To Speak Up for Inclusion, we need to speak about inclusion

RBC

13 Jun 201804:07

Summary

TLDRThe video script explores the complexities of navigating societal expectations and prejudices as an indigenous person, a woman, and a person with a disability. It emphasizes the importance of challenging personal biases and assumptions, advocating for a more inclusive society where barriers are torn down and everyone feels welcomed and respected. The speakers share personal experiences of overcoming stereotypes and discrimination, highlighting the need for open dialogue and active listening to foster understanding and drive inclusion.

Takeaways

🌐 Stereotypes and assumptions are often made about individuals based on their race, gender, or disability.
💼 Workplaces can be challenging environments for those who don't conform to traditional expectations or roles.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The speaker acknowledges their own biases and the importance of recognizing and overcoming them.
🏢 Inclusive environments should be free of constructed barriers, allowing everyone to feel welcomed and respected.
🌟 Change is possible, but it requires the right individuals to initiate and drive it forward.
👗 Support and advocacy from allies can be crucial in promoting inclusion, as demonstrated by the shop floor supervisor's actions.
🗣️ Open communication and conversation about inclusion are essential for fostering understanding and acceptance.
🌱 Learning about different cultures, races, religions, and belief systems is a key part of embracing diversity and inclusion.
👂 Active listening and showing genuine interest in others' experiences can help break down barriers and promote inclusivity.
🤔 Asking questions, even if they seem 'stupid,' is encouraged as a way to learn and grow, rather than being seen as a negative.
🌈 The speaker envisions a future where acceptance is the norm and people are free to be themselves without judgment.

Q & A

What is the speaker's perspective on being labeled as a 'terrorist'?
-The speaker expresses discomfort and resentment towards being labeled as a 'terrorist', highlighting the negative stereotypes and assumptions that are often unfairly associated with being an indigenous person.
How does the speaker describe the initial assumptions made about them due to their indigenous background?
-The speaker mentions that people often assumed they could be a drunk or have substance abuse issues, or that they might be knowledgeable about computers, based solely on their indigenous identity.
What kind of stereotypes does the speaker mention about women in the workplace?
-The speaker talks about the stereotype that women are expected to behave in a certain way, such as being told they will soon be off having their next baby, which implies a bias against women's professional capabilities.
How does the speaker address the issue of generational stereotypes?
-The speaker notes that their generation is often labeled as lazy, which is a stereotype that overlooks the individual efforts and achievements of young people.
What assumptions did the speaker initially have about a girl wanting to be a camera operator?
-The speaker admits that they initially thought there was something weird about a girl wanting to be a camera operator, influenced by the traditional term 'cameraman', which is gendered.
How does the speaker feel about their initial judgments of people wearing hijabs?
-The speaker acknowledges feeling intimidated by little girls wearing hijabs on their first day at school, but also emphasizes the importance of being willing to learn and overcome initial judgments.
What is the speaker's definition of inclusion?
-Inclusion, for the speaker, is a society where constructed barriers are torn down, and everyone feels welcomed and respected regardless of their diversity. It involves creating an environment where all individuals are comfortable and open to accepting others' opinions.
What role does the speaker believe allies play in promoting inclusion?
-The speaker shares an experience where a shop floor supervisor stood up for them, demonstrating that allies can play a crucial role in supporting inclusion by taking action and advocating for others.
How can individuals support inclusion according to the speaker?
-The speaker suggests that individuals can support inclusion by talking about it, demonstrating commitment, getting to know people around them, and learning about different cultures, races, religions, and belief systems.
What advice does the speaker give for engaging in conversations about inclusion?
-The speaker encourages asking questions, even if they seem 'stupid', as this is seen as a teachable moment. They emphasize the importance of being an active listener and showing interest in others' experiences.
What does the speaker envision for a future of acceptance and inclusion?
-The speaker envisions a day when people are so accepting of each other that they can make space for others, indicating a future where diversity is celebrated and inclusion is a natural part of society.

Outlines

00:00

🧠 Challenging Stereotypes and Assumptions

The paragraph begins with an acknowledgment of the stereotypes and prejudices faced by various groups, including Indigenous people, women, people with disabilities, and different generations. The speaker describes the misconceptions about them being lazy, technologically inept, or conforming to traditional roles. They reflect on the assumptions others make about them and how they have also unconsciously made similar assumptions about others. This realization highlights the need for introspection and challenges the audience to reconsider their biases. The speaker stresses the importance of inclusivity, encouraging a pause to listen to everyone and recognize the difficulty in avoiding judgments. The narrative illustrates that while stereotypes persist, a conscious effort to challenge them can lead to more understanding and acceptance.

🌍 Embracing Diversity and Inclusion

This paragraph delves into the concept of inclusion and its importance in creating a world without constructed barriers. The speaker shares their personal experiences of facing prejudice, such as initial judgments about women in traditionally male roles, like a camera operator, and the intimidation felt when encountering cultural differences, like seeing young girls wearing hijabs. Inclusion, for them, means an environment where everyone feels comfortable and respected, without needing to conform to societal expectations. The paragraph emphasizes that change is possible and highlights the role of allies who stand up for inclusion, even in unexpected places. The speaker calls for open discussions about inclusion, encouraging others to learn about different cultures, races, religions, and beliefs to appreciate the good in all. Active listening and showing genuine interest in others are key to breaking down stereotypes and fostering inclusion.

