Claire-Louise McCrackan’s Post

What if inclusion is not enough? I just read Jenny Odell’s incredible book Saving Time. In it she quotes writer, design researcher, artist, and cultural producer Sara Hendren. In the quote Sara talks about he son Graham, diagnosed at birth with Down syndrome. Her words are ones I keep returning to in the days since first reading them: “My son doesn’t need a gentle and pacifying form of ‘inclusion.’ Inclusion is necessary, but it will never be sufficient. He needs a world with a robust countervailing understanding of personhood and contribution and community in it, human values that are alive and operational outside the logic of the market and its insistent clock. He needs it and so do the rest of us.” Deep exhale. What does it mean to be included within systems and institutions and discourses that are not humane, exhibit multiple types and degrees of inequality and are isolating? Contorting our bodies, behavior and thoughts to fit something that presents itself as not only natural but in many cases desirable is exhausting—for us all. We may not be able to create a new world in my lifetime but words like this are a kind of relief. The words imagine not just an accommodation but a liberation. Imagine.

Why does authentic inclusion remain so elusive after so many of us have been working so long to achieve it? One answer to this question is that inclusion can't be achieved without meaningfully addressing difference, inequality, and power relations. Audre Lorde famously declared: "It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences." This is one of my all-time favorite quotes, but Lorde's words are often misunderstood and misappropriated. With Pride month coming up in June, let's remember that the transformative work of authentic inclusion and belonging demands much more than recognizing and accepting people who are different from us. "Celebrating" difference requires transforming those systems that exclude marginalized and multiply marginalized people in the first place. *********** 👋🏽 I'm a DEIB consultant, speaker, and educator passionate about building communities where everyone can thrive. 🗣 I talk about antiracism, antisemitism, LGBTQIA2S+ inclusion, and navigating difficult dialogues. 💭 If you found this post insightful, please share to expand the conversation. 🔔 Follow me and tap the bell on my profile to subscribe to my content.

This is exactly right. The differences between us aren't the problem; the problem is the way people interpret and respond to those differences. To build a real sense of belonging, we need to recognize that differences between individuals and groups are assets. Through engagement with differences, we are offered an opportunity to uncover different perspectives, learn new ways of approaching a task, and interact with people whose experiences are different from our own. One thing that I find helpful is checking the language I use to ensure I don't get lazy and say things like "the challenge of diversity" or "diversity drives prejudice," etc. It's our responses to differences and diversity that drive prejudice and polarization. That's what needs to change, not the differences between us.

So many people think we’ve ’made it’ when it comes to Diversity and Inclusion. Events over recent days show just how much work there still is to do. I will start by saying that the incidents happening up and down the UK since last week have rocked me to my core. The country I’ve called home since I was 6 years old is spiralling into anarchy, driven by misguided and outright racist views. I see firsthand through my work with DIAL Global that there is still SO much more we can all do to drive positive change. Yet there are still vast numbers of people who argue: “We’ve achieved equality” “We’re living in a woke-world” If you hold that opinion, I would encourage you to open your eyes and ears. Ask your minority friends and colleagues how they’re feeling. I absolutely guarantee you that they’re currently feeling sick with anxiety, scared to leave their houses. The truth is that these dangerous attitudes have long existed in the UK and the last few days have shown just how easily these things can rear their ugly heads. I can’t be clearer in saying: A person’s ‘Britishness’ is not defined by the colour of their skin. Someone’s religion should determine nothing more than the way they choose to live their life. Our country and its policies cannot be swayed by violence and bigotry. Now is the time to show solidarity to those who need it and - peacefully - to demonstrate that hatred never wins. What we can’t face, we can’t change.

