Combative sports do not promote violence insofar as the rules are written. Just as in any contact sport, the air of competition is filtered to be thin with malice but rich with struggle. However, outside of the rules as written, competitors in combative sports can promote violence through immoral traits and actions.

Many white people, including myself, understand that while we may never truly know what it’s like to experience the world as a black person, it’s our time to step down and listen. When internalizing and confronting the racism that has been so normalized by society that we didn’t even notice it, there can occur a lot of growing pains as we recognize where we’ve been wrong. While necessary, this can be deeply uncomfortable for multiple reasons, and some people appear to be reacting in unproductive ways.

The arguments for DEI in business are intricate, but the initiatives and results can be succinct and consequential. Companies can begin to satisfy their ethical obligation to DEI by analyzing talent practices to identify and rectify bias in not only employees but also leadership and organizational structures. Monitoring and enhancing DEI practices in recruitment, retention, engagement, investment, and promotion is financially beneficial for businesses and ultimately fosters an inclusive environment that improves employee well-being and encourages a more equitable society.