The trouble with inclusion:
Share to twitterToo often, those who previously tolerated exclusion are the ones who end up setting the terms for inclusion. Groucho Marx got it right when he said he did not want to belong to any club that would have him as a member. I feel much the same way about the inclusion mantra that is being parroted from corporate offices to nonprofit stalwarts and piggybacking on the diversity whale like a pilot fish.
The use of exclusion, whether through explicit laws and covenants or by means of more covert restrictions or simply by tacit understanding among a class, has waxed and waned. Exclusion has been a key tool in establishing and maintaining economic, cultural and political power throughout the development of American life.
But that is the problem. The generosity of spirit that inclusion carries also informs us of who is leading the way: the same forces that maintained exclusionary policies until the realization dawned that fashions have changed. So now that this longstanding behavior is being actively reversed under the aegis of inclusivity, anyone formerly excluded should be grateful, no?
As Groucho knew, the only way to be excluded is to allow someone to choose your exclusion. His response was to decline to be included as well, to self-exclude. If I, a person who happens to be blind, accepts exclusion – from work or play or education or whatever endeavor I desire to participate in – then I cede control of my life and agency to whoever is challenging my right to participate.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Gucci Hires Renée Tirado as the Global Head of Diversity, Equity & InclusionGucci has officially appointed Renee Tirado as the new leader of the diversity, equity, and inclusion division.
Read more »
Jonas Brothers Recall Past Troubles While Accepting Decade Award at the 2019 Teen Choice AwardsThe Jonas Brothers accepted the 'Decade' award at the 2019 Teen Choice Awards.
Read more »
Placido Domingo Accused of Sexual HarassmentEight singers and a dancer have told the AP that they were sexually harassed by the long-married, Spanish-born superstar.
Read more »
There Are 'Thousands And Thousands' Of Other Documents On Jeffrey Epstein Case: JournalistDespite the apparent suicide of Jeffrey Epstein, there are “thousands and thousands” of other documents linked to his sex trafficking case and “so many threads of information” that could implicate co-conspirators, a Miami Herald investigative reporter says
Read more »
Tiffany Haddish looks back on childhood: ‘I was trying to escape the trouble’Actress Tiffany Haddish speaks with Willie Geist about her new film “The Kitchen” and her rise from poverty, becoming one of comedy’s most important female voices. - NBCNewsNOW
Read more »