Déjà Vu: Fighting for Inclusion and Justice in 2025
2025 is beginning to feel like Déjà vu.
As the U.S. prepares for its inauguration on Monday, we're reminded of how bleak things felt in 2016. Trump's first presidency. Brexit. The rise of isolationist thinking.
In this storm, Other Box was founded, determined to challenge the status quo. We've been here before, and we didn't back down then. We're not backing down now.
DEI DECLINE
Over the past 24 months at Other Box, we've witnessed a significant decline in companies' commitment to DEI. Not only has the term "DEI" been weaponised as a negative, but budgets have been slashed and entire departments have been let go or have significantly downsized across every industry.
So while the recent news of major corporations scaling back on inclusion efforts might be tied to Trump's influence in the U.S., we've seen this as part of a much larger, deeply troubling trend. It's not surprising to see companies like Meta, Amazon, and Google retreating from their DEI efforts, and some even dismissing them as "woke" initiatives.
These aren't mere "budget cuts" but a deliberate withdrawal from accountability, inclusion, and progress. But the system is working exactly as designed. In a world where billionaires wield influence over governments, the marginalised are left to bear the brunt, and we blame the wrong people.
our fights are interconnected
At the same time, we're living through a climate crisis that disproportionately impacts marginalised communities. Rolling back on inclusion efforts while we face intensifying climate crises from burning wildfires, melting ice caps, to catastrophic flooding reveals that the systems built on power and profit will always prioritise self-preservation over people.
Actual progress means addressing both the inequalities in our workplaces, societies and the injustice fueling our planet's destruction.
These fights are interconnected, and they demand our full attention.
On the term "woke"…
The issue isn't the word. It's what it stands for: awareness, progress, accountability, and equity. There's nothing wrong with being "woke," but plenty is wrong with those who demonise it to maintain power and avoid accountability.
The term originated in the Black community and, as defined by Merriam-Webster, refers to being informed, educated, and conscious of social injustice and racial inequality. It's a call to action, not a threat or insult. Unless, of course, you benefit from the systems it challenges.
Change starts with each of us, but it can't end there. We need to collectively do better.
It's time to hold ourselves accountable. Not just for our words but for our actions. Sharing memes, jokes, or moments of levity about the world's problems might lighten the mood, but they can't replace the real work of challenging harmful biases and language in your workplace, your community, your elected officials and your circle of influence. Call out prejudice, confront discrimination and inappropriate behaviour, create space for equity and hold people accountable, even when uncomfortable.
The world won't change if we just keep talking about the problem. It will change when we each take action to dismantle the systems causing harm.
And now on the word 'equity'...
Equity isn't about giving marginalised people unfair advantages. It recognises that we don't all start from the same place and ensures people get the resources they need to succeed. It levels the playing field. The backlash against the word "equity" isn't surprising. It challenges power structures that benefit from inequality. But let's be clear - equity isn't a threat. Again, it's a call to action for accountability, justice, and progress.
To be inclusive demands more than surface-level gestures. It requires a commitment to dismantling the systems that harm marginalised communities.
Let's stop watering down the conversation.
So yes. We have got work to do.
But for now, take a deep breath, unclench your jaw, roll your shoulders back, prioritise rest where you can and find support in community.
And on a side note: We've been censored too many times across our social media platforms so if you'd like to keep in contact with Other Box then sign up for our newsletter.
