Diversity, equity and inclusion are important values because these foster a positive environment where everyone feels safe and included; which in turn contributes to many other desirable results such as productivity, high morale, trust, belonging, creativity and innovation, etc.  At the root of it all are basic concepts such as respect for every person, appreciation for the uniqueness of each person, and treating everyone equally regardless of demographical considerations.

 

“Baptizing” people is another form of labeling and putting people into specific categories based on physical characteristics (color of skin, height, weight, hair, accent, etc).  It can be harmful as it can lead to stereotyping, which makes inaccurate and unfair generalization or judgment about people based on just a single characteristic.  

 

So calling someone “Uno” or “Kulot” or “Taba” are harmful because it smacks of discrimination and leads to exclusion.  While it can be argued that it is just for fun, this can have negative effects and consequences to the employees themselves.  This can increase stigmatization, internalization of the label, and low self-esteem.  Labeling people based on characteristics may also lead to bullying and harassment as the practice can connote a hierarchy of superiority or inferiority, or a class system of in-group and outgroup. 

 

We suggest you take steps to get your team to reconsider the practice of labeling people.  We are sure you would have a much healthier, safer, and more empowering work environment without the labels.