1. Diversity – (noun): the state of being diverse; variety.
2. Inclusion – (noun): the action or state of including or of being included within a group or structure.
Those two words have become something that so many institutions claim to have, yet if we look past the façade, we can see something that’s close, but not quite right. The problem is that with an increasingly growing demand for diversity within a work or educational environment comes a competitive advantage for those that have it, and often times it becomes more important to capitalize on its presence than to focus on the inclusiveness that should come along with it.
College campuses, for example, are of the most likely to boast about their ethnically diverse student body or their efforts to increase it and about the opportunities they offer to those minorities (which IS technically creating diversity), but it isn’t inclusion, and (let’s be real) it’s only surface level diversity. Call me crazy, but I’m pretty sure inclusion means to be include within an already-established group (peep the definitions up top), not to create a separate departments or divisions to focus on diversity.
Of course I see the value of having specific people dedicated solely to ensuring the success of an underrepresented population (personally, I'm eternally grateful), but I also see it as a way for the already-established departments, divisions and organizations to disregard any attempts to encourage diversity (because someone else is already doing it, right). Even with these departments in place, creating diversity and promoting inclusion can still be ineffective because there is certain information and opportunities that don't get passed along because the people in charge of these minority-focused departments are typically managed by minorities (shocking? nah) who are just as easily left out of the loop.
As a Latina in a predominantly white world, the kind of thinking that is more focused on appearance than the real and raw benefits of a diverse AND inclusive environment has often left me feeling more like a number to brag about or a colored pawn to use when convenient than a valued person pooknwith the potential to contribute and enhance the world around me. I don’t have a suggestion for where to even begin addressing this issue, but I do know that it’s going to have to be a collaborative effort between everyone involved (because nothing is more annoying than people who expect things to be handed to them). In the meantime, I hope that underrepresented communities continue to refuse to be a simple number or face by breaking down the barriers that lay before them on their road to success.
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
You deserve a great thank you.
Never would I have thought a few years ago that I would be such a huge yoga fanatic, that I would be hitting the gym almost every day to get to class, and that I would be forming all these amazing relationships with so many incredible people who also share a love for you. You've enhanced my way of life in numerous ways that I need to thank you for.
Thank you for showing me my true strength. Not only physical strength, but more importantly mental strength. You've shown me that I am more than what others may think of me, and that I can rise above any obstacle that comes through my path.
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Thank you for helping me to walk through life with grace and passion.To love what I do and love the life that I share with those around me. Before experiencing yoga, I never truly understood what it was like to be passionate about something. Now that I have, not only do I know what it's like to be passionate, but also have a willing to be passionate.
Thank you for teaching me what it is like to appreciate the small things in life. Which has only helped me more to appreciate the big things. You've shown me to not only appreciate the life around me, but also to give myself the appreciation that I deserve. And more importantly, give others the appreciation that they deserve.
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Thank you for allowing me to let go. Whenever I feel as if I need a break from the world, the yoga studio is the first place I think of. As soon as I enter the studio, the outside world leaves my mind. You've allowed me an escape that I will be forever thankful for.
Thank you for turning me into a mindful person. Having mindfulness is harder than it seems, especially here in today's society. Over the past couple years, I have become more mindful to the world around me, I have been able to truly be myself and let everyone else be themselves -- all thanks to yoga.
And lastly, thank you for allowing me to breathe. As simple as it sounds, breathing is the one thing that I carry around most with me off the mat. Deep breaths are what get me through the day. Throughout tough situations, emotional battles, and stressful times, I always know to come back to my yoga, to come back to my breath.
I only hope that those around me feel the same way as I do about you, yoga. You have truly transformed my life in the best way imaginable. It is a gift and a great privilege to be able to experience the practice. Thanks to you, I have grown as a person, proved to myself the true strength I have, become more aware and have ultimately started living a better life.
Your Yoga-Obsessed Friend
