Follow UP on Inclustion

Welcome to Wednesday Folks!

I thought I would quickly follow up on the post I made yesterday about inclusion and representation as the following video popped up in my social media feed yesterday evening.  Take a look...


 I've also seen this one before too...beware, you're gonna need tissues for this one!


Have you stopped welling up yet?  

My daughter who is Deaf and wears Cochlear implants has an American Girl Doll with hearing aids, and teddy bears with sewn-on Cochlear Implants.  We also used to draw cochlear implants on her baby dolls that didn't have hair when she was younger.  It's important to remember what the mom in the first video said.  "When kids don't see themselves represented in the toys they play with (or the books they read, or the media they consume), they are receiving a subliminal message that they are not worthy."  

This is why inclusion matters...so that everyone knows their worth!  

Here's one more for you...

On a side note...because I've spent the last couple of days preaching inclusion and representation, it bears reminding that the things that make you different and unique should be celebrated.  So don't be afraid to let your uniqueness shine!!  It is a tricky balance between fitting in (being expected, following social norms, and making and keeping friends) all the while celebrating who you are as an individual.  Sometimes I like to think of it as a road...

When we drive on the road, we follow expected rules...stop at red lights...go on the green...stay in your lane...drive the speed limit, etc.  However, we do get to choose our vehicle.  Some choose big trucks, some small cars.  We pick our favorite colors, and we decide on things like classic styling or modern technology.  Being part of life - engaging socially, celebrating individuality and the things that make us unique while following expected social norms - is a lot like the road analogy.  Like learning to drive, balancing all of these social things is tricky and takes practice, so keep at it, and know that they'll be bumps along the way.  Give yourself and others grace when you get it wrong sometimes. 

I hope you all enjoy this day at home...work hard, get outside, and find some time to relax as well.  

You've got this Cougars!

Mrs. Hempey    

 

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