I don't even want to count how often I read those two words in the last few hours. It's something we actually rarely consider, when thinking of (for example) the internet, isn't it? I'd suggest that's primarly because we're all included. Yes. Absolutely! But I wonder - to what extent is inclusion (not only possible, but) really desirable? Not only related to internet, no, but to everything.
The world consists out of several "we"-groups, all independently opposed to other "they"-groups. Basically those are the same, of course, but since it all shifts with perspective.. We see this phenomenon in kindergarten, high school, university, the internet, politics, economy, the communities we live in, ... EVERYWHERE!
People, secretly, and even the racists (talk about contradiction) LOVE differences. Why?! It reminds them of who they "really" are, or would like to be at least (="not them"). People totally enjoy being against something, since it puts them in another "for-this"-category; as opposed to all other available ones. Take High School for example (btw, little disclaimer: The Breakfast Club - John Hughes!): not only did I not really belong to the rest of my class (I only liked few), I also didn't need to! And that, in my case, didn't change for quite a while. The point is not that one, however, it's that people are simply morons.
Once realized that the world is like a big web (spider spider) of connected things that automatically construe differences, because of their wide range, one should ADDITIONALLY realise that these differences are truly vital. They are there to be understood. Simply because something/someone's different, we're not entitled to destroy it. If you want to differentiate yourself, if you feel like being in a specific "we"-group, then that's great! But my today's biggest wish would be for people to FINALLY stop wanting everybody else to follow in their big foot steps!
Difference is good.
Inclusion is good.
Exclusion is good.
Acceptance ... is vital.
You don't have to love your neighbour, you don't have to praise anyone for his peculiar opinions, you don't have to agree with your grandfather's "old-fashioned" views. But for god's sake, learn to understand that what you do fits YOUR life, and not necessarily anyone else's.
You want to be a racist? Fine, be one! But please, if people give you ACTUAL well-founded arguments against your irrational position, don't get cross immediately. Give them the opportunity to spread just as much truths and lies as you do ... and I won't side on which one's gonna have the upper hand.
You know, the world is a matter of inclusion/exclusion-policy. But this whole black-and-white thinking concerning every stupid little topic makes me sick (at times).
Everybody has to learn for themselves what can make them happy, drives them, and how they want to act and view themselves. Everybody wants to have a small glimpse of that core Kant is talking about. You know what I love btw? Conversing with people about such things (self-finding, self-developing); it's beautiful! For it is nice to know that some of us still reflect and to be reminded of the fact that whatever works for you still isn't of any absolute character. We're distinct personas and need to find our own way of making sense to what is going on around us; only then it causes real effects.
In this sense, not much of exaggeration for any of us today, but an exaggerated appel to your ability of moderation!
Understand that nothing is absolute, nothing is true, nothing is one-sided!
Accept that what is real for you, is an illusion for someone else and what is obvious to them might be of no value to you!
Accept that true strength does not "side with" whomever has the best opinion, but rather with those capable of questioning their opinions when confronted with new ideas.
Flexibilty is everything and it defines your ability to learn...
and most of all ... the ability to live with what one never really understood.
Chill out, my fellow humans.
Life is but an illusion anyway, and we're all dreaming from a different ankle!
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