About this Video

The following is a note by Dr. Sonia Anand which explains the impetus for making the video above:

I created this video to try and convey some of the concepts of equity, diversity, inclusion, and also what "privilege" can look like - as applied to academic life.

I observed there was a gap in peoples understanding - especially apparent when new Faculty recruits were asked to write a 1/2 page EDI statement. This was the first time many Faculty or "Faculty to be" had heard of "EDI" or reflected on issues we face in the Academy. Usually the EDI statements would discuss a commitment to treat patients from vulnerable populations more empathetically  or equally - but that is something every physician should already endeavor to do - and is different from equity issues Faculty members may face in the Academy. I would refer the new Faculty to read the policy documents on EDI - but I received the feedback that these were too "policy speak" and therefore less easy to wade through. We all learn best through stories, so it is my hope that the Airplane analogy may increase this understanding in a more simplified manner.

I (used) to travel a lot for research conferences etc... and sometimes I would fly business class , whereas other times when travelling with my family I would fly economy class. When in business class, I would feel a sense of entitlement - where is my newspaper, cashew nuts, and expect to board first, leave first etc..., and would contrast this when I was flying in economy class where i would lament not having the perks of business class, yet feeling humbled to experience what the majority of the passengers experience. This was the genesis of the "EDI airplane analogy".