Watch BET College Hill May 19

10 PM Eastern. I will be the therapist for the housemates. I believe all of the co-eds are of African descent, but the diversity between them gets in the way of their harmonious living. Check out my approach to the group's problems. Let me know what you think. You might need me to work with your difficult group. Does not matter what kind of group it is.

Diversity the new Inclusion

Diversity refers to difference--any kind of difference. it bring to our attention the obvious and it poses a question. Inclusion, however, offers the answer--what we need to do about difference. We know all too well what is wrong and how we have mismanaged difference. Now, with inclusion, we find ourselves mending our relationships. We, with the wisdom of the past, know that we need to invite others to the table. That's it, inclusion connotes invitation. So now with a new consciousness of difference, we invite everyone to the decision-making process. We now know that we are truly an ecosystem where what affect one affects us all. Don't know what took us so long to figure that one out, but I'm glad we did. The other way of dealing with difference was not only costly, but exhausting. Distrust wears on you health. Now, that we are aware of what to do about our differences--be inclusive--we can be about the business of building a cohesive community.
I like the word inclusive because it's active, it tells you what to do, very simple. It even implies a sentiment
of the value of those once thought as 'other." I like this new word. Besides, "diversity" had lost its value.

This is still America

Come On Guys,

We know that "change has come to America," but we also know that change is gradual. So we have to bear with ages of bigotry both within us and our neighbors "just a lil' while longer." NO, I'm not saying we should ignore the chimp comic strip, but I am saying that we need to continue to create the world we want by standing up to ourselves. This simply means that each one of us has a job to do when it comes to the ignorance like that exhibited by the NY paper. I know we have to stand against such blatant racism, but after we stage our protest, let's keep the protest going by contributing to the well-being of our communities. Making our world better , more inclusive will sustain the change we want. I believe our President would want us to find ways to create community. I believe he's saying "I'm going to be fine. Y'all just need to find ways to re-build our country in the community where you live." In other words, take that protest energy and serve some worthy cause.

Oh, how about this?

If we want the news paper to pay for their wrongdoing, then why not demand that they do community service in an under-served school? Now, that is true restitution. Perhaps, the company could purchase new computers, pay for after school snacks, or pay salary for extra teaching assistants. Because we can pressure owners in to making a real apology, but we can't make them mean it. But if they contribute in some meaningful way to some needy group, they will be doing some good. For an apology would be an empty formality--and we've had enough of those to last another hundred years.

Race? Naw, It's All Made Up

Biologically, there is only one race--the human race. So, when will begin to use language that represents our reality? I move that every informed person begin, now, using new language. Instead of saying "race" when referring to different kinds of people, say ethnic group or cultural group, which is where the difference lies. The difference in not in our essences, as we are but one people. One People. So, I challenge those of you who agree that the idea of "race" has been divisive to join me. And invite your friends to do the same. One person at a time we can change things. Change your language and change the world!

If you agree that there is only one "race" sign my petition

1. Debra Harris Nixon, Fort Lauderdale, FL

"Inclusion:" The New Diversity

I like the word diversity, but some people
cant' get over the idea that it means
Black and White. Whatever. So let's talk
inclusion. Inclusion is more inclusive, I guess
; at least it sounds that way. You think of
everyone: tall, short, attractive, not so, old,
young, educated, un, skinny, not so. Well
you get my meaning. Now that we've upgraded
the word, what will you do to upgrade your
inclusive behavior. The word does not change
me in any significant ways. I still have to
consider how I may be excluding those
who is not like me. The heart of the
matter does not change for me; I will
still do occasional self-checks to make sure
that I am including those who exclude me--
that I am honoring and respecting their
ideas even when I flatly disagree. So,
no matter what its called, I have so much
work to do on myself, so far to go before I
get there. What about you? How's your
journey?