Breaking Barriers in the Ski Industry

Summary

Humira Falkenberg, an immigrant from northern Pakistan with a passion for outdoor activities, introduces the first-ever Jedi Training on Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion on snow in North America. She emphasizes the importance of cultivating inclusion and the civil rights aspect of outdoor access as a human right. Using a ski analogy, she explains the difference between equality and equity, and discusses the concept of intersectionality based on Kimberlé Crenshaw's work. The conversation touches on the complexities of identity, privilege, and the importance of respectful communication in outdoor spaces.

Takeaways

• 🎿 Humira Falkenberg is the initiator of the first-ever Jedi Training on Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion on snow in North America.
• 🌍 Humira is an immigrant from Northern Pakistan with a passion for outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering.
• 🌱 Her life's work revolves around promoting justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion through training.
• 🤝 The concept of inclusion is central to her belief that everyone should have a connection to the outdoors, which she sees as an advancement in civil rights.
• 🔄 The difference between equality and equity is illustrated through an activity involving mismatched skis, emphasizing that equity is about fitting needs rather than just providing the same for all.
• 🔄 The 'Circle of Power' or 'Wheel of Privilege' is a tool based on Kimberlé Crenshaw's work, addressing the intersectionality of various identities.
• 👥 Humira identifies with multiple identities such as immigration status, language, gender, and socioeconomic background, which inform her life experiences.
• 🏆 The center of the Wheel of Privilege typically represents those with the most societal advantages, such as white, male, heterosexual individuals with English as a first language.
• 🧠 Ableism is highlighted as not just physical but also includes mental health, neurodiversity, and emotional intelligence.
• 🤔 Public response to the content is expected to be mixed, with some not understanding the concept of privilege, while others are receptive and open to the discussion.
• 💬 The script addresses the discomfort and complexity of being asked 'where are you from?', especially for immigrants and people of color, as it can be a deeply personal question.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the inaugural Jedi Training for Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion on Snow in North America?

The purpose is to promote inclusion and diversity in outdoor activities such as skiing and snowboarding, ensuring that everyone has a connection to the outdoors and that their relationship with nature is an advancement in civil rights.

Who is Humira Falkenberg and what is her background?

Humira Falkenberg is an immigrant from Northern Pakistan who is passionate about skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering. She is also dedicated to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion training.

What is the difference between equality and equity as discussed in the script?

Equality is about giving everyone the same thing, like a pair of skis, regardless of whether they fit. Equity, on the other hand, is about giving everyone what they need to be successful, such as a pair of skis that fit them properly.

What is the 'Circle of Power' or 'Wheel of Privilege' and why is it relevant?

The 'Circle of Power' or 'Wheel of Privilege' is a concept based on the work of Kimberlé Crenshaw, focusing on the intersectionalities of various identities. It helps to understand the different levels of privilege and power that individuals may have based on their identities.

What does Humira mean when she says her identities 'inform her life experience'?

Humira means that her various identities, such as being an immigrant, a woman of color, and having English as a second language, shape her personal experiences and perspectives, even though they don't define who she is.

What is the central idea of the 'wheel of power' in terms of privilege?

The central idea is that certain identities, such as being a white male with a high socioeconomic background, English as a first language, and education, are often at the center of power and privilege, while other identities are on the periphery.

How does Humira describe the concept of ableism in the script?

Ableism, according to Humira, is not just about physical abilities or the use of limbs. It also encompasses mental health, neurodiversity, emotional intelligence, and being on the autism spectrum, which are not always visible but are real aspects of ableism.

What is the potential public response to the content discussed in the script?

The response is expected to be mixed, with some people not understanding the concept of a 'wheel of power' or real privilege, while others will appreciate the discussion and some will be in between, reflecting a range of perspectives on the topic.

Why is the question 'Where are you from?' considered deeply troublesome for Humira?

This question is troublesome because it can feel invasive and assume a right to know personal information about one's country of origin or background, which can be deeply personal and not something one is obligated to share.

What is the difference between asking someone where they are from versus where they currently live?

Asking where someone is from can feel like an invasion of privacy and an assumption of their background, while asking where they currently live is more about their present situation and is generally considered more appropriate.

How does Humira suggest approaching curiosity about someone's background in a respectful way?

Humira suggests using conversational micro-questions to satisfy curiosity while respecting boundaries, emphasizing that one is not entitled to know deeply personal information about someone without a genuine relationship.