These days we’re hearing it more than ever. It refers to a state of “all-encompassing”. It upholds equality for all. It underscores the need to overlook differences and level the playing field.
Or does it?
A moment’s thought revealed that despite the recent hype over inclusiveness little effort was made to explain what it really means. I thought it was important to write a post to clarify my thoughts on this and share them with you. In all sincerity they are meant to harmonise, not divide. So if you disagree with them I’d certainly respect that.
Being inclusive isn’t about absolute equality or generalization or homogeneity. It isn’t about levelling every playing field or attaching one label to all. I’m afraid it might well be the opposite.
There are differences everywhere; between communities, within communities. And I believe inclusiveness is about recognising these differences and respecting individuality.
Amos has Down syndrome. He faces challenges and needs assistance overcoming them. He is indeed different. So it isn’t reasonable for us to expect that inclusiveness would oblige society to accept Amos in the same capacity as any other child.
But inclusiveness must compel society to appreciate these challenges and provide the required assistance.
And our role as parents would be to help society perceive the beauty of his individuality; his strengths; his challenges. We can supplement the efforts of institutions and professionals in building upon his strengths and overcoming his challenges. We can help society optimise resources and offer the best possible opportunities in developing Amos to his highest potential.
Practicing inclusiveness involves tolerance, compassion and love. It requires mutual acceptance between races, castes, statuses, the able and the less-able. And to do that we have to build upon one’s individuality. It means added obligations; higher finances, greater care and effort.
But we’re going to do it anyway because to embrace inclusiveness is to embrace humanity.
Photo credit: Sombilon Photography via Foter.com