Outline

In the following outline, "WM" means "white male."

Based on the survey results, indicate which points are accurate and which are not. Indicate that in characterizing me as they have, the audience has assumed that I fit WM culture – their answers essentially define WM culture.

Review general characteristics of WM culture and link them to the original set of questions.

	Future focus, linear time – Questions 1 & 3 Part of a trait of survival from difficult northern European climate, this translates into white male culture not talking much about the past and instead focusing heavily on the future and what it will bring.
	Rational over emotional – Question 2 & 9
	Self-reliance and independence – Questions 3, 4 & 6 American white male culture has a strong fixation with individuality. Probably more than anything else, we cherish our ability to make our own decisions free from the influence of others. This was stated best by Patrick Henry when he said, “Give me liberty or give me death!” As white males, our mantra is to go out and make a place for our families and ourselves. Self-reliance and independence are valued over harmony and interdependence.
	Restraint & moderation - Question 5
	Uncomfortable with uncertainty – Question 6
	Can-do attitude, hard work - Questions 4, 7 & 11 Best stated in the adage of “I can do anything, if I put my mind to it.” WM culture also expects a work ethic where our Puritan roots teach us to work hard all the time. “Idle hands make the devil’s work.” For many white males, our identity comes from the projects we are working on building and creating rather than from our relationships or a sense of being.
	Need to be right - Questions 4, 8
	Material success - Question 10 The acquisition of new stuff has been equated with being successful.
	Silent strength – Questions 7 & 11 We have been conditioned to think of ourselves as quiet, hard working doers who forgo the spotlight.
	Dominate the environment – Question 12 So often success in white male terms is linked to issues of domination like the message that to be a real man means you win at all costs and at the expense of others. This also leads to the attitude that the environment is simple a collection of resources to be exploited to build success.

Use anecdotes of international travel at a young age to indicate why I think I’m different – why I think I “get” diversity. Reveal that in attempting to differentiate myself, I am actually doing exactly as the WM culture would have me do.

Discuss pervasiveness of WM culture in American corporate culture. Describe the impacts of WM culture on WM’s as individuals.

	Denies WMs a sense of cultural identity (personal anecdote of how I consider the Eastside to be “without culture”)
	Gives everybody I encounter a set of expectations about what I believe and how I will act (reference back to exercise at beginning of talk).
	Requires women and people of color to be bi-cultural to survive in American corporate setting.
	WM don’t “have to” think about diversity or work within somebody else’s culture. (Just a light touch on privilege, as it specifically impacts diversity efforts)

The work of diversity begins with 1:1 partnerships. This is how WMs can participate effectively in diversity.

10 tips for WM to become full diversity partners (directly from WM as Full Diversity Partners notebook)
1. You have more to gain
2. Learn how to listen – really listen
3. Learn to speak out
4. Your are an individual and you are a member of the WM culture
5. It’s not your fault – and you are responsible
6. Expect to make mistakes
7. Don’t go it alone
8. Cultivate your hunger for new learning
9. Work harder to better understand
10. Be in it for the long haul

10 tips for women and people of color for working with WM as full diversity partners (directly from WM as Full Diversity Partners notebook)
1. Understand what is in it for you
2. Your words may not be heard
3. Use an inquiry approach
4. Examine how your assumptions stop you
5. One WM is not WM culture
6. White men are your allies
7. Ask WM what they need
8. Assist WM
9. Don’t do the work for WM
10. Support systems are critical

Next steps for WM’s:
• Reading list (possibly taken from WM as Full Diversity Partners notebook, w/ changes, additions)
• consider WM as Full Diversity Partners workshops
• self examination and conscious choices to use or not use WM culture in your behavior.
• fuller participation in other diversity initiatives