Got privilege? Use it for Good!
Business owners who support liberty & justice for all are the kind of businesses we MUST support. It’s up to us to vote in elections and vote with our voice and vote with our wallets.
I was heartened by this declaration from John & Logan, Lyft co-founders. Theirs is a bold statement in an era of division in this country. Surely, they didn’t create Lyft to serve as a political platorform — beyond pitting cabs against this new option. So, their decision to weigh in, through word and finances, has a far greater cost than the check they wrote — they will lose business. And, they will win business, too.
Like with any decision, some will agree and others disagree. In all areas of life, we are faced with choices. In business, family, celebrity, media and beyond, choices have some consequence & benefit. Their “vote” conscientious, heart-felt. They had to think about what would come of their choice and they leaned in. Good for them — not just because I agree with them, but because they took a stand and didn’t fear the possible backlash. They couldn’t stay silent.
Here’s what the founders of #Lyft, John & Logan, sent to their customers:
“We created Lyft to be a model for the type of community we want our world to be: diverse, inclusive, and safe.
This weekend, Trump closed the country’s borders to refugees, immigrants, and even documented residents from around the world based on their country of origin. Banning people of a particular faith or creed, race or identity, sexuality or ethnicity, from entering the U.S. is antithetical to both Lyft’s and our nation’s core values. We stand firmly against these actions, and will not be silent on issues that threaten the values of our community.
We know this directly impacts many of our community members, their families, and friends. We stand with you, and are donating $1,000,000 over the next four years to the #ACLU to defend our constitution. We ask that you continue to be there for each other — and together, continue proving the power of community.
We know this directly impacts many of our community members, their families, and friends. We stand with you, and are donating $1,000,000 over the next four years to the ACLU to defend our constitution. We ask that you continue to be there for each other — and together, continue proving the power of community.”
In this land of division & home of discontent, some people are taking stands because they, too, cannot remain silent. It’s up to us to determine how we will make choices.
Remember, you always have a choice — even staying silent is a choice. Our democracy is built upon a certain privilege that comes with our our place (America), our presence of mind (consciousness), our voice (protests matter), our resources (#moneymatters), and, often, our race (whiteness, still, often matters most, unfortunately). We can exercise the privilege we possess for good or evil.
Please choose to use whatever privilege you have for good. Spend wisely, #BoycottBigotry and be #UnapologeticallyInclusive. It’s up to us to #DemandDiversity. We show our strength and exemplify justice for all when we #EmbraceEquity. emj
