The 2015 issue of Birder’s Guide to Conservation & Community features two articles about expanding the appeal of birding to a non-white audience. David Lindo addresses the importance of making nature accessible to a wide swath of the public in “Opening the Door”.
And Rue Mapp continues the conversation by stressing the importance of focusing on positive steps forward (rather than dwelling on the past) in her timely essay, “Beyond Diversity Shaming: Lasting Change Is More Than Skin Deep“.
What do you think? Do you agree that “diversity shaming” can be counterproductive by demoralizing ourselves and leading us away from the discussion of “how” to move forward? I’m especially interested in hearing members’ thoughts on what future steps can be taken to move us further down the path toward a more racially diverse birding community–one that looks more like the ABA Area as a whole. Please, share your thoughts!