Activist Simon Fanshawe and Yascha Mounk discuss hiring for merit vs. diversity, lessons from the gay rights movement, and the importance of building alliances for social change. They explore the evolution of LGBTQ+ rights advocacy, navigating ideology in movements, and the power of humor in activism.
Valuing diversity enhances collaboration and success in organizations.
Advocating for equality led to significant progress in the gay rights movement.
Promoting tolerance as a step towards inclusivity and building alliances fosters respect among diverse groups.
Deep dives
Emphasizing Equality and Inclusion in Diversity Work
The importance of valuing diversity and inclusion in organizations is highlighted, focusing on understanding and appreciating individual differences to enhance collaboration and achieve common goals. By recognizing the unique perspectives and experiences of each person, organizations can benefit from diverse talents and contributions, ultimately leading to a more innovative and successful work environment.
Success of the Gay Rights Movement Through Advocating Equality
The success of the gay rights movement is attributed to advocating for equality rather than solely focusing on acceptance of homosexuality. By framing the movement around the principles of equality and participation in society, significant progress was made in changing societal perspectives and establishing legal recognition for LGBTQ+ individuals, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
Approach to Tolerance and Building Alliances
A strategic approach to tolerance is discussed, emphasizing the importance of gradual acceptance and engagement with diversity, rather than immediate affirmation. By promoting tolerance as a foundational step towards understanding and collaboration, societal norms can shift positively over time. Building alliances based on big principles rather than ideological purity is seen as a key strategy in fostering inclusivity and respect among diverse groups.
The Evolution of Advocacy Post Gay Marriage Victory
After achieving success in the fight for gay marriage, organizations like the Human Rights Campaign in the United States faced a dilemma of reallocating resources. The shift then moved towards advocating for trans rights. The success in changing societal perceptions towards trans people is acknowledged, with a noted decrease in transphobia. However, the increasing demands seen in the organized trans movement have sparked a backlash, endangering previous progress.
Critique on Institutional Approach to Trans Rights Advocacy
Comparison is drawn between the strategic approach of Stonewall's founding and current organizations focusing on trans rights. Stonewall aimed to change laws comprehensively, while modern approaches are criticized for what is described as 'complete affirmation.' The evolution of LGBTQ+ terms and the polarization within the community are highlighted, showcasing the challenges faced in representation and ideological conflicts within advocacy efforts.
In this week’s conversation, Yascha Mounk and Simon Fanshawe discuss whether there is a tension between hiring for merit and hiring for the value of having different kinds of life experiences present in organizations; how the gay rights movement framed the debate around legal equality and toleration rather than asking the public to affirm gay and lesbian identities; and why building alliances and finding common ground are essential for achieving social change and creating a more inclusive society.
