Black Twitter slams Illinois governor for sipping chocolate milk to show commitment to diversity
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.”
While celebrating Black History Month at the Thompson Center, Hyatt Hotels executive Tyronne Stoudemire asked for Governor Rauner's help while he used a glass of chocolate milk to demonstrate a lesson on corporate diversity. pic.twitter.com/ETFq7dBvQD
— CBS Chicago (@cbschicago) February 21, 2018
Many folks on social media, including Chicagoan Chance the Rapper, did not like the metaphor, saying the gesture did not prove anything.
— Emily (@EmilyBubnis) February 22, 2018
As long as we all understand that our country’s struggles with diversity, equity and inclusion have nothing to do with, and will not be solved by a Glass of Chocolate Milk.
— Vernal Equinox (@SpringF_kx) February 22, 2018
It proved nothing. pic.twitter.com/mDEIyLYc5I
— NA (@peaceful_birdie) February 23, 2018
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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.
But Pepsi on the other hand lmao
— TREE OF LIFE (@_thisguy2real) February 23, 2018
What in the Yahoo is this? 👀 pic.twitter.com/M5IbKULdIl
— NA (@peaceful_birdie) February 23, 2018
No gif exists to accurately describe my particular mix of amazement, dumbfound, and amusement right now... but I'll give it a shot pic.twitter.com/adyVky16jb
— Joey 🔻🅰️💤📯🤘✊💤 (@FalconsFans_CHI) February 22, 2018
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.
But aren’t you using stereot.... nvm. 🤦🏾♀️ pic.twitter.com/W0W3uvEqqR
— From_SJ_With_Love (@FromSJWithLove) February 23, 2018
I’m sorry... asain in technology... pic.twitter.com/r8C5MORPJt
— Sammie Bee (@SammiieBee7) February 23, 2018
And ppl actually clapped. 😐 How long did it take him to come up with this? And really sir.."maybe an Asian in technology" That's real diverse talk right there.
— twin_birdie (@Haleasious) February 23, 2018
Promoting diversity and the man says, "Maybe an Asian in technology" - wow! You can't make that stuff up.
— Mitch (@mitch_won) February 22, 2018
And a few joked that they were lactose intolerant.
First off, most of us are lactose intolerant
— Kira Stewart (@kiralynns) February 23, 2018
I’m lactose intolerant. pic.twitter.com/RhnyM5XsmY
— 〽️ A L I K. (@MalikThaElite) February 23, 2018

