Discussion Questions Week of 7/19

Response to #1

In the section Equity vs. Equality (page 2) of the article “Changing Organizational Culture: From Embedded Bias to Equity and Inclusion”, Wong presents a fascinating metaphor. This metaphor illustrates the point that one size does not fit all. It gives a hypothetical scenario where each runner is given the same size shoe. If the shoe is too big or too small, that runner will be disadvantaged and unable to compete at their peak performance level. The most important part about the metaphor, in my opinion, is where Wong introduces the idea that the judges of the race may not experience the discomfort that some runners endure because they are wearing a shoe size that fits them.

This metaphor, therefore, is significant in a variety of ways. Often people view equality as a positive thing, where change is occurring. However, by treating everyone the same, we are not acknowledging everyone’s differences. By not embracing people’s differences, many people will not feel included in the organization, which would harm the organizational culture. The article further goes on to point out the fact that having neutral policies assumes people have the same needs.

The other significant idea that this metaphor brings up is that judges may have a shoe size that fits them well. They have not had to experience the discomfort that others have had to go through, which brings up the idea that people like bosses or superiors are privileged. The idea is brought up later in the article where Wong speaks about understanding differences between people creates different experiences and gives us an idea of how to interact with other individuals.

This metaphor, to me, was important as it illustrated the idea that equality and equity are not the same things. We need to promote equity and embrace different viewpoints. By encouraging this, we can have a workforce that is a safe, inclusive, and inviting environment.

Response to #2

Wong does a great job at connecting her sentences. It seems as though she first presents an idea or a thought that she has and then backs it up with evidence. As an illustration, in the starting from the margins section, Wong points out that people need different forms of support that weaken their disadvantages. In the following sentence, she uses the transition phrase for example, and then presents some of the ways in which people can be accommodated for their needs. After explaining why the example is meaningful, Wong uses a conclusion transition not included in the TSIS book. I thought it was a great way to conclude the point she was making. She used “Put another way,” which is a way to say in summary, or in conclusion. I liked how she put her own spin on it to where it did not sound as mechanical like: in conclusion, or in summary.

Wong seems to like the ‘for example’ transition, as opposed to other example transitions mentioned in ch8 of TSIS. She uses it four times throughout the article, whereas other example transitions are not utilized at the beginning of any sentence. Instead of introducing the idea with a transition that is overused and easily visible in the article, such as on the other hand, regardless, or by contrast, Wong comes up with her own transition phrases, which I admire.  To introduce the idea about how we should embrace differences and cater to each individual’s needs, she uses rather than. I thought that this transition to a new idea or subject was strong, as it pointed out what society and different organizations are currently doing and then later points out how we can change that. Her for example transition was significant as it pointed out in plain English how accommodations to people have already benefitted those groups. The two examples of groups who have already benefitted from changes catered to their specific needs are disabled people, and nursing parents. By giving each group space or special accommodations to their needs, they have accepted in the workplace.

The TSIS ch8 states that transitions should be invisible. I do not believe that you always have to use the words or structured transitions that they give in the book, rather you can come up with your own ways to transition ideas. Wong does this in this section but still manages to use a TSIS example transition phrase. This section flows seamlessly, and I think it is great at illustrating the idea that writing is like a conversation and transitions should be effortless. This is what Wong manages to do in her writing.

This week I went up to the mountains. I went on a few hikes with my brother and we saw a mountain goat. No one else was on the path the whole hike, which was awesome. Hopefully I’ll be able to go one more time before I head back to Syracuse.