Diversity and Equality statement
Here at Not Dressed As Lamb, I am very mindful of the importance of ensuring I do better in all areas of addressing matters of diversity and equality on this blog.
I have, in recent times, become aware that the influencer industry was often not a particularly diverse industry. I felt that some brands were not thinking hard enough about the content creators they were working with, and back in 2019 I vowed to only work with brands that could ensure a diverse campaign (see this post).
As a result of the events in June 2020 following the death of George Floyd and the rise to prominence of the Black Lives Matter movement, I want to reiterate the fact that I am very aware that I benefit from white privilege in both my personal AND professional life.
Therefore, I am stating that I am now, more than ever, 100% committed to real change. I will ensure that whenever I feature anything other than my own personal style or subjects directly relating to events in my life, diversity and equality will be at the forefront of my mind in my writing and features:
~ As stated in my 2019 post about how we can ensure diversity in brand-blogger campaigns and press trips, I will only work with partners who have assured me – in advance of working together – that they are actively anti-racist, committed to working with a diverse range of content creators and are actively lifting up the Black community and other communities of colour.
~ This also includes – but is not limited to – representation of different shapes and sizes, ages (where relevant due to the target market) and abilities.
~ In my featured bloggers posts, I will always ensure that I have a diverse lineup. I will do my utmost to ensure that content creators of different colours, sizes, ages and abilities are represented (where relevant, depending on the category being featured).
~ In my Best of the Blogosphere posts, I will ensure that I give links to articles, videos and blog posts featuring people of different colours, sizes, ages and abilities.*
~ In my shopping blog posts and shopping links I will do my very best to link to black-owned businesses and promote businesses owned by people of colour.
This is an ongoing commitment that will not stop when it is no longer at the forefront of the news.
Zero tolerance – comments
Not Dressed As Lamb is an actively anti-racist space, and I expect respect and decency overall in the comments section:
Any racist comments or interactions on this blog or related social media platforms will not be tolerated.
Any comment that is disrespectful, rude or hostile will not be tolerated.
I maintain the right to delete such comments and immediately block the offending party.
Furthermore, I encourage debate that is fair, kind and non-judgmental, but unsolicited advice and criticism that has NOT been requested will also not be tolerated. I do not believe in brutal honesty or criticising anyone unnecessarily – in other words, please post with kindness.
Any offensive, unkind or disparaging comments, or those designed to provoke a negative reaction, will be deleted.
Start a conversation, not a fire.
Thank you for your support
I just want to say thank you to all my readers for their support in my aim to provide a diverse, welcoming and non-judgmental space on the internet. Covid has taught us that we’re all in this together (and by “this” I mean life in general, good and bad), and that kindness and tolerance are more important than ever.
I see you, I am listening and I stand with you.
Black lives matter.
I hope you’ll join and support me.
*I can’t guarantee there won’t be an animal bias towards dogs and giraffes, however…