Our journey into Inclusion (&Beyond) continues
INCLUSION: WHY 'BEYOND'?
The history of the vocabulary that was used to describe differences in learning and our relationship with them has moved from segregation, to integration, to inclusion. So it is an ongoing process of finding the best possible words to express this important aspect.
Through our research, our interest was caught by a reflection around #inclusion. While integration was “I integrate you if you change” we moved to inclusion which was “I include you as you are”. It is undoubtably a step forward, still this word ‘inclusion’ might have an impact on the way we implement and embody it.
The same concept of inclusion brings with it something that makes it fragile and ineffective: this aspect is the unbalance of power between majorities and minorities which is foundational of the concept of including, and this will translate in a different perception of the phenomenon by both parties involved.
It is a problem that is part of the gestures and language that precede and generate the inclusive act itself. This process increases the paternalizing role of the majority and leaves the minority passively experiencing their conditioned entrance in the majority group.
If the aim of inclusion is that of allowing equal opportunities, if the deep meaning of this concept is that of offering same dignity to all differences that characterize the human species - guaranteeing equal rights because of the uniqueness of each individual - then this word needs to be rethought, it needs a clean-up and new content; but it is probably not a good idea to change the meaning of a word with its long history of use.
It does not really make sense to say 'stop using this meaning of the word inclusion so we can bring to zero the unbalance of power' (it is the same with many other words, like tolerance for example).
What words could we use then?
A proposal is in the video above, and it was a conversation starter in a very participated and generative meeting of the Inclusion (&Beyond) team and Secondary teachers of ISMonza this week.
Other topics we explored have been normality/diversity and bias and beliefs.
We acknowledged #variability as the condition of humanity and explored new words to be used instead of the misleading, often discriminatory (even when not intentionally)
word 'normal'.
We will continue with dedicated meetings with all teachers at ISMonza across this month, and other concepts and words will be investigated in order to develop greater awareness, a shared vocabulary, and value the ideas of each and everyone of us with #openness.
The world is changing and words are changing with it: let's make a difference for our community... and beyond!
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