Manifesto for an Inclusive event

SEXISM:

Sexism is the ideology that justifies the patriarchal system. In this system, a hierarchical and binary distinction (opposition, othering) is made between masculinity and femininity. Masculinity is considered superior and presented as the implicit dominant norm. This domination, being a continuum, is expressed in multiple ways (language, sexist and/or sexual atmospheres and violence…) and translates notably into the exploitation and/or appropriation of women, their bodies and/or their work (domestic sphere…).

Example: making unsolicited remarks about a woman’s appearance.

ABLEISM:

Erects able-bodies and  and neurotypicality* as norms. Motor, sensory, cognitive, mental, or psychological disabilities (categories recognized by law*) have been portrayed for centuries as a deficiency or affliction. The tendency is then to exclude or to ‘repair’ bodies and minds considered as ill rather than adapting society to their specificities. It often consists of assuming that no one will come to a certain meeting or demonstration in a wheelchairneeding translation into (French) sign language, or requiring calm spaces.

Examples: using terms like ‘schizophrenic’, ‘mentally ill’ as an insult, or pushing someone’s wheelchair without their consent (even if it’s well-intentioned).

HETEROSEXISM:

Derived from the heteropatriarchal (or heteronormative) system, for a long time, it resulted in the criminalization of LGBTQIA+* individuals. Today, it still results in a very strong invisibility of their claims and realities, in popular culture. This term was invented to shed light on the experience of people who do not recognize themselves in the imposed heterosexual norm. As a reminder, homosexuality was decriminalized in France only in 1982.

Example: using insults such as ‘faggot’ or ‘queer’ (even against one’s opponents).

SIZEISM:

Generates mistreatment (by the health system or in the job market), often invisible and seemingly socially accepted and acceptable. It stems from the establishment of thinness as a societal norm. It intersects with ableism, as overweight people may need to use an elevator instead of stairs; but also with classism. Indeed,  for a long time being plump was a sign of wealth, but nowadays thinness has become the prerogative of the upper social classes (who not only have the means to buy healthy and quality food but also place great importance on their appearance as a visible means of distinction). By contrast, overweight people are seen as neglecting their health and lazy (therefore considering that thinness is a matter of will).

Examples: making a remark about the amount of food someone eats or suggesting they go on a diet (even ‘for their health’).

CLASSISM:

In the capitalist system, classism can be expressed in many forms: from class contempt to outright discrimination discrimination, based on income and education differences. People with the highest level of education often have a predilection for political (ideological) work, while the less educated are often relegated to logistical tasks (invisible and less recognized). Also,  opposing the wealthiest top 1% and multinational corporations to the remaining 99% of the population tends to hidethe multiple power dynamics within this latter group from sight.

Examples: saying ‘as everyone knows’ in reference to something, without giving context (events/thinkers) or making remarks about language correctness or spelling.

TRANSPHOBIA:

It stems from the gender binary (see the box on sexism). It is a spectrum of hostility towards transidentity, that can be defined as a gender identity which does not correspond to the identity assigned at birth (≠ cisgender). All transgender people suffer from physical and verbal violence everywhere. However, not all of them resort to reassignment surgery or even hormonal treatments (≠ transsexuality). A person may feel non-binary and therefore not identify with either a feminine or masculine gender identity (hence the prefix “trans” referring to the idea of mobility on this spectrum). It can be useful to get used to self-identifying as cisgender when one is, in order to

deconstruct this norm and give the opportunity to a transgender person to identity as such, if they want to.

Example: Asking a person if they have had surgery or addressing them using the wrong (in)voluntarily chosen pronoun/name (assigned at birth and not chosen by the person = Misgendering).

RACISM:

In the colonial and white supremacist system from which racism stems, a hierarchy and distinction are made between human beings, based on their phenotype or culture. Whiteness is socially constructed  as the dominant norm (implicitly or explicitly), and in opposition to which the rest of the world’s population is defined (othering). This domination – constituting a continuum, through past or current discriminatory, slave-holding, and violent systems – is expressed in multiple ways (language, discrimination in employment, housing, health…). It translates notably into the enjoyment of privileges by white people as well as the criminalization of non-white people, constructed as threats to the physical and material security of white people.

Examples: Asking a non-white person where they come from, assuming they are from a foreign country. Making derogatory or even hostile comments about the veil of a Muslim woman (this is an Islamophobic assault) or touching the hair of a black person without their consent (this is a racist assault). 

SPECIESISM:

In a speciesist system, the interests of non-human animals are neglected, and the process of othering is based on the criterion of species. A hierarchy among species is established, placing humans at the top. A superior status is attributed to human beings, which ideologically justifies the exploitation of other species.

Example: Equating a behavior seen as disgusting/degrading by comparing it to an animal: “you eat like a pig”; “what a pig he is”. 

AGEISM:

Ageism is discrimination exercised against legally minor and young people or against people perceived as elderly. Age being a social construct, it interacts with other types of oppression. Thus, gender can speed up or slow down the aging process (a woman ages socially faster than a man). The opinions and statements of children, young people, or elderly people are often disregarded, and their interests are given less consideration. Their agency is restricted, and their consent too often disrespected.

Example: Invalidating someone’s statement by starting with “if you had been an activist as long as I have…”