Fostering a healthy and inclusive atmosphere: a conversation

[Clonk]

I think it is fair to say most of us want other people to feel welcome, safe and respected in the spaces we inhabit. Where this often gets difficult is that feeling welcome, safe and respected means something different to different people. What seems harmless to you could be hurtful to another. For example, some people tend to be more concerned about the use of crude or sexual language than others. It's a complex issue based on a range of factors including gender (it's not a binary), "race," age, ability, geographical location and more. There is also a lot of academic research about the fact that derogatory and vulgar language or sexually graphic behavior creates a hostile environment that decreases well-being and even leads to suicides. These two facts combined, makes it a popular topic in the context of diversity and inclusion.

However it is not just a popular topic, it is also a very difficult topic. Why do we feel defensive and argumentative when confronted with a value and belief system different from our own? It is one thing to challenge someone's take on, say, a country's healthcare system, it is another thing to challenge someone's beliefs. Challenge someone's beliefs, and you challenge their sense of self. It is in this context that we must detect and confront ie. islamophobia as soon as it occurs.

Given all this, is it possible to be inclusive of everyone? For example, can we be inclusive of those who are easily put off by sexually graphic or vulgar language and at the same time be inclusive of those who often use crude or sexual language? Does supporting one group of people mean turning away others?

Answering these questions to define our culture (such as it is) is very difficult. It is even harder to put them into written rules. I strongly believe that being inclusive is a mindset first. It is about wanting to be a good person to all other people. Once you have it in your mind that you want to make others feel respected and safe around you, you'll find that you'll be looking for ways to do so. The key is to be appreciative of our differences. If you show respect and sincerity and remain open to hearing differing opinions, we will automatically become more enlightened in understanding how our actions affect people different from ourselves. We'll automatically become more inclusive and more diverse.

Last but not least, it also presents a tremendous opportunity to learn about new cultures. I hope to learn from people who are different from me and talk honestly about our differences here on nostalrius.

So with all of that said, now I want you to take the ball and continue the conversation. Have you thought about how we can foster a more welcoming space for people of all creeds, colors and gender expressions?

[Hernia]

Epic copypasta m8

[Auronk]

It's simple. Let everyone say anything they want.

There is an Ignore feature.

[jesus]

It's simple. Let everyone say anything they want.

There is an Ignore feature.

this

[wiznot]

OP's post is a landfill of saccharine.

I hate dumb talk as much as anyone, but soft talk gives me brain cancer.

[heradura]

[Homer]

Death of intelligent trolls circa 2008

[masstäden]

It's simple. Let everyone say anything they want.

There is an Ignore feature.

this

this.

[Xylon666Darkstar]

It's simple. Let everyone say anything they want.

There is an Ignore feature.

this

this.

.sihT

[Membraniac]

Damn Oi, this seems desperate for attention. Even for you.