Giraffe and Elephant - A Diversity Fable "

"Giraffe and Elephant captures with stunning simplicity the complex diversity issues of the 21st Century. It goes straight to the core of the matter – difference – and provides a jumping-off place for true conversation to finally take place." -Mitchell A. Kosh, SVP, Human Resources Polo Ralph Lauren ATLANTA, GA, March 5, 2002—The American Institute for Managing Diversity (AIMD) today announces the publication of an elegantly illustrated picture book capturing Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr.’s, well-known diversity fable about a giraffe and an elephant and the challenging diversity issues they encounter trying to share a workspace. Giraffe and Elephant: A Diversity Fable (American Institute for Managing Diversity; $24.95), provides a useful framework for the exploration of diversity management issues for all – whether in corporate, public, nonprofit or academic settings. “The publication of this book is coming at an opportune time,” said Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr. During the final stages of the book’s writing, “our country’s leaders are struggling simultaneously to maintain a diverse coalition of nations in the fight against terrorism, and to preserve domestic unity among all kinds of diverse interests and agendas. Corporate heads are striving to create diversity-friendly workplaces. Communities debate how much progress has been made toward racial equality, the management of racial profiling, and whether affirmative action should be continued.” The situation detailed in Giraffe and Elephant A Giraffe has built an award-winning home designed especially for his needs. He invites a highly qualified Elephant to work with him in his woodworking business at his Giraffe house. The Elephant immediately encounters difficulty maneuvering in the house. The Giraffe proposes that the elephant change to better function in the house. Both the Giraffe and the Elephant realize that they must face some challenging diversity issues. Discussion Guide Is Giraffe and Elephant’s relationship worth pursuing? If so, what are the implications? Could Giraffe have been better prepared for Elephant? Were Elephant’s expectations realistic? Why did Giraffe focus only on changing Elephant? Should Elephant consider Giraffe’s suggestions on how he could change himself? “The current conversation around diversity is stuck,” says Dr. Thomas. “The fable of the Giraffe and Elephant fable is important because it helps to move the conversation forward. If we are going to be effective as individuals in addressing diversity, we’re going to have to do so from the perspective of both the giraffe and the elephant. The fable helps individuals understand both perspectives.” Development of this book is due in part to the General Motors Corporation. About AIMD The American Institute for Managing Diversity is the nation’s first and leading nonprofit think tank dedicated to the advancement of diversity management. Through research, education, curriculum development and public outreach, AIMD seeks to improve dialogue and illuminate action options that lead to quality decisions about diversity. Founded in 1984 by Dr. R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr., AIMD has educated both the public and the business community about the power and the potential of diversity management for nearly two decades. For more information about AIMD, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.aimd.org. Order Online