Joy & Healing as an Othered Person

ASL version available upon request
Emmanuel (Mani-Jade) Garcia (Racial Trauma Center at Genesse Valley Psychology; CUNY-Graduate Center, John Jay Collge)
This session was offered as part of the 2021 Inclusive SciComm Symposium. For more information, visit inclusivescicomm.org/2021symp...
Abstract: "Othering" is a powerful form of social exclusion stemming from being perceived as different, and therefore less worthy of inclusion, than members of a dominant group. Excluded people are systematically denied access to resources and/or opportunities and development that are available to other members of society; are denied certain rights; and have limited decision-making power about personally and/or socially important issues. Research on social identity suggests that our sense of self is largely defined in terms of our social interactions, as interactions are internalized, powerfully shaping our psychology. Interactions that provide a sense of inclusion typically lead to positive psychological outcomes and can serve as a protective buffer against harmful effects of psychological stress. In contrast, social exclusion can have devastating effects on psychological and physical functioning and health.
Mainstream science communication is rife with othering, along lines of race, language, culture, gender, sexuality, perceived disability, spiritual beliefs/practices, mental health status, socioeconomic status…and the list goes on. A critical and under-addressed aspect of building and participating in an inclusive science communication community that challenges dominant norms and values is caring for the psychological and physical health of ourselves and each other-in the face of relentless othering. How do we engender and leverage the salutary effects of inclusion as other persons?
This workshop is focused on practical/tangible ways we can create, maintain, and experience joy and healing as other persons. It will include a mix of discussion and practices, along with brainstorming novel ways to thrive both individually and collectively.