One of the main obstacles to building inclusive communities is that we assume that our subjective experience is the objective truth.
That our norm is the norm.
That our world view is more or less the same as everyone’s world view.
Armed (and dangerous) with this perspective, we don't bother to explore, understand, or appreciate that what is true for us is not necessarily true for others.
That there are external factors that contribute to inequality. That people on the downside of power may work just as hard as people on the upside and not see the same results.
That privilege is real. That systemic racism, and institutionalized sexism, and legal homophobia are real.
As long as we chose to stay blind to the lived experiences of people with different backgrounds, we will continue to find it difficult to relate, and we will continue to dismiss the concerns that we have chosen to not understand.
It is our responsibility as people who care about equity, inclusion, and belonging to disrupt the status quo by educating ourselves.
By familiarizing ourselves with other people's realities. By listening, reading, immersing, and advocating.
This means using our social capital more strategically.
Are you up for the challenge?