Inclusionism [not to be confused with the Christian concept of “universal reconciliation”], is a paradigm of thought, which recognizes that major societal conflicts, imbalances and injustices are not situations that can be resolved by catering just to the “majority”; all ethnic perspectives have to be considered to solve societal problems. Inclusionism, as an academic, sociological theory focuses only on ethnic diversity. In this article however, the scope is broadened beyond ethnic groups to include all “socially labeled” groups and communities in modern society. In this context, inclusionism acknowledges that societal injustices may affect different people unequally, based on race, age, culture, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education level, and other factors. However, even though the effects of social injustice are unequally dealt out to different segments of society, they are nonetheless felt by all segments of society. Continue reading Inclusionism: The Only Viable Diversity Initiative!
Category Archives: Cultural Problems
Stereotypes, Prejudice and Discrimination: A Primer
In the past decade, conversations and conflicts based on race, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and socio-economic status, have once again risen to the forefront around the world. American and international communities have had to contend with terrorist attacks, nuclear conflicts, civil wars and uprisings, governmental collapses and social movements and campaigns on the issues of diversity, inclusion and equality. No conversation on inter-group relationships is complete without a discussion on stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination. Today, we look at what these concepts are and how they affect the diversity of our experiences, the inclusiveness of our thoughts, and the equality of our actions. Continue reading Stereotypes, Prejudice and Discrimination: A Primer
Forced Marriage: An Anti-Hindu, Anti-Choice Travesty
Valentine’s Day is in 9 days. Granted that the history of this day might have very little to do with love, people all over the world still take some time to celebrate love on this day. So, the idea of anyone being forced to get married on such a positive day is probably extremely upsetting, and rightfully so. Forced marriage is exactly what lies in store this year for many young couples in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. This idea of forced marriage is bolstered by distorted, perverted sentiments of “religious truths” that are quite untrue and quite Anti-Hindu. The surreal horror of this situation actually reflects the meticulously planned, systematic elimination of personal choice in people’s lives, using religious power and fear as effective weapons. In the end, this could happen anywhere, within any religion and any community, given the right conditions. That is exactly why it is imperative to know about and learn from this situation. Here is the back story: Continue reading Forced Marriage: An Anti-Hindu, Anti-Choice Travesty
Pro-Choice: What does it really mean?
There is a common misconception in the public that pro-choice arguments are only, or mostly about repealing anti-abortion laws. The philosophy of what being “pro-choice” even means is rarely brought up. Most people think they know exactly what “pro-choice” means. But, do they? Even those of us who are “pro-choice” think that we are meeting like-minded people when we meet other advocates and activists. But, are we? Continue reading Pro-Choice: What does it really mean?
Five Criteria for ALL Healthy Relationships
This coming Friday will be two years since I married the man who is perfect for me. So, quite predictably, I have been taking several trips down memory lane to see where I used to be, and where I am today, relative to my increased understanding of healthy relationships. Recently, I came across an old diary entry that I wrote about the kind of guy I want to marry. I won’t go into the details of the FOUR page long list! Suffice to say, I would still be unhappily unmarried, frustrated and depressed that I am not in a happy, healthy relationship with the man of my dreams!
I wrote that list in 2004. Through education, graduate life, research and experience, I thankfully learned about real healthy relationships. Life in a way helped me shed a rather naive, certainly ignorant view of life. I only wish I had learned the truths about healthy relationships long before 2004! Continue reading Five Criteria for ALL Healthy Relationships