Ostracism is one of the most dehumanizing forms of social exclusion
Ostracism is one of the most dehumanizing forms of social exclusion
Here are two ideas from my book, Reconstructing Inclusion: Making DEI Accessible, Actionable, and Sustainable and other texts I leaned on in writing it. In addition, I’ve included one quote, a book recommendation, and a video or article that has inspired or influenced me and hopefully will resonate with you, too. (That’s ✌🏿+ 💡📚➕).
Page 115-116
Closing the Gap: From Meritocracy to Inclusion
"Justus von Liebig was a German chemical botanist who died in 1873. His contributions are many, including being considered the “Father of Fertilizer” for his discoveries in the area of agriculture. He discovered Marmite by determining that brewer’s yeast could be concentrated, put in a container, and consumed. He also co-discovered chloroform, which has many uses, including as a surgical anesthetic.
Dr. Liebig’s research was vast, and one particular theory that he hypothesized is called Liebig’s Law of the Minimum (Liebig’s Law). Originally referring to plant systems, Liebig’s Law states that growth is dictated not by the total resources available, but by the resource that is in least supply. Stated in another, more familiar way, “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.” In an organizational context, the sustained growth of an organization depends on every link [or tie (mostly weak ones) in your organizational network].
I believe that companies will benefit from acting according to Liebig’s Law rather than contrary to it. This means they will spend their energy strengthening the capacity of the “substance” in the least abundance rather than getting rid of it or creating a process that diminishes it even further.
Therefore, the organizational turn should be toward developing all employees and giving them tools to grow and succeed."
Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash
Page 147
"Ostracism is “exclusion by general consent from common privileges or social acceptance.” Ostracism is a form of exclusion. To me, it is one of the most dehumanizing forms of social exclusion. I say this because, although it falls into the exclusion category, it goes beyond simply being left out. It is a form of manipulation that seeks to control or reprogram someone to assimilate, conform, or suffer. Conform or be devalued or degraded to such an extent that the possibility of meaningful connection with an in-group is no longer an option. Even if the ostracized person submits to the manipulation, there is no guarantee that the ostracizer(s) will accept the surrender.
Anyone who has experienced ostracism knows how soul-crushing it is. It is a spirit assassin.”
If you aren’t familiar with ostracism, get familiar with it. If allyship and being an ally is part of your acquired identity, you must also acquire skills to extinguish it.
💡A Quote
“The trouble with human beings is not really that they love themselves too much; they ought to love themselves more. The trouble is simply that they don’t love others enough.”
—Mary Midgely
📚A Book
Photo Credit: Amazon.com
Envy Up, Scorn Down: How Status Divides Us
➕A Video
Tony Brown’s Journal with Thomas Sowell – The Ethnic Flaw
“I can't think of a single group anywhere in the world that has risen from poverty to affluence through politics” – Thomas Sowell
If you have yet to go down the rabbit hole of the mind of Dr. Thomas Sowell, I highly suggest it. He has a wisdom that is quite contrary to many contemporary voices, but what he gifts the world is timeless and boundless to our understanding of how to create equity in our organizations.
I hope this was helpful. . . Make it a great day! ✌🏿