If We Value… A Deeper Dive

Last week, I delved deeper into the inspiration of my poem, “If We Advocate.” This week, I’ll provide insight on what inspired the next poem: “If We Value.” Both pieces were inspired by reading Dorothy Law Nolte’s prophetic poem, “Children Learn What They Live.”

If we value diversity, we acknowledge the importance and necessity of different perspectives and contributions.

If we value equity, we understand the need for all to have impartial access to resources and support.

If we value inclusion, we assure voices and experiences similar and dissimilar to our own are represented.

If we value belonging, we advocate for a sense of affinity and rapport for all.

If we value justice, we seek and pursue accountability regardless of privilege or status.

This poem was written in the past decade when the discussion and debate centering around entitlement, generational wealth, privilege, legacy appointments, civil rights legislation, diversity initiatives, and classism in America were at an apex. Any of these topics separately can be polarizing, but collectively, they can irreparably damage productive discourse and progress moving forward.

Depending on where you fall on the spectrum, diversity continues to be one of the most polarizing terms, concepts, or words that often triggers those in favor of it or those no longer seeing the value in pursuing it in the 21st century. When I wrote about diversity in this piece, it was referencing the larger meaning of the word instead of color or gender as some may have interpreted it. It was referring to diversity in thought and life experience across age, socioeconomics, geography, and so on. Yes, race, ethnicity, and gender are part of that equation, but they are not the sole or exclusive components.

The topic of equity also received mixed reactions because of its proximity in spelling and sound to equality. Equity differs from equality in the sense that fairness and justice are implemented to address disparities or challenges that would render basic equality less effective. One example would be if there was a meeting taking place on the 4th floor of a building. All participants are invited to the meeting. Of the six people invited, one participant is in a wheelchair, and another person is elderly and experiences difficulty ambulating the staircase. The four remaining invitees have no difficulty navigating multiple stairs. The building does not have an elevator. In this scenario, yes, all are invited to the meeting, but two of the invitees do not have reasonable access to the meeting on the 4th floor. Equity would entail moving the meeting to a location that has an elevator that can accommodate a wheelchair, or moving the meeting to a ground floor that is accessible to all attendees.

Inclusion can also be triggering in or out of context for many. Again, my point of view when writing that line was referencing the larger concept of inclusion to promote greater discussion and input across multiple demographics. It may be expeditious and less challenging when everyone is in consensus, but more often than not, in-depth discussion and debate may reveal nuances or epiphany moments that would have otherwise gone unnoticed due to the lack of inclusion of alternate perspectives and experiences.

Belonging is a rudimentary human need that builds community both personally and professionally. That line in the poem seems to still resonate most uniformly with readers because it references a universal need that transcends demographics. Most understand, appreciate, and support that belonging is a desirable trait that invigorates us on multiple levels while also providing opportunities for sharing and receiving feedback. Whether situational, deliberate, or unintentional, sustained absence from socialization or loss of connection with others overwhelmingly impacts the person experiencing it.

The last line referring to justice and accountability has also received mixed reviews since it was first introduced, especially when I mentioned privilege or status. Privilege and status continue to have broader meanings—especially in the past decade. These terms can be fleeting but still powerful, whether self-proclaimed, imposed, or just an outcome of genetics, chance, or proximity to those who have them. To many, accountability is not a given, particularly if status or privilege, perceived or otherwise, is remotely a factor. There is the reality of reduced or delayed accountability, as well as running the clock until the statute of limitations runs out, or the person mysteriously vanishes or passes away before facing any accountability.

What we value as a society and individually does not always align. What do you value and why? How do your values compare to your local, national, international, individual, and communal counterparts? Hopefully, this deeper dive provides some insight into my thought process and inspires you to dig deeper into what things you value, as well as how your values differ from others.