By: Ike Aherne, Senior
Acting inclusively has previously meant sending out politically correct "Happy Holidays" greeting cards and changing Christmas parties to holiday parties. Today, celebrating inclusiveness and diversity is about more than just changing labels and titles. Celebrating diversity and inclusiveness is about using the holiday celebration time with friends and family to build understanding and awareness of the traditions and beliefs of others.
Tens of millions of Americans don't celebrate Christmas religiously, either as followers of non-Christian religions such as Buddhists, Muslims, Hindus, and Jews, among others, or as individuals with no religious affiliation, who mainly fall into the categories of atheist or agnostic. Since many stores tap into the cash value of Christmas with their plethora of Santas, ornaments, and Christmas fanfare, it is easy to overlook the depth of the diversity present in America during this holiday season. In reality, many different events, spiritual, religious, and tradition-based, are celebrated in many different ways during these times.
During this holiday season, try taking some time out of your day to learn about another culture's celebrations. Watch a TV special about religion, do a Google search on a holiday, or check out books at your local bookstore while gift shopping. Share your learning with others, and use it as a chance to expand the conversation and be inclusive. Realize that people celebrate a variety of holidays during this time of year, and some people choose to celebrate none. Be respectful of these differences by taking an interest in other people's traditions and making them feel welcome. Don't be afraid to ask people what holidays they celebrate. Let it be an opportunity to learn about different cultures and religions and the traditions that accompany them.
Want to become more inclusive so that your colleagues, friends, or students feel included and respected in their community? You can do much in your community to reinforce the fact that all voices are welcome and have an impact. Make sure that acquaintances understand that you believe divergent voices make for a better, more productive society. Take a few minutes to mark your address book with the holidays that people celebrate. If the calendar you use does not list holidays like Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Ramadan, and Diwali, find out the dates and record them as reminders. Many programs allow users to add calendar dates for celebrations from different cultures of the world automatically, making this task quick and effortless. These are a few of the ways that you can help create a more inviting environment for everyone by showing interest in differences and connecting with people.
Comments