Expand your inputs.
I saw a post today from somebody I follow that shared “the best 14 nonfiction books you should read”. Every single book had a white, male author. I actually liked his list, and even recommend several of those books (e.g. Atomic Habits) to clients. But I’m also aware that such lists create a “rich get richer” dynamic that reinforces privilege.
A white man generally has more financial security so they can spend more time writing and publicizing their book (James Clear spent 14 months planning his launch of Atomic Habits) rather than, say, having to earn a living. Then because their book gets more publicity, more people read it, and recommend it, and it becomes even more popular.
On the flip side, imagine somebody that doesn’t have that kind of security and privilege, who wrote their book in short bursts each day before they had to go to work, and didn’t have the time to launch their book with a big splash. They never get the flywheel going, and their book is relegated to obscurity. Imagine what a difference it would have made to such an author if their book had been recommended instead of Atomic Habits, the power this man could have had to elevate somebody who didn’t already have mainstream success.
After being called out for this sort of biased recommendation last year, I’ve been trying to expand my inputs, reading from a greater variety of authors. Sometimes the books aren’t as high quality, which makes sense if the author didn’t have a professional team supporting them. But often they are just as good and insightful as more well-known books, and challenge my worldview as I realize that something I took for granted is not part of the experience of others.
Note that this applies to all sorts of inputs, not just books. On LinkedIn, I have been following a variety of people to learn more about their experiences. I could do more to expand my newsletter diet, although I appreciate how Anne Helen Petersen features a variety of perspectives in her Culture Study newsletter.
Anyway, don’t be that guy who sent that list this morning. Expand your inputs, and if you have a platform, promote somebody outside the mainstream rather than just featuring the people everybody already knows.
#diversity #privilege #whatyouseeisallyouknow