EMBRACING DIFFereNCES

How do you feel about differences? I mean, really feel? I know we are prone to say that we welcome any and all - but do you really feel that? Believe that? I want to challenge you - to consider the biases you hold. Without judgment. But it’s a reality. We all have them. And I’m not exempt. So, as with many things, the first piece of the process is self-reflection. And then acceptance. It doesn’t make us bad people. It’s just a tradition, a part of our culture, that has been embedded in us from day one: to “other”. This is about treating someone or a group of people who are different in some way as though they are “less than”. Othering is based on how we perceive and treat those who are viewed as being part of the in-group versus those who are seen as being part of the out-group. We may not be aware that these are based on our unconscious assumptions but our American culture continuously reinforces the idea that difference is not ok. We should conform: look alike, dress alike, think alike, have the same abilities, etc. 
Think about your ability to accept those who look different than you (skin tone, style of dress); think differently than you (religion, politics); have different skills than you (work, education). Now that you may agree that you do have these thoughts (again, we all do), what do you want to do about it? How will you begin to address this? Do you feel ready? Do you feel a responsibility to work on this? People are judging you as well. Don’t we all want acceptance? But I would like us to go beyond acceptance - though that’s a first grand step! The place I envision is being able to  embrace difference: wanting to learn more about it. Asking is ok! Be curious. Welcome discussions. Welcome others asking you about your difference and feel pride rather than defensive. Don’t shy away from relationships with folks who look different than you; move towards them. Take risks. Put yourself in new situations. Talk to folks you ordinarily wouldn’t. Open your world.
 If you want to learn more on the topic of diversity, check out podcast episodes #36 & #41.

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