Peace Talks Can We Talk?            Once upon a time people could guess fairly accurately what another person’s political position was by their appearance. During certain periods throughout history it was also possible to determine one’s tribe based on their attire, hairstyle, and mode of transport. This was valuable information as knowing what to expect regarding interaction with others could save one’s life. Recognition enabled human beings to know whether or not they could discuss certain things with one another. Continue reading ... https://lnkd.in/ekfG3-ZW #Reconciliation #Polarization #Mediation #Affinity #Diversity #Inclusion

🗽 **What Do You Stand For?** 🌈 In the spirit of independence and the rights of all individuals, regardless of color, faith, sexual orientation, or ability, let's reflect on what we stand for as individuals and as a nation. As a country founded on the ideals of freedom and equality, we must remember the struggles of those who fought for independence and continue to advocate for the rights of all people. In the face of increasing resistance against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, we must ask ourselves if our beliefs align with the principles of freedom enshrined in our constitution and laws. This is not about politics; it's about our shared humanity and the opportunity each of us has to stand up for what is right. Let's strive for greatness as a nation by embracing diversity and ensuring everyone is treated with respect and dignity. 🌟 **Where Do You Stand?** 🌟 #Independence #Equality #Diversity #Inclusion #Freedom #HumanRights #Unity #StandTogether I welcome all respectful thoughts and perspectives. Feel free to engage, share your thoughts, and let's continue the conversation. 🌟✨

Words either have consequences or add value. The words diversity, equality, and inclusion represent the values of the USA. Diversity represents the melting pot of culture. Equality speaks to the lack of a caste or class system. Inclusion ensure opportunity for all born in the USA of those here legally and those who immigrate legally. These words unite USA Citizens in the cause of Equality of Rights and Freedom. Those promoting, demanding diversity, equity, inclusion desire to divide and segregate.

Being told, day in and day out, that you are somehow inferior, unworthy Simply Because of the color of your skin, your gender, you’re religious beliefs, or any other aspect of your identity This message seeps into the psyche, corroding self-esteem and breeding self-doubt For those subjected to segregation It's not just about being denied access to the same facilities or opportunities as others It's about being constantly reminded of your supposed inferiority It's about being made to feel like a second-class citizen in your own community, your own country, your own world But despite the challenge, there is hope Change is possible It starts with acknowledging the reality of segregation and its impact on individuals and communities Empathizing with their experiences, and to recognize the validity of their pain From there, it's about taking #action It's about building bridges where there were once barriers Fostering empathy where there was once apathy Forging connections where there was once division It's about recognizing the worth and dignity of every individual Regardless of their race, gender, religion, or background. #diversity #inclusion #leadership

Nobody has irrational fear, horror, or aversion towards you! It's ridiculous that there is an "International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia" It's essential to remember that generating labels, groups, flags, etc only divides people. Real inclusion comes when we stop talking about it and cease labeling individuals based on characteristics. Celebrating human beings and our differences is key to embracing diversity. Let's focus on people, as individuals, and celebrate the uniqueness each person brings to the table. #Diversity #Inclusion #Humanity

This quote jumped out & spoke to my heart. “No matter how big a nation is, it is no stronger than its weakest people, and as long as you keep a person down, some part of you has to be down there to hold him down, so it means you cannot soar as you might otherwise.” Marian Anderson I’ve never been particularly patriotic. My heart leans towards some kind of global family, which embraces the uniqueness of difference. Perhaps you feel the same. I’m super curious…What does it REALLY take to live without rejecting or condemning someone else because they look or behave differently than we do? I am aware that I am writing this as a white middle class British woman in a privileged position. I am also aware that I am none of those things. I am a soul, as you are a soul. We are here to herald in harmony. We cannot do that if we choose to continue to live a limited version of who we are. We cannot do that if we choose to only see each other on the external appearance of flesh and action. We cannot do that if we choose to hold on to the hurts of the past and allow them to continue to repeat themselves. We must look deeper. We must be bold and courageous to have the conversations. We must be open to listen and listen some more. Both within ourselves & within each other. I’m aware that race is a deep and multifaceted topic, that holds within it a myriad of deep hurt and wounding. One aspect of it is our psychology of familiarity. Also known as the mere-exposure effect or familiarity principle, is the tendency for people to develop preferences for things because they are familiar with them. This can apply to many things, including people, words, pictures, and sounds.’ A few years ago I had this thought. We just need to see more multi-race images. So we can become familiar with it. This is happening. I think it could happen more. What do you think? How can we increase our familiarity? How can we create a more inclusive society today? How do we create a global harmony which celebrates and enjoys the uniqueness of differing nations? How do we find harmony within a nation? How do we soar? I’d love to hear your thoughts. #Equality