I created Inclusively as a resource to promote and support antiracist, intersectional, inclusive parenting and teaching of the next generation of awesome human beings.
In particular, Inclusively seeks to help parents and teachers in traditionally less diverse, “red” states integrate multicultural learning into their homes and schools. Children of color need to see themselves better represented in the curriculum; they deserve to learn about their ancestors’ contributions and struggles. White children will gain much-needed cultural literacy, as well as develop greater empathy, as they learn about the experiences and perspectives of people unlike themselves.
Inclusively is built on several foundational philosophies:
- A diverse and multicultural society is a better, stronger society. Representation matters—in toys, books, advertising, film, and on TV, but also in local government, in Congress, in courts, and in the White House.
- Inequality and inequity persist in multiple forms. Income inequality, and its attendant mass poverty, is one of the chief threats to the United States. White privilege exists. Ableism is real. Homophobia is a plague. Misogyny remains a huge threat. We must educate ourselves about these and other ills, and call them out when we see them.
- We all make mistakes when we learn about topics that fall under the broad umbrella of “diversity and inclusion.” We will misspeak. We will accidentally offend. We will demonstrate our ignorance of culture, politics, and economic realities. However, in this space, we do not shame our fellow learners for what they do not yet know. We are compassionate and supportive because we recognize that all of us are always learning. We also embrace humility in our journey; when we learn we are incorrect or have been inadvertently offensive, we listen, apologize, and synthesize the lesson into our way of moving humanely in the world.
- As we learn, we recognize it is not the job of any underrepresented, oppressed, or subaltern peoples to teach those of us in the dominant culture about their oppressions. Still, when they speak, we listen in the hopes of learning. We amplify their voices in our communities, our homes, and our schools.
- White people must speak frankly with other white people about racism and other forms of systemic discrimination.
- Parents and teachers should work together to ensure schools embrace a culture of inclusivity. Parents need to advocate for more thoughtful, more diverse professional development opportunities for teachers in their community’s schools. Teachers must be able to explain to parents why an inclusive curriculum is a superior one.
Will you join us in these efforts?
—Leslie Madsen