Earlier this week, Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner showed his commitment to improving diversity in an unconventional way. He drank chocolate milk.
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On Wednesday, the politician made an appearance at a Black History Month event in Chicago to discuss workplace diversity with Hyatt Hotels diversity and inclusion executive Tyronne Stoudemire.
In a video that surfaced online, Stoudemire poured a glass of milk to illustrate white men who lead many corporations. He then squirted in chocolate syrup, which sank to the bottom.
“When you look at most organizations, diversity sits at the bottom of the organization,” Stoudemire said. “You don’t get inclusion until you actually stir it up.”
Rauner then mixed the ingredients together, took a sip and said, “It’s really, really good. Diversity.”
Many folks on social media, including Chicagoan Chance the Rapper, did not like the metaphor, saying the gesture did not prove anything.
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Others expressed confusion. Many didn't understand how chocolate milk would solve diversity, comparing the moment to the infamous Pepsi commercial gaffe starring Kendall Jenner.
During Stoudemire’s remarks, he said, “If you look at any corporate website and look at its leadership team, you’ll see all white men, a few white women, and just maybe an Asian in technology.” Several thought singling out stereotypes did not promote diversity.
And a few joked that they were lactose intolerant.
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