I have written a great deal on the issues of diversity, inclusion, Corporate Social Responsibility and equality. My mission has been seeking out a level playing field for those with disabilities, to recognize the disabled as capable rather than less then. Several years ago I heard a speech addressing Race in America and how we needed to transcend “The soft bigotry of low expectations.” Words perfectly distilled into a simple yet powerful line of thought. A favored phrase of presidential speech writer Michael Gerson, it captured perfectly the problem that exists for those in my community. If the soft bigotry of low expectations were not in fact words describing current attitudes, then why does my community, those who are blind or have low vision, experience a 70% unemployment rate. A rate that has historically never wandered far from a more than two third rate? The answer is simple, we have set the bar so low that it meets a level that equals a bias or bigoted level, a level that is now the de facto definition of the soft bigotry of low expectations.
Are the blind incapable of meaningful employment? Do they lack the tools necessary to succeed ? Or, has the business and public set the bar so low those who are blind believe that aspiring to something more, something extraordinary is nothing more than a fools folly? As you read this, ask yourself, “Would I consider a blind individual to fill a role in my organization?” Is there a seat in your boardroom, conference table, investment group or even a desk in your office for someone you see as blind? Or perhaps you unconsciously view them as merely “less than” because they are different than you. The reality is that answer is “NO.” There is no room in your organization or a seat at the table. I say that with confidence because with an unemployment rate that is higher than any other community, 70%, it is obvious that there is a massive pool of talent both in experience as well as waiting to gain experience who are marginalized and who in fact exactly meet the soft bigotry of your expectations. Why am I confident that this isn’t just hyperbole designed to guilt? Because there are Casino moguls, NBA team owners, entertainers, NASA Physicists, Authors, computer programmers, a litany of entrepreneurs and the list goes on and on, who are at the top of their respective fields, these are the 30% who ignored the doubters, who scoffed at the soft bigotry peddled to them. Some were given a chance, somewhere, someone believed in them. In other cases, raw grit and determination “in spite of” paved their path to success. No matter the means the end is success earned. If you do not believe someone can not, never afford them the opportunity, they will not. If you believe they can and give them the opportunity then we exit marginalization and enter the brave new era of maximization!
Personally, I have grown weary of the soft bigotry of low expectations shoved in my face every day. Even though by every measure I have experienced success, I am treated with the same assumptions, the same surprise when I accomplish something. It can be as simple as writing this article or as complex as investing wisely. People are genuinely surprised that I can write, that I have been published many times, consulted for businesses and political campaigns. Their assumption is that it is somehow amazing! Something as simple as investing, people never think to ask the blind guy, somehow it isn’t conceivable he has the temerity, means and willingness to invest. I still get the “Wow” I am so proud of you response like people are amazed I can get out of bed, draw breath and dress myself. I can’t even count the times I have been passed over for a job, not even considered as an investor, not considered for advice or a role because the first thing people see is my white cane. That is the definition of the soft bigotry of low expectations. Now this is my experience, imagine the experience of someone not tested and weathered by time. Imagine the hope crushed, the damage done to the person brave enough to set their bar higher because they believe where others simply don’t. This is the danger of lowered expectations. When nothing or very little is expected there is no room for hope or a dream. Where expectations meet the ceiling of your imagination then anything is possible given a diligent work ethic and a never surrender attitude. After all, that is what we offer the “Able-ists” in our society. Equality is only real when it encompasses an opportunity for everyone.
We are in a moment right here and right now. A moment where those trampled on, those who have been marginalized, those labeled as less than because of some perceived difference have simply had enough. These people are now standing up and demanding to be seen, heard and treated as equals. We currently live in a time and a place that should be a truly diverse and inclusive world. A place where it is in the best interest of business and society to stand up and take notice of those they have lowered the bar so low for. Why? Because it threatens their own identity. The marginalized are not looking for a handout, they are not looking to be given anything other than the opportunity to achieve their hopes and their dreams on a truly level playing field. That is the justice demanded by those marching in the streets, threatening the status quo. As a society and as corporations, this is the time, this is your opportunity to make a difference, to add more to this world than you take. What will you do with this moment? Will you celebrate our rich diverse melting pot or will you satiate yourself by believing the bar is so low that your bigotry is justified?
I have always been a champion of America, the American dream. It is what has motivated me to ignore the lowered bar society has set for me. I had great parents who carefully and purposefully taught me that I had the potential to be the best version of myself. They encouraged me in my successes as well as in my failures, teaching me that failure wasn’t the end, it was just another opportunity to discover the best version of me. I have been both blessed and in a way cursed. Blessed in finding role-models who like me faced life differently than what society considered a “Norm.” Cursed in witnessing the damage caused by the marginalization of someone no different than myself. My determination is born in the crucible of those whose hopes and dreams have been doused with the waters of doubt. My persistence is fueled by a desire to rekindle the fire in those society has left out, marginalized and oppressed. People are like diamonds, it takes time and immense pressure to create. Someone to find them, see the beauty and potential in them, work on them to cut, polish and ultimately release them into the world. They come in all colors, shapes, cuts and each is a valuable and precious thing that serves a myriad of meaningful purposes. My challenge is to impress upon you to see the beauty and the potential in every person you meet. Help them see it as well because somewhere along the line, if you find yourself blessed and doing well someone once upon a time did exactly the same for you.