Revising the stories we hold dear with Denise Hamilton
Feb 13, 2024
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Denise Hamilton, an inclusion strategist, discusses revising old stories and beliefs, responding to backlash against diversity and inclusion. She explores indivisibility, valuing uniqueness, renovating America's foundation, redefining capabilities, and abandoning the word 'authentic'.
Challenging oversimplified narratives and seeking the truth are crucial in revising long-held beliefs.
Engaging in meaningful discussions and embracing curiosity and empathy are essential for understanding diverse perspectives and promoting unity.
Deep dives
The Importance of Truth-Seeking and the Power of Stories
Denise Hamilton, an inclusion strategist, shares her journey of becoming an inclusion strategist and the importance of being a truth seeker. She emphasizes the power of stories and how they shape our understanding of the world. Hamilton discusses the need to challenge oversimplified narratives and uncover the truth, even if it is uncomfortable. She highlights a story about George Washington's Teeth to illustrate the difference between keepers of the story and truth seekers. Hamilton emphasizes the role of curiosity and empathy in engaging in meaningful conversations with those who hold different beliefs, promoting a shared understanding and respect for diverse perspectives.
Navigating Difference and Shifting the DEI Conversation
Denise Hamilton shares her expertise as an inclusion strategist, drawing from her experiences as the first or only woman or black person in various professional settings. She explains how people started asking her for advice on successfully navigating such spaces, providing her with an opportunity to develop a school of thought on effective navigation of difference. Hamilton emphasizes the importance of shifting the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) conversation from outrage to insight, injecting complexity into oversimplified issues. She encourages individuals to challenge their assumptions and engage in meaningful discussions to foster understanding and unity.
Being Indivisible: Valuing Differences and Collaborative Leadership
Denise Hamilton discusses the concept of indivisibility and the need to value and appreciate the uniqueness of each individual. She draws parallels with the functioning of the human body, where different organs work together without arguing over their importance. Hamilton emphasizes the role of leadership in creating an environment where every person can excel in their respective roles. She highlights the detrimental effects of discrimination and disparate treatment, which waste valuable potential and energy. By embracing indivisibility, Hamilton urges individuals to recognize the value and contributions of every person, fostering a more inclusive and productive society.
Embracing Progress and Overcoming Fatigue in Inclusion Efforts
Denise Hamilton discusses the challenges and fatigue associated with inclusion efforts, particularly following the murder of George Floyd. She compares the initial burst of energy to removing glasses that blocked the view of systemic problems, leading to an overwhelming realization of the extent of injustice in various areas. Hamilton addresses the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, emphasizing the need to continue the progress rather than abandoning the cause altogether. She encourages open discussions on improving strategies and policies, while also recognizing the shared responsibility in addressing systemic inequities. Hamilton emphasizes the importance of perseverance and collective effort in creating positive change.
Denise Hamilton is an inclusion strategist who works with organizations ranging from the UN to the WNBA. She is also the author of Indivisible: How to Forge our Differences into a Stronger Future. Denise and Adam discuss the pain of abandoning old stories, the value of revising long-held beliefs, and how to respond to the backlash against diversity and inclusion. Indivisible is out now. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts