Closing a Community

 

The main reason for the problems related to inclusion, and supportive environments are due to people seeking answers from community builders rather than from the disenfranchised. Myths and presumptions about people who don't fit in are too convenient and are rarely challenged.

I can tell you from what I've witnessed and experienced that this problem is epidemic and leads to some of the worst of what is consistently dismissed as "societal ills." I don't know more about this than anyone else does, but I know more about it than I do about anything else.
 
People are so concerned with being part of a group or designing one that appeals to them that they never concern themselves with how exclusive they are or how badly people are hurt by it. It all just blamed on peoples unwillingness to conform. Diversity is too often a commercial brand that does little more than encourage identity politics and the very attacks (the bullying) which is claimed to be what people are attempting to prevent.

Comments

[Autismherd.blogspot.com]

I find myself increasingly perplexed by this lately. I am neither an "Us" or a "Them" but I find myself being placed in one of those positions, depending on whoever is doing the deciding. Sounds confusing..I know..I am(confused) and it makes me sad.

[Ed]

Yeah, people want to make sure they are part of an us so that they can them somebody. The us label seems to be used as team uniform and once someone shows up wearing one, everyone must show support by complying with the us rules (rules which are subject to change by self appointed rulers) or get themed.

I think it's militant thinking that comes "God is on our side" justification for war and industry teaching the "sell the sizzle not the steak" pragmatic justification for advertising. Alone is seen as the worst thing someone can be and being a nonconformist is the worst sin. Individualism, creativity, and unique expressions are automatically associated with the enemy.

The problem with disenfranchisement isn't solved by more or better franchises or making sure everyone fits into one, and it certainly isn't the way to promote diversity.

Being alone doesn't have to equate with being lonely, and it doesn't need to cause depression but in an environment where shame is associated, that's the message that gets reinforced and those things often happen as a result.

[Autismherd.blogspot.com]

"The problem with disenfranchisement isn't solved by more or better franchises or making sure everyone fits into one, and it certainly isn't the way to promote diversity. Absolutely!Well said.

It seems that "diversity" is wonderful as long as you aren't really diverse. Or you are "diverse" according the the guidelines of the group. I certainly learned that this past week. I am hesitant to say much about it having been accused of "privilege" because I am not considered a part of the team. These rings of rhetoric are confusing and serve no purpose.

[Ed]

I agree, at best it's useless, and often it's destructive. The privilege label is more often like planting a useless weapon on someone who can't use it so that their victimization can be justified.

Most bullies are from the groups that are marginalized and oppressed. I wish they were all fighting back against oppressors and the oppression, but it's usually just copying what's been done to them. They victimize others and justify it in very similar ways as that which was done them.

The main reason the cycle of oppression continues is because we follow our oppressors lead. If all the bullies were part of the ruling class, assertive people among the oppressed with honorable motives would be able to defeat them. As it is we're stuck.

I think I saw online where you were accused (generally anyway), and it was absurd. (note: I just found it tonight 3/22)

I'm sorry this happened to you. It was wrong as well as terribly inaccurate. I hope you're ok.

[Autismherd.blogspot.com]

Thanks..As long as things are not directed at my kids I'm good.
I very much agree with you. We are stuck. The big question is-how do we change it? It is a vicious cycle-and accomplishes very little in the long run.
I understand how empowering it can be to be part of a group, a movement-an effort to change things. The problem is-as that group grows,it would appear that the idea, the core-the foundation behind the formation of that group is lost. One can not ask for acceptance-and not be accepting. A group can not claim diversity-when they refuse to even acknowledge the diversity within their own

[Autismherd.blogspot.com]

oops got cut-sorry...
The last sentence is.."A group can not claim diversity when the refuse to even acknowledge the diversity within their own commonality." I hope this made sense.(getting kids ready for school as I write) Thanks for posting on this topic. It is nice to have a place to discuss such things respectfully-in a calm environment.