When “Even” Is Uneven: “Inclusion” as Exclusion

The main objective of this article is to provide a critical view, through autoethnographic inquiry, of one of the seemingly most innocent, popular, and “inclusive” public statements (and images) for welcoming/tolerating “outcasts.” More specifically, the article aims to demonstrate the marginalizing and power-assertive nature of seemingly “inclusive” statements. It points out how good intentions to be inclusive, when done carelessly, not only fail to lessen the distance between “us” and “them” but actually widen the gap between the two. Another objective of this article is to provide others who feel marginalized a way of thinking that might be helpful in dealing with such issues.