Inclusion is…process of making everyone feel valued and respected. This is a big word and it seems nowadays every company places a huge emphasis on being as inclusive as possible with a diverse team structure. But to what extent does this work? Most think that inclusion lies in the realm of ignoring the differences one has with regards to their background, religion, race, sexual identity, disability, etc. However, there are a few factors that are disregarded. First of all, one should not ignore the differences a person carries but embrace those. Inclusion is only there if the person under the starlight can be themselves 100% without any pretentious looks or opinions. The second important matter is that differences do not only exist in how each person looks. There is a big possibility that someone does not have any physical traits distinguishing them from the others but they are just from another world with the way they act and the way they think.
It is no doubt that the world does not work with shoulds or coulds. Then one question arises. How one can change this world? Embracing one’s differences is a difficult move to make since the reaction one could get from their audience is frightening and discouraging. Nevertheless, what they say: what is the worst possible thing that could happen?
First off, for thousands of years one type of outlook and one set of behavior, movements, actions have been normalized. One cannot justify when this happened (maybe colonization) but since then people with traits different from the ones normalized have been excluded from the social mainstream. They have been marginalized, discriminated against, belittled in their social circles. Back then people did not know how to appreciate differences one prompts, however, in the 21st century we are able to do that. In fact, being more self-aware (I) and having a social awareness (We) is one way to foster a sense of belonging and end the problem of exclusion in many different contexts (work, family, social life, etc.). Once you realize the value you and the others bring simultaneously, the world becomes a better place.
Moreover, did you know that you can find most of the answers to your existential questions just by looking into nature? It is uncanny how every action we, as human beings, take resembles how the animals act and react to everything in nature. However, there is something that distinguishes us from our neighbors – the other beautiful inhabitants of the earth.
It is a known fact that some animals can change their shapes, patterns, textures to adapt to their environment when there is a necessity to escape from their predators because they are in fear. If it is the survival of the fittest then they want to fit in their environment. However, human beings don't have to fit in or adapt anywhere. If you want to survive, you got to be way different from your counterparts and be able to show that you have something that no one else has. It can range from a vision, perspective, emotion, feeling to beliefs, etc. It is, in fact, more beautiful when everyone shows their true personalities, true mindset, true opinions, true feelings which set them apart from other people. If you try to fit in, that is when you lose.
Therefore, there is nothing more powerful than a pair of eyes that look at the world from a completely different perspective while sharing these opinions with utmost pride.
Long story short, you are much stronger when you are different. Because if you would resemble someone else in this life and if you try to fit in your community by suppressing your differences, not only you but also this universe would lose.
# Be different, be stronger!