What the World Needs Now: Truth in Action

LOS ANGELES, June 9, 2020 (Newswire.com) - ​The founder of HireHer, a company that helps diversify organizations, and author of “The Distance Traveled, Journey to Entrepreneurship and Beyond,” Ruth Chandler Cook, details in her book experiences with discrimination and bigotry. Specifically, addressing how systemic racism impacted her life as a black woman. The tragic deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor have brought much-needed attention to the need for everyone to take part in eradicating racism, bigotry and bias, she states. “Many of the peaceful protesters are now telling their stories and saying, No More! And, I am one of them,” Chandler said. To ensure the lessons learned are shared more broadly, the digital version of her book is now available for $1.

In the book written by Ruth Chandler Cook, she gives specific examples of the discrimination she experienced as a federal human resources executive at the Department of Treasury and as an entrepreneur in the technology industry. “The sometimes hard and embarrassing truth about our experiences must be shared to inspire change. The trauma caused by racism is emotional, physical and financial. For example, when I complained of discrimination, my employer unjustly marginalized me at work and among potential employers. These actions caused financial hardship and embarrassment despite me being in a protected class,” Chandler said. Everyone must adhere to protections afforded by law, rule and regulation.

The Dred Scott decision continues to haunt some black Americans. The Supreme Court decision includes language that states blacks “had no rights which the white man was bound to respect.” Today, examples of racism exist in courts, government, banking, media, publishing, technology, sports and entertainment. “You name the industry and you are likely to find examples of how bigotry has affected the outcomes, products or services for blacks and women,” said Chandler. Government is broken when court decisions include language that diminishes the rights of blacks and women. Laws passed to protect minorities must not be ignored. “Being told you exercise those rights at your own peril is wrong but articulated to blacks and women,” Chandler stated. The language in court decisions must make clear that everyone is bound to respect the rights of blacks and women who also seek equality and ensure no peril in the exercise of rights.

In industry, there are stories of how folks try to control or stifle voices, and pilfer ideas or content without just compensation. “These practices have developed over time and seem deeply ingrained in societal practices and organizational culture. The theft of ideas, unequal treatment or compensation and in some cases painful abuse is pervasive,” said Chandler. Even some good-hearted people don’t fully recognize the injustices, take action, or have the appropriate and moral response. We are brave enough to blow the whistle when we see or experience injustice. Changing funding levels, changing laws, and voting are essential, but it’s also imperative to change societal practices and workplace cultures worldwide.

Source: HireHer