Thanks for your response and taking the time to read the piece. It's entirely possible (probable) I haven't explained myself well.
When you say "You should examine why you think DEI is punitive" are you looking for clarification or saying I'm using the word wrongly and I shouldn't? If it's the former case I'm happy to expand and provide examples.
You've referred to "your mistakes" - what mistakes are you referring to? You've emphasised *your* which seems to make it about what I'm doing personally. How have I misused my power? Your response seems to be coming from the point of view that I'm being defensive about my misuse of power so I'm curious how you came to that conclusion.
I'm always interested in reading more about the subject. So if you have any recommendations then I'd love to have them.
Regarding gentle reactions to DEI mistakes then that goes both ways and I disagree with you. Though I suspect that's because you're responding to my failure to communicate well. In order to make progress I think we should be able to have a respectful discourse in pursuit of coming to a common understanding. My experience with DEI, at least, is that there are a large body of people with privilege who want to support it but are afraid to get involved for fear of doing or saying the wrong thing. We all come with a lot of intellectual blind spots whether through background or just because our brains aren't entirely rational. Creating an environment where potential allies can participate safely and grow their understanding is important. I know many potential allies who stay out of it for exactly this reason.
I've also personally experienced punitive action without having done anything other than exist. My view is that we are all blind to the discrimination experienced by others and that effective DEI is filling in everyone's blind spots so we can build something fairer.
It's also worth saying that if I was currently employed there is no way I would have written this post. I've had follow up conversations in private with people who strongly disagree with my post for the opposite reasons to you where the people in question didn't feel able to seek clarification in public.
