In my experience, the comfort of familiarity often poses a significant barrier to acquiring new perspectives. This sense of ease within our own experiences and worldviews can limit our understanding of broader societal dynamics, particularly those relating to inclusion and belonging.

Understanding systemic and historical biases is a critical step toward becoming more informed and, subsequently, more inclusive. However, this understanding requires a level of discomfort as we confront truths that are sometimes unsettling. It involves acknowledging that our own experiences
may not reflect the experiences of others, particularly those from marginalized communities. This process often calls for us to challenge long-held beliefs, which can be problematic and even threaten our identity and self-concept.

In the context of privilege, this challenge becomes more pronounced. Individuals with privileged positions or those who seek to be closely aligned with privilege may find it challenging to acknowledge systemic biases. This is because doing so not only implicates their role within these systems but also calls upon them to act against these injustices.

This action, however, can be seen as threatening to one’s comfortable position within the societal hierarchy. It’s easier, and certainly more comfortable, to maintain the status quo rather than to disrupt it. Thus, individuals who hold privilege might resist such action, even in the face of
clear evidence of systemic bias.

While the comfort of familiarity can be a significant obstacle to broadening our perspectives and understanding of the world, it’s essential to push against this. We are all responsible for informing ourselves of the systemic and historical prejudices ingrained in our country, despite the
unease it may bring. We can only begin to indeed promote inclusion and belonging in our communities through this discomfort.

#DisruptComfort

#EmbraceDiscomfort

#Familiarity

#Inclusion

#Belonging

#Collective Action!

#TheEquityAllianceGroup