Dear Decentered Media Patreons
Many thanks for your ongoing support, it is much appreciated.
This week, we will continue our exploration into the development of communities of practice. It is essential to clear the ground first, so our discussion will focus on the terms and language that are used to define, bound, and structure our sense of community and shared experience. By examining these key elements, we aim to build a deeper understanding of how our community interacts, grows, and thrives together. Join us as we delve into the nuances of our collective dialogue and strive to create a more inclusive and cohesive community practice.
I found the recent discussion about ‘rainbow’ signs in the workplace particularly interesting. It highlighted how symbols and language can serve as powerful tools for fostering inclusivity and signalling a commitment to diversity.
The coverage in the media highlighted varying interpretations and implications of such signs, reflecting the broader societal debates about representation and acceptance, while noting that not everyone is comfortable with the ever-present display of these signs and their associated activities.
This exchange underscored the importance of understanding the diverse motivations and perspectives within our community, helping us to navigate the complexities of intercultural communication more effectively.
For example, I am not comfortable with the frequent use of the term ‘bigot’ in popular discourse. It seems to have shifted from being a way to distance oneself from those with whom we disagree, to being a pre-emptive attack on people many don’t want to engage with.
This trend risks diluting the term’s meaning and specificity, rendering it less impactful when addressing genuine instances of bigotry. It’s essential to approach our discussions with a commitment to understanding and respect, even when confronting challenging viewpoints. By doing so, we can maintain the integrity of our language and foster a more constructive and inclusive community dialogue.
To develop a functional community of practice, it is imperative to explore the meanings of contentious terms that are often used as boundary markers delineating what can be said and thought within a group. In the context of community media and community-focused communication, our objective must be to transcend these terms and discover common ground rooted in mutual understanding of the diverse motivations people have.
Understanding why individuals say, do, and believe as they do is a fundamental aspect of intercultural communications, which is especially vital when fostering a community of practice. By acknowledging and appreciating these varied motivations, we can create a more inclusive, cohesive, and effective community of practice that reflects the richness of our collective experiences and perspectives.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement.
Watch out for the details and time of the discussion Zoom link, which will follow.
Best regards,
Rob