Beyond the Backlash
INSIGHTS AT THE INTERSECTION OF INCLUSION, ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL RECRUITMENT AND GEN Z
VOLUME 17: Where's Our Rallying Cry? The opposition has one.
By Greg Almieda, CEO and Founder, Global View Communications (GVC)
Whether you agree with it or not, the phrase “DEI is illegal” has become a remarkably effective rallying cry for those hostile to the idea of pluralism. It’s short. It’s memorable. And it gives people who oppose diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts a simple message to repeat. Think of it as the verbal equivalent of a flag that people can gather around.
Examples are everywhere:
- “Yes We Can” – Inspired hope and collective action.
- “Black Lives Matter” – Centered attention on racial justice and accountability.
- “Make America Great Again” – Created a simple, repeatable vision of change.
- “Me Too” – Unified people around the issue of sexual harassment and assault.
The best rallying cries have a few things in common. They’re simple, memorable, emotional, action-oriented, and unifying.
So, here’s my question: Where’s our rallying cry in support of inclusion?
For the past few years, many of us who believe in inclusion have responded with explanations, legal nuances, and lengthy discussions about why this initiative matters or that program still complies with the law. I think we spend way too much time making technical, legal, and academic arguments about the value of DEI. Those conversations have their place, but they rarely inspire people or unite them around a common purpose.
Most of us make decisions based on what we believe, how we feel about an issue, and whether it has any impact on our lives.
At Global View Communications, we’ve been thinking a lot about this and came up with our own mantra:
Inclusion. It’s Worth It.
That’s it.
It’s simple. It’s hopeful. And it shifts the conversation away from fear and toward value. It reminds us that inclusion isn’t charity, politics, or a passing trend. It’s an investment in people, performance, and possibility.
The backlash may not disappear anytime soon. But if we’re going to push back effectively, we need a message people can remember, repeat, and carry with them as they go about their day and advocate for inclusion.
So, feel free to borrow ours.
Interested in submitting a guest column for publication? Contact greg@globalviewcomm.com for more information.