Representation matters in so many ways because it helps normalize diversity.
Normalization is so important. Unfortunately, humans need to be shown how to treat people who are different. Even though the answer is mostly “just treat them like a person”
We also often need to be shown “this group isn’t trying to hurt you, most are just trying to get by and they have full internal experiences just like you.” Growing up people like me were typically depicted in media as predators or dead sex workers and in addition to the shame and fear it taught me, it also resulted in some people having to learn to see me as just a person and member of their community with no ill will towards them.
This is so true. Humans are naturally very group based creatures, and it’s very hard to break that instinct - which is typically why starting young is so important. Tolerance has to be taught, while clan behaviour is innate. Always fighting an uphill battle
Yes, this
Normalization is so important. Unfortunately, humans need to be shown how to treat people who are different. Even though the answer is mostly “just treat them like a person”
We also often need to be shown “this group isn’t trying to hurt you, most are just trying to get by and they have full internal experiences just like you.” Growing up people like me were typically depicted in media as predators or dead sex workers and in addition to the shame and fear it taught me, it also resulted in some people having to learn to see me as just a person and member of their community with no ill will towards them.
This is so true. Humans are naturally very group based creatures, and it’s very hard to break that instinct - which is typically why starting young is so important. Tolerance has to be taught, while clan behaviour is innate. Always fighting an uphill battle
And it’s important to note that your “clan” includes the kinds of people you were around as kids.