The cover of this issue was designed to get your attention — so you would read this note.
Amid all the upheaval and adjustments we’re making as a result of the pandemic, I felt it important to change focus for a moment.
Actually, I see it not so much as a change in focus, but as an extension of the pandemic-driven discussions we’re now having about the “new normal.”
There’s no shortage of ideas of what that new normal may look like, some more likely, others more speculative.
As we consult experts, consume information, and try to build a confident picture of how things will look beyond this stage of the pandemic, let’s embrace a key thought: the new normal isn’t something we’re waiting for to arrive fully formed. We have a hand in building it and shaping it.
Will satellite sales and service be a key component of this business going forward? I’m sure it will, because I’m sure there are dealers across the country who will do such a great job implementing it that a new standard will be set, and a large number of customers will see the value in it. Through that process, satellite sales and service will become part of the new normal.
Which brings me back to the title of this Publisher’s note.
We’re at a point in history where discussions of racism, bias, and discrimination in society are happening more broadly and more openly than perhaps ever before. And I think that’s a very good thing.
Yes, it’s messy. It’s hard. It’s emotional. And I can tell you I’m very happy to be living in Canada while it’s happening.
Not because we’re perfect. Far from it. However, I think we have so far avoided the level of societal polarization we see South of the border, for example. That’s good.
As car dealers, you also have much to be proud of. You represent the largest employers in many Canadian communities. From a diversity standpoint, some of your dealerships already have a staff that reflects the demographic and ethnic mix your stores serve. That’s good. Others have work to do.
In speaking with one of our team members (who is Black) about this, he added an important perspective. He felt that comparing Canada to the United States missed the point, because A: we’ve also done a lot of wrong and B: we should be comparing ourselves to our “desired state” rather than to another jurisdiction. The “we’re not as bad as them” card voids accountability.
This industry is in an ideal position to help keep the conversation around race, bias and discrimination going. Let’s help shape a new normal that can be more inclusive, more open, more willing to acknowledge and face the challenges society offers up. Let’s talk about what that “desired state” looks like, and how we take steps to get there. Let’s make that part of our new normal.
Does white privilege exist in Canada? Yes, it does.
Does systemic racism exist in Canada? Yes, it does.
What can we do about it? I’m not entirely sure, but even saying those things may be a bit of a start. My next step is to arrange for unconscious bias training for Universus. And to read the book Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People.
Let’s all do what we can to keep the conversation going. Let’s make our new normal much more than just a new retail experience.
