Scrolling through my social media accounts last night, I couldn't help but notice an obvious contrast.
About half were focused on issues of police brutality and social justice, either by participating in #blackouttuesday or by posting comments meant to support and comfort others.
One post was especially powerful. It was written by Karen S. Carter, chief human resources officer and chief inclusion officer at Dow Chemical Co.
"Last week was hard… and I lost my voice," she wrote. "Recent events are all too familiar, too frequent and remind me of too many personal experiences. I appreciate those who have stood up and stepped forward, including allies. We cannot give up. I will not give up. My voice is restored."
Most of the #blackouttuesday posts in my feed were from people I've met during my 29 years at Plastics News. Carter was one of our 2016 Women Breaking the Mold. Some of the posts were even from official company accounts.
2020 has been tough. Until a few weeks ago, plastics were in the middle of the year's biggest story, with companies staying open to make materials and components for ventilators, test kits, swabs and PPE.
But now the news headlines have shifted, and public attention is on protest, justice and racism. I'm encouraged that many in the industry want to express their thoughts on those issues.
