Ethical dilemmas arise when people are expected to meet certain standards to be included in groups, societies, communities, organizations, or teams. Inclusion becomes conditional upon assimilation. This means that people must change their beliefs, values, behaviors, attitudes, mannerisms, dress codes, appearance, language, interests, affiliations, hobbies, or lifestyles to fit into these groups, communities, or teams. When this happens, they are treated like outsiders until they agree to adopt these new rules. If they don't, they may face discrimination, exclusion, or marginalization.
One example is the inclusion of immigrants into American society. Many Americans believe that immigrants should speak English, wear Western clothing, eat traditional American food, celebrate traditional American holidays, practice Christianity, support conservative political views, respect individualism, love democracy, and follow American norms and customs. Immigrants who do so will be welcomed, but those who refuse to conform will experience difficulties integrating into mainstream society.
Another example is the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals into heteronormative communities. Members of these communities expect LGBTQ+ people to act, look, talk, and behave like straight people, while disregarding their sexual orientation, gender identity, or romantic preferences. This can lead to a feeling of isolation and exclusion, as well as a lack of understanding and acceptance by others.
Ethical dilemmas arise when inclusion is conditional on assimilation. It creates a sense of power imbalance between those in charge and those trying to join groups, communities, organizations, or teams. It also perpetuates prejudice and discrimination against minorities, resulting in social injustices. Therefore, it is important to promote inclusivity without requiring people to change themselves, their beliefs, values, behaviors, attitudes, mannerisms, dress codes, appearance, language, interests, affiliations, hobbies, or lifestyles.
What ethical dilemmas arise when inclusion becomes conditional on assimilation?
When people are included into groups with conditions attached to their behavior, it can lead to several ethical dilemmas. One of the most important ones is that the group loses its authenticity since the original values may be altered due to the admission of new members who do not fully share them. Moreover, some inclusive practices may actually harm those they aim to help by reinforcing existing stereotypes about certain social groups and individuals.