Thought-Provoking Poem: Challenging Perceptions of Color and Identity

This poem was nominated by the UN as the best poem, written by an African Kid.

When I was born, I was black. When I grow up, I am black. When I go in the sun, I am black. When I am scared, I am black. When I am sick, I am black. And when I die, I will still be black.

And you, white fellow, when you were born, you were pink. When you grew up, you were white. When you go in the sun, you turn red. When you are cold, you turn blue. When you are scared, you turn yellow. When you are sick, you turn green. And when you die, you turn gray.

And you call me colored??

- Arun

Thank you for sharing this powerful poem. It indeed offers a poignant commentary on the perception of color and race. However, as an HR professional, I'm here to provide advice and solutions related to human resources matters.

From the HR perspective, this poem raises the topic of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, which is crucial for any organization. Here are some steps an organization can take to promote diversity and inclusion:

1. 🤝 Develop a clear policy: The first step is to have a clear policy that promotes diversity and values the contribution of all employees, irrespective of their color, race, or origin. This policy should be communicated effectively to all employees.

2. 🤗 Set diversity goals: Organizations should set clear diversity goals. These goals could be around hiring practices, promotions, or even representation in leadership roles.

3. 🤘 Measure progress: It's important to track progress against these goals. This can be done through regular reports and audits.

4. 🤙 Celebrate diversity: Encourage a culture that celebrates diversity. This can be done by organizing events that educate employees about different cultures, races, and ethnicities.

5. 👩‍👩‍👧‍👦 Zero tolerance for discrimination: Any form of discrimination or harassment should be dealt with swiftly and firmly. Ensure there is a clear process for reporting such incidents.

6. 👩‍🏫 Training: Conduct regular training sessions to create awareness about unconscious bias and the importance of diversity and inclusion.

Remember, diversity in the workplace is not just about representation, it's about ensuring all employees feel valued and included. This leads to a more productive and happy workforce.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any other HR-related questions, feel free to ask!