We wish we could find some | missionyear

I have never watched The Bachelor, a popular show that has been on for about ten years, but apparently they have never had an African American as the main character on the show ? the person choosing from a group of eligible women to marry. The creator of the show was interviewed and quoted as saying he would love to have an African American but he could not find anyone.

Really?

This statement sounds very familiar. In fact if I had a dime for every time I have heard that answer from leaders whose projects are not diverse, I would be rich. This statement is insulting on so many levels. What it says is that out of approximately 25 million people, you could not find anyone. I am sorry, but this answer is no longer acceptable. Please just admit the truth. You don?t want an African American person or you don?t need diversity to be ?successful.? You can make a lot of money, have a successful business, show, and even church or ministry without an African American person or any person of color as a part of it.

Diversity is a choice, and let?s be honest ? most people don?t choose it. Let?s stop kidding ourselves; it is a lot easier to not be diverse. The challenges of being multi-cultural are not always welcome. Being multicultural is a choice. It is a choice that one needs to make because it is a value. It does not have to be present for success at one level. There are many places that have very little or no connection with African Americans and they are just fine. Many even prefer this way of living.

I am so grateful for anyone who decides diversity is worth the challenge. Those of you who ask the questions, work at cross- cultural relationships, and risk the backlash for the sake of goodwill. There is a fullness that comes with knowing everyone is welcome. I am learning that my friends that worry about their work representing all people and have hard conversations about race and culture are rare. I give a lot of people a hard time about diversity, but I am truly thankful that they at least engage in the struggle.

A superficial TV show may not be that important in the big scheme of things, but the message behind this act is worth thinking about. If all you can say is, ?We can?t find anyone,? you bring serious doubt to your intentions. There are many qualified people of color who are capable in every sector of society. And yes ? even a shallow show like The Bachelor should be able to find someone.

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