People across the U.S. are protesting against injustices and inequality for black and brown citizens. At some point, everyone has to take a stand for his or her beliefs.
Will most Americans take a stand against racism?
To say, “There are very fine people on both sides” isn’t a stand.” One must be courageous and choose a side; there is no middle ground. A stand reflects an individual’s values and core beliefs. The thing an individual will support and commit to doing is indicative of one’s stance.
In today’s climate of social unrest due to systemic racism, companies are also having to take a stand. Corporations and businesses have a social responsibility not only to the environment: clean air, water, and energy but also equality and justice.
The elimination of discrimination relative to race, religion, gender, and other cultural attributes, ensure justice.
All companies have an interest in the landscape of equity for all Americans.
Company presidents and board of directors have to take a stand. Hiding behind the company’s name isn’t an option. Mission statements about fairness must be clear, direct, and actionable.
The public and corporations influence social values and norms for social conduct. These values include our fundamental rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Everyone should respect each other’s individual rights.
Social conduct and governmental laws are pretty important stuff that should apply equally to everyone. Social conduct determines the stability of our social order. Disparate application of the rules or laws based on prejudices is oppressive and wrong.
No white privilege. No black privilege. Equal justice for all.
With our values, beliefs, convictions, and commitments, we all have social responsibilities to ensure justice prevails for everyone.
A friend sent me a copy of Ben and Jerry’s corporate values and mission statement. Their stance is impressive, and it’s in black and white. Ben & Jerry’s have 54 flavors of ice cream, but they support only one flavor of liberty and justice for every race. They take their corporate citizenship and social responsibility very seriously.
I applaud them and other corporations that are boycotting supporting companies that delve into hate speech and hatemongering.
Why would I support a business that doesn’t support justice for all or my ideals and values?
People judge other people and corporations by their values.
Ben & Jerry’s says, “Black Lives Matter.” And they add,
“We have to speak out. We have to stand together with the victims of murder, marginalization, and repression because of their skin color, and with those who seek justice through protests across our country.”
Checkout the mission statements of companies and business that you patronize.
Everyone and every company should stand against injustice.