“MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN!” The words of man who finds safety in portraying diversity as a sin. On January 30th Donald Trump sent out this message via twitter as a backlash response to the executive order that sparked rage in millions of people. It was ordered that the US borders to be shut to people with any citizenship to 7 different countries including Iran, Iraq, and Yemen. Trumps decision has sparked rage and a movement among many of largest companies in North America. All in their own ways they came together to show unity in the face of religious discrimination. Starbucks CEO Howard Shultz promised, “to employ 10,000 refugees across the world over five years”[i]. Following suit Apple, Airbnb, Uber, Lyft, and Nike all stepped forward with similar promises showing the importance of diversity and acceptance to their company’s values.
As we have discussed in class, diversity in the work place along with culture intelligence is a great tool in the growth of a company.[ii] An example of a company attempting to build cultural intelligence through managing its diversity in the workplace is Corus Entertainment. Included in Corus’ statement on diversity is their belief that, “Our collective commitment to respect and nurture a diverse and accessible work environment promotes Accountability, Innovation, Initiative, Teamwork and Knowledge across the organization.”[iii] From 1995 to 2010 the US took on 10,000 document immigrants which is quoted to have accounted for 10% of economic growth over that period.[iv] The work and ideals of one man will lead to the future growth as experienced in the period of 1995-2010 to diminish hurting the entire world economy due to the US being the epicenter of world trade. If Trump really wants to “make America safe again,” then instead of promoting hate and discrimination he needs to promote education and acceptance of other cultures. Through the ban of citizens of 7 different countries, fuel has been poured on the fire of cultural and religious ignorance and has led to more violence already then if he did nothing at all. The part that is most horrifying is that this hatred is the example that is being set for the young generation of American’s that will be the future policy makers and presidents of tomorrow. If an end isn’t put to this discrimination now and acceptance isn’t taught, then how can it be expected that America will be safer? Setting an example of conflict will neither make America “great” or “safe” again.
[i] OTSUKA, S. (2017, January 31). US entry ban sparks confusion across globe. Retrieved February 03, 2017, from http://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/The-Trump-effect/US-entry-ban-sparks-confusion-across-globe
[ii] P. C. Earley and E. Mosakowi, “Cultural Intelligence,” Harvard Business Review, October 2004, pp. 139-146
[iii] Corus Entertainment, “Accessibility & Diversity,” accessed October 2014 http://www.corusent.com/home/Corporate/AboutCorus/AccessibilityDiversity/tabid/2572/Default.aspx.
[iv] OTSUKA, S. (2017, January 31). US entry ban sparks confusion across globe. Retrieved February 03, 2017, from http://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/The-Trump-effect/US-entry-ban-sparks-confusion-across-globe
