A clear and thoughtful
exploration of the challenges
underpinning today’s Social
Justice Movement.
An Excerpt from The Old Black Lesbian Elephant in the Room
Don’t say “these are the steps I’m going to take” because some people are in wheelchairs
Don’t say “brainstorm” because some people feel it is offensive to people with brain disorders
Don’t say “spooky” this Halloween because Black soldiers were called “spooks” during the 2nd World War. I know it originated as a Dutch word describing apparitions, ghouls and ghosts in the 19th century, but…
Oh yeah, and don’t dress up for halloween in school because some kids don’t celebrate Halloween.
This is not empathy.
This is not compassion.
This is a funhouse-mirror representation of everything that inclusion and equity should be.
Equity is about systemic change. It’s fundamentally about righting the ship so we can sail on it together. It doesn’t require sinking the ship we have. And make no mistake, this approach is taking some good divots out of the hull.
Inclusion doesn’t mean excluding those in positions of power. It doesn’t require demonising everything they know as normal or hold as dear. Inclusion is about how we can work to create cultures where people feel truly safe, like they truly fit. … And you don’t accomplish that at the expense of other people’s sense of safety and fit.