DIB, ECN, and... Black Panther?

Out of all the completely mo–nic things that OXY has done in the past 2 years, this has to rank in the top 10.

ECN hosting a "Black Panther Viewing Discussion". After this and BAR, I have a good idea of a certain department that could use a good fat-trimming come the next round of layoffs. Too many HR staff with too much free time, trying to shove trash intersectionality down employees throats through the most id–tic means possible... A panel discussion about Black Panther. I swear if you could see the PDF about this discussion, you'd think it was satire.

"We’re hosting an inclusive community event: a discussion of Marvel’s 2018 film, Black Panther.
We hope you can take the time to listen, learn and share with fellow Oxy colleagues on the topic of the film and related themes. Black Panther is a super hero film that reaches a large audience while explicitly sharing experiences and views of underrepresented people/communities. We hope that you are able to participate in this discussion focused around leadership, community and inclusivity."

Topics include:
 Recognize: We recognize that we must strive to overcome biases and open
ourselves to other viewpoints and experiences.
 Respect: We agree to listen respectfully to each other without interruptions. Only
one person speaks at a time.
 Individual Experience: We agree that no one should be required or expected to
speak for their whole race, gender, or group.We can't, even if we wanted to.
 Trust: Everyone has come to the table to learn, grow, and share. We will trust
that people are doing the best they can; we all make mistakes and when these
occur, let us encourage each other to do better. We acknowledge that we may be
at different stages of learning on the topic.
 Share the Air: Share responsibility for including all voices in the discussion. If you
have a tendency to dominate discussions, take a step back and help the group
invite others to speak. If you tend to stay quiet, challenge yourself to share so
others can learn from you.
 Not Experts: The facilitators are not experts. They are here to help facilitate the
process. They and everyone in the session are here to learn.
 Ask for help: It is okay not to know. Keep in mind that we are all still learning and
are bound to make mistakes. Be open to changing your mind, and make space for
others on our HR team to do so as well.

With riveting discussion points such as:

Black Panther’s success is a prime example that
shows a particular genre (superhero movies) can be
more inclusive and reach a larger audience by shifting
the characters in focus, and their qualities.
 Did the movie or this discussion have you think about
how you can lead yourself or others more inclusively?
 Does anyone want to share a time they really felt
included, whether personally or professionally?

Is this seriously how we are supposed to be raising the BAR? By over-analyzing a Marvel Superhero movie and pretending that it has ANYTHIGN to do with the condition of minorities in America? In the words of Harry "You know Lloyd, just when I think you can't possibly be any dumber, you go and do something like this..."

Comment! It's anonymous!

8 replies (most recent on top)

Lower performing Oxy employees have been spoiled ever since they started the 3 level rating system a few years back. Otherwise known as the “every person gets a trophy “ system. There were very few who were rated lower than average under this system.

It’s an indoctrination, and I’m afraid it has reached critical mass in this country. Good luck everybody!

HR are a fifth column operating in our business and know exactly what they are doing. It is well organized and funded. The training will be enforced by loss of employment if you refuse to complete the training programs. BAR is just a way of categorizing us like livestock and when you land in the 6 box you will just quietly disappear just like a cow that does not give enough milk. The business model is not about making money anymore and BTW do not bother asking HR for any information or ask any questions as all you will get is a shallow and banal answer.
There isn't anything to be gained by working hard and trying to do the right thing so you just need to play along with the program. Find a smaller company to work for and make a difference, as they have not been infected by this foolishness yet. Enjoy the ride folks and good luck! As a bit of fun you should all start referring to VH as #6 except she won't disappear.

This is so far away from what real people of any skin are experiencing at the moment. Has Oxy started any assistance programs for people who face eviction due to the coronavirus. Maybe a spouse of an employee was laid off recently and they are facing eviction. Or perhaps there are large medical bills that have hit beyond what insurance covers. Many other situations out there for sure.

Black Panther??? OMG Vicki.

Let's have a real discussion about behavior and stereotypes at the workplace, not this comic book sh–

OP, if this is something Oxy leadership is doing we are all hosed. The employee part of me is amazed with all this feelings stuff. The older employees are who they are after years of being that way. Something I found out a long time ago is that people don't really change after being the way they are for years. If you are a jerk then you are a jerk. If you are nice and compliant then that is what you are. For the younger crowd all this may work, but our older leaders and management are who they are.

As a stockholder stop wasting time and sale some properties, cut cost, and go find some oil and gas to add to the bottom line. Maybe when Oxy gets out of the hole they are in they can go play around with the fluff and theories that are just ridiculous. Looks like HR just does not have enough to do.

My God, what I wouldn't give for someone to show up dressed as Thanos and say that we should get rid of half of employees and then start naming execs to be snapped.

I am ear to ear grinning right now looking up costumes.

SNAP

I'm afraid that if I attend this meeting prepared with years of comic book knowledge that contradicts some of the thoughts on the movie that I will be looked down upon or "brushed off" because I'm not talking about the movie specifically. Should I attend anyway because I like the subject but stay on mute because my thoughts on the matter are not viewed as congruent with the intended discussion? Or should I contribute with my in depth of knowledge of the comic book character and risk going against the grain?

Thread regarding Occidental Petroleum Corp. layoffs

8 replies (most recent on top)