I almost didn’t write this as I know it’s controversial, and it could cause some backlash.
But I need to speak up; otherwise, how can I help change the narrative?
So, here it goes …
As I reflect on a compelling discussion around Diversity and Inclusion at a recent conference I attended,
I get strength from the wisdom of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
As we strive for an equitable world, I stand firm in my conviction that the path illuminated by empathy, understanding, and love - the way of the dragon 🐉 - is the one we should courageously walk.
A viewpoint at said conference emerged suggesting that the majority must be made uncomfortable to instigate change.
While the intention behind this is acceleration towards equality, I respectfully diverge,
countering with the dragon's breath of understanding and connection rather than discomfort and division.
As Nelson Mandela's said,
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,"
I advocate for change through enlightenment rather than polarization.
The dragon's breath seeks to illuminate, not to burn, fostering understanding instead of sparking resentment. ❤️🔥
Every one of us,
regardless of our societal standing,
has moments of feeling unseen and unheard.
I speak from a place of personal experience,
identifying as
💚 a woman in engineering and leadership, a field often dominated by men,
💚 an expatriate living abroad,
💚 an adoptee,
💚 a survivor of childhood abuse,
💚 neurodiverse,
💚 pansexual/sapiosexul, and
💚 someone who doesn't identify with traditional gender norms.
💚 I'm also non-monogamous,
💚 agnostic,
💚 a bit of a hippy,
💚 and a single mother.
The list goes on.
These diverse identities have given me a spectrum of perspectives and a unique understanding of the shared human experience of feeling excluded.
❤️🔥 We are all dragons, each with our own fire, yet united in our desire for acceptance and understanding.
We must honor these individual flames and celebrate the diversity of our collective dragon power.
💚 Our stories are our strengths,
💚 our vulnerabilities,
💚 our truths.
Each of us deserves to be seen, heard, and respected.
I've discovered that telling my story and advocating for my needs creates positive, impactful ripples of change not only in my life but also in those around me.
Our shared quest for inclusion should aim to create a place where every dragon can express their fire freely and authentically, a place to celebrate our commonalities and honor our differences.
Let's continue this dialogue openly.
Let's share our stories,
learn from each other's experiences,
and together, create a more inclusive world.
🐉 Unleash your dragon,
🔥 share its fire,
❤️🔥 and let's form the foundation of a truly empathetic and understanding society.
Because all of our stories are our stories.
Comments