Overview
I chose the phrases "my culture" and "culture
by me" to illustrate how inclusion can transform through different agents.
“My culture” is contextually understood here as referring to the
cultural background, practices, traditions, and values an individual personally
associate with. It’s about the culture you identify with, whether it’s shaped
by nationality, ethnicity, region, religion, or personal upbringing. In Igbo
culture for example, they have a term called “Ogbenye”, meaning “poverty.”
But literary, it means “the community gives or provides.” Therefore, for the
Igbos: "My culture emphasizes provision for the poor by all."
In the same culture, there’s no clear line between the poor
and those with disabilities. Often, those with disabilities are categorized as
the poor because some of them ask for alms by the street corners, marketplaces,
places of worships and townhalls.
Contrary, the phrase “culture by me” has a different
connotation. It implies culture that is created or influenced by an individual.
It suggests that you play an active role in shaping or contributing to a
specific cultural aspect or environment. Culture by me inspires agencies of
change. If we apply the same Igbo culture as above, an agent of change from
that culture would inspire both the community and the culture. It will reflect meaningful
change uplifting the poor and disabled through thoughtful design and inclusive
practices. For example:
"This community orientation
reflects culture by me, as I fostered wheelchair-accessible pathways,
sensory-friendly spaces, and programs offering free vocational training and
financial literacy workshops for underserved communities. By prioritizing
universal design and equity-focused initiatives, the orientation fosters
empowerment and inclusion for individuals of all abilities and socioeconomic
backgrounds."
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| Visual representation of 'My culture' and 'Culture by me.' |
Outline:
- "My Culture" within Antecedent Modalities
- Antecedent Crises of "My Culture"
- "Culture by Me" within Modalities
- Precedent Crises of "Culture by Me"
When examining crisis modalities, antecedent and precedent,
we can explore the interplay between "my culture" and "culture
by me." In the context of antecedent modalities, "my culture"
reflects established traditions and inherited identities, while precedent
modalities highlight "culture by me" as a product of individual
agency and forward-thinking contributions. Together, they offer a dynamic
perspective on cultural evolution and crisis resolution.
"My Culture" within Antecedent Modalities
The first question to ask here is: what is a modality? A modality
generally refers to a method, approach, or way in which something is done,
experienced, or expressed. Its specific meaning can vary depending on the
context:
In General Terms: It describes a mode or manner of operation.
For example, in problem-solving, a modality might refer to the specific method
or strategy used.
In Linguistics: Modality relates to the expression of
possibility, necessity, or obligation. For example, verbs like can, must,
or should express different modalities.
In Medicine and Therapy: It refers to a type of treatment or
therapeutic approach, such as physical therapy, massage, or medication.
In Philosophy or Logic: Modality pertains to the concepts of
possibility, necessity, and contingency, how things could, must,
or might not exist.
In Accessibility and Inclusion: A modality might refer to the
different ways information can be accessed, such as visual, auditory, tactile,
or kinesthetics modalities, ensuring inclusivity for individuals with diverse
needs.
In essence, one can say that modality is a language of
possibility, necessity, obligation, and even contingency. When applied to
accessibility and inclusion, it becomes the act of transforming what is
conceived as necessary into actionable realities. It becomes an obligation to
dismantle and transcend contingent assumptions about disabilities and
accessibility, paving the way for equity and innovation.
Antecedent crises are about what has come before, the
root causes or pre-existing conditions that contribute to a crisis. Similarly,
"my culture" often stems from inherited traditions, values, and
environments that have shaped your identity. It relates to the historical
and contextual dimensions of an antecedent modality, such as “this is
the way it has always been done” mentality and strategy.
Antecedent Crises of "My Culture"
These antecedent crises highlight the need to challenge
inherited norms and practices that exclude marginalized groups. Addressing
these crises requires a shift from "my culture" to "culture by
me," where individuals and organizations actively create inclusive
environments. Below is a list of some of those crises:
Historical Exclusion in Education
Many educational systems have historically excluded students
with disabilities due to societal norms that prioritized able-bodied
individuals. In a "my culture" framework, accessibility was not
considered necessary, leading to systemic barriers in curriculum design,
physical infrastructure, and teacher training.
Workplace Discrimination
Inherited workplace cultures often perpetuate biases against
individuals with disabilities, women, and other characteristics and consider
them as less capable or productive. This reflects a "my culture"
mindset that fails to recognize the value of diverse abilities and the need for
accommodations.
Digital Divide
The lack of accessible technology in the early stages of
digital development created a significant gap for individuals with
disabilities. This crisis reveals a "my culture" approach where
innovation did not account for universal design principles.
