to drive the point.  The speech was not accusatory as she focused on facts and used personal references to allow the viewer to feel inequality. The speech's focus was racial equality, but the word race was seldom used; instead, you often hear the word's color and diversity.  After watching the video, it is hard to imagine not feeling the need to be "color brave" to ensure every person has the same chance of living their dream.

Queen Elizabeth 1 to the Troops at Tilbury was equally passionate; however, a bit more reserved.  The Queen spoke in very marked and deliberate tones on the eve of the Spanish Armada in 1588.  The speech shows great courage and conviction while also acknowledging that others might find "her body but of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a king." The juxtaposition between the two speeches did not go unnoticed; the Queen must prove herself as powerful as a King while Mellody Hobbs, a successful, wealthy black female, grew up knowing she could be anything she dreamed of becoming. 

I have not faced discrimination or bias as a challenge in my workplace; however, I see challenges in our community.  Like communities all over the nation, inequality must be openly addressed.  I agree with Hobson's statements that our communities' leaders must engage in difficult discussions to be proactive and, ultimately, successful.  It is incumbent on community leaders to create environments that encourage diversity and inclusion because it is the right thing to do.  Our communities will grow and be healthier, smarter, and more successful when facing our challenges and embracing our differences.