The bell curve is a lie

I’m finding it increasingly obvious yet horrifying nonetheless how how quickly one’s needs stop being prioritized as soon as you no longer fall into the middle of the bell curve.

Your safety isn’t prioritized, not necessarily because people don’t care, but because systems aren’t designed that way.

Here’s the thing though - the bell curve is a lie.

The bell curve is created by everyone moving to the center if they can, in order to find safety and belonging.

The people who look like they’re fine? The ones with privilege who everything is designed for? They’re often not fine. They’re not assholes either, most of them, but being forced to conform in order to be safe, liked, popular etc turns them into assholes.

Inclusion doesn't happen by accident, through the efforts of well-meaning individuals. It has to be intentionally designed as part of the system and the culture.

Inclusion also doesn't mean you always have to include everyone. It means clearly articulating values, guiding principles, needs, and agreements and designing for those.

When you find a place that isn’t designed for the middle and where people can find their place as themselves within shared principles…

That’s when miracles happen.

Banner photo by Arturo Rey on Unsplash

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