“Dehumanizing” Toxic Claims Blue Origin Bezos Amazon Space

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The Blue Origins New Shepherd spacecraft launched paying customers into spacePhoto: Blue Origin

After taking a seat on Blue Origins’ maiden flight, Jeff Bezos appeared changed by his journey through the atmosphere. Once back on dry land, the richest man in the world pledged to use the abilities of Blue Origins to help clean up the Earth.

At the time, he told MSNBC that he hoped to take all heavy industry, all polluting industry and move it into space, and keep Earth as this beautiful gem of a planet that it is. .

These lofty ambitions align well with Blue Origins’ mission statement, which states that the company is planning for a future where millions of people live and work in space for the benefit of Earth.

Jeff Bezos boarded Blue Origins’ first manned space flightPhoto: Blue Origin

However, a new essay signed by 21 current and former Blue Origin employees shows that Bezos may have some housecleaning to do a lot closer to home first.

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The essay, originally posted on Lioness, was signed by Alexandra Abrams, former Blue Origin employee communications manager, and 20 other Blue Origin employees who wished to remain anonymous.

In it, the signatories alleged that the predominantly male and predominantly white workforce fostered a toxic environment that spawned a particular form of sexism.

Working at the company also affected employee mental health, as the trial explains:

Former and current employees have had experiences that can only be described as dehumanizing and are terrified of the potential consequences of exposing the richest man on the planet.

While Bezos is hoping his space agency can help tackle the climate crisis, the essay also alleges that concerns about the environmental impact of space tourism have been quashed by high-ranking figures.

The essay reads: We haven’t seen sustainability, climate change, or climate justice influencing decision-making or corporate culture at Blue Origins.

In response to the allegations, a statement from Blue Origin said:

Blue Origin has no tolerance for discrimination or harassment of any kind. We provide numerous opportunities for employees, including an anonymous 24/7 hotline, and will promptly investigate any new malpractice complaints.

Jeff Bezos must ensure the safety of his workers to achieve his grand ambitions for Blue Origins Photo: Blue Origin

I have no doubt that Bezos has the funds to support his company’s ambitions to clean up the Earth, and maybe the organization can find a way to deal with the climate emergency without simply hiding all of our current issues in the world. ‘space.

In order to discover such solutions, Blue Origin will have to attract the brightest minds around the world.

To do this, Bezos and his space agency must put in place structures to rectify such allegations. Current and former staff should be free to voice their concerns and the organization should be seen to respond to them.

Until these measures are in place, is there a way for Blue Origin to complete its mission of having millions of people living and working in space?

And, if Bezos really means what he says about protecting this magnificent gem of the planet, it should also mean his employees who live and work here.

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