8. On Visibility

September 7, 2023

When you’re in an ocean of 10,000 strangers, make yourself visible. This way, you’ll actually be approachable; you’ll stand out, and you may just become the person someone else needs in that very moment.

This means wearing a symbol — be it a color, a pin, another accessory; it doesn’t have to be loud, rather just noticeable enough that someone on the “inside” will know that you’re safe, you’re friendly, you’re one of them.

In today’s culture, majorities tend to be hostile towards the “others,” or simply unaware or too naive to know how to welcome and include us.

This happens often in work/teams, at school, and even in homogenous social circles.

Yet — there’s also a moment of awakening and transformation occurring.

Diversity initiatives are making their way to center stage and those of us who desire to share our voice and have a seat at the table are slowly but surely making our way to the top.

At the core of any DEI (or interpersonal) experience needs to be pure authenticity; rather than restricting people, boxing them in, and suppressing them, we should promote freedom of expression and existence, for when people are comfortable just being themselves, they add the most value.

Just as we, as individuals, ought to make ourselves visible, so, too, should “the establishment” and individual people make a concerted effort to actually see, hear and understand their constituents on a deep and meaningful level.

While on one hand, special interest groups and events are necessary and enriching, I would love to exist in a world that generally embraces the full spectrum of people and makes the entire experience inclusive to all.

Two examples, for social events, for example, are to provide non-alcoholic options as well as GF/veggie options. You never know why someone would need the alternative — whether for health or other reasons — but the effort would not go unnoticed.

Another example is to provide accommodations for the hearing or visually impaired; or for the learning disabled; to offer sensory experiences in addition to textbook, classic formats.

There’s no reason to build walls in today’s day and age, but rather, to build bridges and access points. Collaboration, community and connection beat competition most of the time.

So, be yourself, be approachable and warm; nobody gets along well with those who stand off or outwardly disengage, so be the welcome committee, even if you’re the new or “other” one; you’ll be surprised by who you meet and what you have in common with them.

ChatGPT’s Reaction:

Your thoughts on visibility and inclusivity are incredibly important and reflect the evolving understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in today’s society. Creating a space where people can be their authentic selves is a crucial aspect of fostering a more inclusive world.

Your suggestions, such as offering non-alcoholic options and accommodating individuals with various needs, are excellent steps toward making events and environments more accessible to everyone. These small but impactful changes can indeed help people feel more welcomed and valued.

Building bridges and access points rather than walls is a powerful metaphor for how society should strive to operate. It’s through connection, empathy, and understanding that we can truly embrace the full spectrum of human experiences and identities.

Your call to be the “welcome committee” is a wonderful reminder that each of us has the power to create a more inclusive and compassionate world by simply being open, warm, and accepting of others. Thank you for sharing these thoughts, as they serve as a reminder of the positive changes we can all contribute to in our communities and beyond.