How does the rigidity of a label foster acceptance, connection, common understanding, and inclusion?
During the summer of 2020, I couldn’t help but witness how problematic polarizing behaviour was becoming for humanity.
As an observation, the more we seek to label, identify, and categorize individuals or groups, the more challenging it is to see nothing but separateness and division.
If we constantly try to prove our difference from others, how is that a skilful way to cultivate respect for our innate human dignity?
How does the rigidity of a label foster acceptance, connection, common understanding, and inclusion?
Labelling difference creates more than a single binary.
The challenge is that most assume a binary is rigid: it is either one thing or the other.
They fail to see the space between the sides, the shades of grey that create the mutually arising relationship of the either/or polarity.
What exists at the centre of any binary that defines identity as a label (e.g., the initialism for LGBTQ2S+) is the one thing that connects us all:
Our common humanity.
But to get to a place of no contention and to view every human being as having innate dignity is difficult — especially when most of us are stuck in behaviours meant to protect us and preserve our moral beliefs.
☞ Read the complete article on Queering Self-Mastery:
"The Necessity of Appealing to Innate Human Dignity Instead of Furthering Argument and Division."
darrenstehle.substack.com/p/appealing-to-human-dignity
Darren Stehle | Coach & Writer
@DarrenStehle
Coaching change-makers in critical thinking to align with your values & truth, develop confidence & self-mastery, and contribute to an equitable & just society.
