The video sharing phenomena that is Tik Tok has certainly created a storm. One of the fastest growing companies - recently valued at $50 billion - that appears to have benefited from COVID 19 and the lockdown.
Beaming humour down our phones and showcasing hidden talents or simply outright fails for everyone to see. This article isn’t about Tik Tok but more about ticking boxes. An exercise sadly adopted by lots of organisations when it comes to equality, inclusion and equal opportunity. Having raised the challenges experienced by lots of Black and Ethnic Minority Ethnic (BaME) individuals across the globe and more locally, including myself, there is sadly an even worse infliction, which involves simply ticking boxes. Tokenism!
Tokenism is an approach where communities or individuals are engaged with organisations simply to tick a box and not for any other reason. Whether that is gender, colour, less able or any other range of characteristics, individuals being asked to join boards, or representative bodies so that someone somewhere can say they engaged a particular community group.
I would argue that Tokenism is worse than racism. A hidden form of discrimination that prevents meaningful engagement. Not allowing for the value or merits of person being engaged to be truly realised. Encouraging organisations to simply say they are doing their bit as they have someone of colour or a disabled person on their board. Or that they have commissioned a survey or some level of promotion that simply translates existing materials to demonstrate they are committed to inclusion.
One of the challenges with Tokenism is that lots of organisations simply don’t realise this is what they are doing, and the vast majority are doing this for the right reasons, but using the wrong approach. That is why we must adopt a truly person-centred approach when designing and developing inclusion activities, with the ambition of ensuring long-term structural changes.
I don’t represent every person of colour nor would a person in a wheel chair represent every less-abled person. There are a whole host of additional socio and economic factors that must be taken into account. This said, we need to start somewhere and there is no doubt that some engagement is absolutely better than none. But adequate and appropriate representation alongside equal opportunity are key in developing a more inclusive community.
One of the most compelling books that was shared with me recently is entitled “White Fragility” written by a white woman, I would argue it is a must read. Although controversial and focused primarily on the USA, there are some amazing facts and insights that can help us all move the needle forward on creating a just and inclusive society. I need to highlight I am not turning into a militant, nor am I about to start a mass protest, but all of the inequality that exists needs to be addressed. I would like to support individuals and organisations, to do so with patience, perseverance and positivity. Whether that is race, gender or being less abled, everyone should have the same chances and opportunities as anybody else. Let’s all come together and do more Tik Tokking rather than Tick Boxing
Ammar Mirza CBE is Chair & Founder of Asian Business Connexions, Chair of the NELEP Business Growth Board, Chair of the IoD North East (North) and holds various positions across the public and private sectors.
