Social Inclusion – From Two Points of View – Social Influences

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Social Inclusion – From Two Points of View – Social Influences

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earth-tones-talk

My talk for #earth-tones IRL, built using reveal.js

On Github nishanttotla / earth-tones-talk

Social Inclusion

From Two Points of View

Nishant Totla / @nishanttotla Docker, Inc. via UC Berkeley (#earth-tones IRL)

What this Talk is About

My learnings on social inclusion after moving to California from India

I Thought Discrimination Was Over!

No racism in the 21st century

Or sexism

Any incidents were marginal

If this is your reaction, let me explain!

Growing up in India

I had a safe childhood, fairly rich parents

I was part of the majority community

All my friends were similar

Very narrow world view

Besides, I'm a Good Person

I would never discriminate

... right? RIGHT?

Social Influences

What a kid can see growing up in India

But Nobody Buys this Stuff Anyway

I believed these things didn't affect people

Or make them feel insecure

Or lead to stereotypes

I was Guilty Too

Of making the occasional sexist/racist joke

But it was all in jest

I thought people were fine with it, they were friends after all

Life in California

I wanted to make new friends

I wanted to "belong"

I thought it would be easy

The Reality

I made some friends, but never close ones

Most people showed a surprising lack of interest in learning about my culture

Or I'd get things like "Oh your English is so good!"

I had to find ways to "break into" groups

Feeling included was always a challenge

When I say friends, I mean American friends

Thoughts

Maybe I'm just a boring person?

Is it my fault? Am I complaining too much? Should I suck it up?

Just cultural differences?

On one hand there were my personal struggles, but

Is American Politics Real?

Police brutality, sexual harassment are real problems

Xenophobia is fashionable again?

I always watch my back in public, at airports

How do I know what people really think of me?

On the other hand, I started following American politics
All of these experiences were like taking the red pill

Looking Back at Life in India

How welcome did I really make people feel?

Especially those who weren't didn't have all my privileges?

I was an ally, but was it enough?

Less than 2% Indians Admitted they had Dark Skin

So clearly this stereotype affects people a lot

An Uncomfortable Place to Be

Are my new friends to me, what I was to my old friends?

Who will stand up for me when I need it?

Because honestly, anybody can get in trouble

The Key Learnings

If there's only one thing you take away from my talk, let it be this!

Social Inclusion is an Active Process

Defined by real action

Passive observers are no more helpful than aggressors

It's YOUR Responsibility

Especially if you're lucky to be privileged

Ending discrimination will take real efforts from everyone

Especially those who are unaffected

The Barriers to Inclusion are Real

Fear and doubt prevents people from reaching out. You reach out to them

If you don't agree, ask your friends and you might be surprised

“Many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny. They have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.” - Martin Luther King Jr.

Thank You!

- I'm on Twitter @nishanttotla - Slides up at tiny.cc/earth-tones

Social Inclusion From Two Points of View Nishant Totla / @nishanttotla Docker, Inc. via UC Berkeley (#earth-tones IRL)