💬 Encouraging Open Dialogue for Change

In this paragraph, the speaker advocates for open and uncomfortable conversations as a means to foster inclusion and understanding. They stress the importance of being willing to engage in discussions about different perspectives and experiences, even if they are challenging. The speaker encourages others to ask questions, even if they seem trivial or stupid, viewing them as opportunities for learning and growth. They emphasize the importance of making an effort to pronounce names correctly, demonstrating that other people's feelings and experiences matter. The speaker believes that such conversations are essential for driving change and highlights that although progress has been made, there is still work to be done. The message is one of hope and the belief that continued dialogue can lead to a more inclusive society where change is embraced and accepted.

👥 The Power of Acceptance and Community

The final paragraph introduces various individuals, including Sean Moody Ganguly, Laila Karem, Ashley Pasilla, Patrick Duff, Neal McLaughlin, Polina Gaucho, Rod Bulger, and others, who represent a diverse array of backgrounds and professions, from chefs and metal forgers to mothers and truck drivers. Each person brings a unique perspective and contributes to the broader narrative of inclusion and acceptance. The paragraph ends with a vision for a future where everyone is accepted for who they are, and space is made for all individuals to coexist harmoniously. The recurring theme of acceptance underscores the belief that embracing diversity enriches communities and creates opportunities for growth and understanding. This vision of a more accepting society is portrayed as an achievable goal, driven by individual actions and collective efforts to foster inclusion.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Inclusion

Inclusion refers to the act of including or involving all individuals, regardless of their differences, in a society or environment. In the video, it is highlighted as a key concept where barriers are torn down, and everyone feels welcomed and respected. The speaker emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where diversity is embraced and individuals do not have to conform to others' expectations.

💡Assumptions

Assumptions are preconceived notions or beliefs about something or someone, often without evidence. In the script, assumptions are mentioned in the context of stereotypes and biases, such as expecting an indigenous person to have substance abuse issues or a woman to behave in a certain way. The video underscores the need to challenge these assumptions and be open to learning and understanding others.

💡Stereotypes

Stereotypes are widely held but fixed and oversimplified images or ideas about a particular type of person or thing. The video discusses how stereotypes can lead to unfair judgments and exclusion, such as the expectation that a girl wearing a hijab is intimidating or that an older generation is set in their ways. Breaking down these stereotypes is crucial for achieving true inclusion.

💡Diversity

Diversity refers to the variety of different types of people, ideas, or things. In the context of the video, diversity is a fundamental aspect of inclusion, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and valuing differences in culture, race, religion, and belief systems. The speaker encourages embracing diversity to create a more inclusive society.

💡Bias

Bias is a prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way that is considered unfair. The video script mentions bias in the form of expectations and judgments, such as assuming someone with a disability is not capable or that a woman should behave in a certain way. Overcoming bias is essential for fostering an inclusive environment.

💡Prejudice

Prejudice is a preconceived opinion or judgment, often formed without reason or evidence. The video highlights prejudice in the form of negative attitudes towards certain groups, such as indigenous people or immigrants. Addressing prejudice is crucial for promoting understanding and acceptance among diverse groups.

💡Allies

Allies are people who support a cause, typically one that is not their own, or who are associated with another group for mutual benefit. In the video, the concept of allies is illustrated through the story of a shop floor supervisor who stands up for a colleague's rights, demonstrating the importance of support in promoting inclusion.

💡Tolerance

Tolerance is the ability or willingness to tolerate something, in particular, the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with. The video script suggests that tolerance is a key aspect of inclusion, where individuals are accepted and respected despite differences in beliefs or practices.

💡Empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. The video emphasizes the importance of empathy in creating an inclusive environment, where individuals can understand and respect the experiences and feelings of others. This is illustrated through the speaker's encouragement to ask questions and learn about different cultures and backgrounds.

💡Change

Change refers to the process of becoming different. In the video, change is presented as a necessary and ongoing process in achieving inclusion. The speaker discusses the need for individuals to challenge their own biases and assumptions and to actively work towards creating a more inclusive society.

💡Active Listening

Active listening is the process of fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what is being said. The video script highlights active listening as a crucial skill in promoting inclusion, where individuals are encouraged to listen to others' experiences and perspectives, thereby fostering understanding and respect.

Highlights

Being an indigenous person, the speaker has faced stereotypes and prejudices, including being labeled a 'terrorist'.

As a person with a disability who appears able-bodied, the speaker has navigated unique experiences and faced assumptions.

The speaker discusses the harmful impact of gender stereotypes, such as being told they will soon be off having their next baby.

Generational stereotypes are also highlighted, with the speaker's generation being labeled as 'lazy'.

The speaker reflects on their own unconscious biases, such as making assumptions about others based on their appearance or roles.

Inclusion is defined as a society without constructed barriers, where everyone feels welcomed and respected.

The importance of stepping back and questioning one's own judgments is emphasized for true inclusivity.

The speaker shares a personal experience of an ally who stood up for their rights in a company setting.

Talking about inclusion and demonstrating commitment to it is one way to support a more inclusive environment.

Learning about different cultures, races, religions, and belief systems is encouraged to foster understanding and inclusion.

Being an active listener and taking the time to get to know someone rather than categorizing them is highlighted as a practice for inclusion.

The speaker encourages asking questions as a way to learn and remove misunderstandings, rather than seeing them as negative.

The importance of having uncomfortable conversations to drive inclusion is discussed, acknowledging that it's a challenging but necessary process.

Change towards a more inclusive society is possible but requires the right people to initiate it.

The speaker envisions a future where people are more accepting of each other and make space for others' differences.

A diverse group of individuals share their names and roles, emphasizing the variety of experiences and perspectives that contribute to inclusion.