I've often reflected about roles that labels play. From my own personal experiences, to the work I do in organizations and communities on equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (EDIB), labels and debates surrounding them seem to come up often. As I continue my DBA coursework, labels and personal positioning has come up yet again, and instead of finishing a paper due tonight – I want to share some thoughts with you…..
Sometimes we Need Labels, Sometimes They Suck
Labels are often viewed through one of two opinions: they are necessary identifiers or they are unnecessary dividers. In many relationships and daily interactions, labels simply do not matter. We do not need to call out our differences because our mutual respect and understanding transcend these identifiers. However, in other aspects of life, particularly in professional settings and advocacy work, labels can be incredibly powerful. They do not define us, but they can provide guideposts that helps others to recognize and respect our identities, helping to foster a deeper sense of belonging.
The Misguided Appeal of "Colour Blindness" and Uniform Kindness
The notion of being "colour blind" or treating everyone the same may seem appealing for its simplicity. I hear many arguments in day-to-day discourse that sound like – “can’t we just be kind?”. I think in most cases this sentiment is put forward with the best of intentions, while in other cases it can be used to deflect from real inequality and discomfort from those that reside primarily within “insider groups”. This approach often fails to consider the complex realities of individual experiences and structural inequalities. For example, research indicates that "colour blind" policies in workplaces can inadvertently ignore the unique challenges faced by underrepresented groups, resulting in maintaining existing disparities (Source: Harvard Business Review, "The Problem with Color Blind Policy").
Reflections on Worldviews in Research
Diving into topics of ontology, epistemology, and all those fancy academic terms has been like getting new glasses (or just updating my prescription, which I really should do….). Suddenly, I now know that I hold constructivist and transformative worldviews. It’s not that I have just uncovered how I see the world; it’s that I have found the academic labels that bring clarity to the way I’ve always seen it. These frameworks have not only provided helpful language, but also a deeper understanding of my inherent approaches to engaging with the world and conducting research. This self-awareness is shaping my academic writing and driving the purpose behind questions I’m hoping to answer.
Belonging, Authenticity, and Understanding
bell hooks once said, “With reciprocity all things do not need to be equal in order for acceptance and mutuality to thrive. If equality is evoked as the only standard by which it is deemed acceptable for people to meet across boundaries and create community, then there is little hope. Fortunately, mutuality is a more constructive and positive foundation for the building of ties that allow for differences in status, position, power, and privilege whether determined by race, class, sexuality, religion, or nationality (Source: hooks, b, “belonging; a culture of place”).” Pair that with Brené Brown’s take: "True belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, (Source: Brown, B, “Atlas of the Heart”)" and it is clear that yes, sometimes labels matter, and more importantly, are helpful. They provide the language required to express our identities, facilitating more authentic interactions, and enhancing our sense of belonging in a complex world.
Embracing the Complexity of Identity
As we navigate the complexities of identity and inclusion, it's important to remember the roles that labels can play. Embracing labels when they are useful—and discarding them when they are not—can lead to a deeper, more nuanced understanding of ourselves and others. By engaging with the full range of our identities and experiences, we can foster a deeper, more inclusive understanding of what it means to truly belong.
Ok… back to my paper…..