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On its face, bring your whole self to work is an invitation for authenticity. Those who use it appear to be well-intentioned. They see it as a sunny, self-empowering sentiment that embraces all comers in the name of diversity and inclusion. Come as you are! Be yourself! Everyone is welcome here!
Yet the phrase is fraught. For people of color and members of marginalized groups, it could be considered a loaded request and a stark reminder that only those with social and institutional power and privileges, typically white men, have the luxury to bring their full personalities and perspectives into the workplace.