Social Stigma and Marginalization
Cultural attitudes that stigmatize disabilities have led to
social exclusion and limited opportunities for individuals with disabilities,
women, and people from different backgrounds. This idea is deeply embedded in
"my culture," where societal norms and values perpetuate
discrimination.
As agents of change, let us use “culture by me” framework to
reverse all the ancient stereotypes.
"Culture by Me" within Modalities
Precedent crises are tied to actions or choices that set a new
standard or create ripple effects for future challenges. "Culture by
me" aligns with this, as it involves actively shaping culture, making
decisions or contributions that might influence others and lay the groundwork
for what comes next.
“Culture by me” can be likened to Loren Eisley’s story published in 1969 in his essay “The Star Thrower”.
A man was walking along a beach littered with countless starfish
washed ashore after a storm. In the distance, he saw a young boy picking up
starfish and throwing them back into the sea. Curious, the man approached and
asked the boy why he was bothering, it was impossible to save all the starfish,
so his efforts wouldn’t make much of a difference. The boy picked up another
starfish, threw it into the ocean, and said, “It made a
difference to that one.”
The "starfish thrower" allegory is a classic and
heartwarming story that reminds us of the value of individual action, even when
the larger problem seems overwhelming.
Precedent Crises of "Culture by Me"
Precedent crises related to accessibility and inclusion arise
when actions taken to create change unknowingly led to new challenges or
consequences. These crises stem from a "culture by me" framework,
reflecting efforts to reshape norms but also revealing areas that require
further refinement or adaptation. Some of the precedent crises include:
Digital Accessibility Mandates Leading to Resistance
Efforts to implement accessibility standards like WCAG across
organizations or industries may face pushback from stakeholders who view
compliance as burdensome or costly. A well-intentioned precedent of making
inclusive digital experiences, many times reveals gaps in education and
advocacy around the benefits of accessibility.
Inclusive Hiring Practices Generating Tokenism
Initiatives to promote diversity in workplaces may
unintentionally lead to tokenism, where individuals with disabilities are hired
to meet quotas rather than given meaningful roles. Policies about equal
opportunities and striving for representation, often highlight the need for
deeper systemic change to foster true inclusion and equity.
Universal Design in Physical Spaces Leading to Misalignment
Precedents of prioritizing universal design can sometimes
create conflicts with other needs or cultural contexts. For example, a registered
heritage public building redesigned for accessibility may inadvertently exclude
heritage preservation considerations, which could spark debates on balancing
inclusion and tradition.
Assistive Technology Adoption Causing Digital Divide
Introducing new assistive technologies may unintentionally
exclude individuals who lack access to resources, training, or infrastructure
to use them effectively. This is another precedent crisis of advancing
technology for accessibility but underscores the need for equitable
implementation strategies.
Policy Overreach and Accessibility Fatigue
Ambitious inclusion policies may lead to "accessibility
fatigue," where individuals or organizations feel overwhelmed by the pace
and scope of change.
The frameworks, “my culture" reflects the antecedent. It
is about an individual’s origins and identity shaped by past influences. While
"culture by me" mirrors the precedent, representing an individual’s power
to act as an agent of change and create new cultural pathways.
You can relate either one of the frameworks or both to your
idea of continuous improvement. Just like "my culture" reflects
inherited values and practices, existing barriers to accessibility and
inclusion which often stem from historical norms, systemic biases, or
organizational cultures, these antecedents shape the challenges that
marginalized groups face today.
On the other hand, "Culture by me" aligns with
creating new precedents, empowering individuals or organizations to actively
contribute to building inclusive environments. This involves reshaping existing
norms, implementing accessibility standards, and influencing cultural shifts
toward equity.
Conclusion
The interplay of antecedent and precedent crises in
accessibility and inclusion underscores the complexity of transforming
inherited barriers into inclusive opportunities. By addressing antecedent
crises rooted in "my culture," such as historical exclusion and
systemic bias, we can dismantle entrenched barriers and pave the way for
progress. At the same time, navigating precedent crises emerging from
"culture by me," like resistance to new norms or unintended
inequalities, offers an opportunity for growth, refinement, and sustainable
change.
This dual focus ensures a balanced approach, one that honours the past while forging an equitable future. It invites a collective commitment to not only challenge assumptions but also shape inclusive environments that uplift individuals of all abilities and backgrounds. As accessibility and inclusion evolve, these frameworks remind us that meaningful change is both a responsibility and a shared journey, one step closer to a world where everyone can thrive.
Jo Nnabugwu
Accessibility Specialist | