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SEPTEMBER 2011 ZENITH NEWS

BEWARE OF DEADLY BRUNETTES

A Clueless School District Demonizes One Specific Group

by Lee Mozena, Principal of Zenith Diversity, LLC

Recently a colleague forwarded information from her teenager’s new school inquiring:

Hey Lee,

Take a look at this. As the parent of brunette kids I'm furious and horrified.

Am I off base?

Research quickly revealed the families in Chestnutville’s school district are 100% blonde. No doubt, there are probably a few redhead students and gray teachers but as a brunette I was equally alarmed.I do have a brunette brother whose gun is as much a part of his pick-up truck as the air freshener dangling from the rear view mirror. He’s armed for status and the deer he kills for food. And my brunette ancestors were likely fearsome, (or died early). They carried knives to protect themselves- from wild animals or hostile tribes. But so did blondes back then.

These direct genetic links set me to wondering – do people think ALL brunettes are dangerous? And, are people afraid of me?

Having been blonde as a youngster, I was reluctant to judge an entire town of citizens- and innocent children- as prejudiced. I wanted to learn about their motives. Were they invaded and slaughtered by war mongering brunettes at some point in history? And if not, what myths and beliefs did they attribute to brunette-ness- what manly or romantic ideals drove their sports teams to victory?

And while I like the idea of being admired for swordsmanship and prowess in battle, I wonder if losing teams burn an effigy that looks like ME when the mighty Brunettes prevail. Do they chant- “kill the brunettes”? Most importantly, how welcome and secure would my brown-haired teenager feel at this school?

A phone call to the district Superintendent provided some answers. The town was founded in the Gold Rush era, when the folk of Chestnutville were idealized as hoodlums from lands far away. Since brunettes were an abstract concept, like cartoon characters, the idea seemed harmless.

The mother wrote: “The administration responded quickly, was very apologetic (I think they were actually horrified when they realized {their error}. My guess is few people in the area have even thought twice about the whole thing. As far as tackling Chestnutville’s mascot- I am not going to put a dog in that fight.”

Given the cost and challenge of changing signage, buying new uniforms and educating taxpayers about WHY no one group of people should be singled out, exalted or vilified based on their genetic makeup, I’m not going to judge her. Besides, Chestnutville blondes are only looking to play ball and buoy school spirit- not bad press and a nasty lawsuit.

Because no matter how diplomatic my brunette friend is, the ‘dog in that fight’ would be her son, who, at best, will be seen as “too sensitive”. Thanks a bunch Mom!

Sadly, it’s a type of worry certain families live with constantly, (gay, Black, Muslim, Jewish, atheist, etc., fill in the blank based on context), and no one likes to make. And it shouldn't happen in this country anymore.

Yet, I also see an opportunity for growth. Arapahoe High School in Littleton, Colorado faced the same challenge in the early '90s. They turned a mascot that derided the local tribal Nation into a platform for cross-cultural education and respect. To learn more about this legacy visit arapahoe.littletonpublicschools.net/arapahonationrelationships.

AUGUST 2011 ZENITH NEWS

ARE YOU READY FOR RAMDAN?

A Primer for Managers and Colleagues of American Muslims

By Lee Mozena, Principal of Zenith Diversity Inc.

If you keep a calendar of religious holidays that impact work you know August is a big deal for Muslims. The holy month of Ramadan and Eid-al-fitr, a celebration at the end of the month, begin any day now.

What do you need to know if you work with Muslims or Arab Americans who practice Islam? Since it’s one of the fastest growing religions in America and our region has the country’s highest “unchurched” population, some points on this event may be helpful.

Muslim-American population statistics are notoriously difficult to find or are outdated, but

5 -7 million is the range commonly cited. An estimated 60,000 to 75,000 followers of Islam live in the Greater Seattle region.

However, while the majority of second generation Arab-Americans are not Muslim, research from the Pew Foundations finds that new immigrants from the Middle East and North Africa or Indonesia are- and they tend to follow more traditional religious practices.

Many non-Muslims assume Ramadan is a private and personal holiday– which is true. Americans cling to the “separation of church and state” standard despite the fact that almost no businesses are open December 25th. It seems religion and culture sometimes overlap—even at work.

However, it’s not so easy to compartmentalize. Ramadan affects our Muslim friends much the same as Christmas does mainstream culture. Here are some basics most Muslims will agree are standard and should help you understand their experience.

Observant Muslims the world over fast from sunrise to sunset all month long. Afterwards they gather to eat, pray and socialize.

Most participate in some form of Ramadan. Even lapsed Muslims may get caught up in familial and community obligations, or are impacted by family and friends who observe.

Personal and spiritual demands on Muslims during this month are significant. Don't be surprised if Muslim friends seem to disappear for about 6 weeks.

Do join them at one of the many wonderful iftar dinners or Eid celebrations if invited.

Women the world over bear the brunt of most religious duties as they manage family, social and marital commitments.

However spiritually satisfying, Ramadan is hectic. It seems like a solid month of Christmas celebrations– with the added challenge of starving all day.

Like any religion, there is room for personal interpretation- don't judge or assume.

How Ramadan may impact a Muslim's work life, and maybe yours -

Ramadan moves around the calendar. Due to extremely long days in the Northwest, Muslims may adjust their fasting schedule during the summer.

Don't plan key meetings and events to coincide with sunset, (which can fall during the work day in the Northwest). Your discretion and consideration will be much appreciated.

At the same time, Ramadan can be an intensely private experience, especially if you have few Muslim Americans on staff. Would you talk about Lent at work?

If you notice employees are observing Ramadan try to get a sense of their needs. This will help you schedule wisely, increase productivity and avoid frustration.

Don’t assume that a Muslim who doesn’t fast is not observant. In general, Islam is a flexible religion. For instance, women who are pregnant, children, elderly and the sick need not observe the fasting part of Ramadan. Some people do a partial fast and some simply take a personal exemption. Watch, listen and don't judge.

Foreign born Muslims have to adjust to the fact that mainstream business doesn't support or even recognize Ramadan. They’re accustomed to the culture accommodating their worship needs, not the other way around.

You can congratulate Muslim friends for finishing another challenging holiday with the greeting, "Eid Mabarak!" , which is kind of like saying, “Happy New Year”.

Finally, don't assume that Muslims are completely done with Ramadan just after Eid.

They may have some fasting days to make up and probably would enjoy personal catch up time. Think of it this way: are you 100% at work on December 26th?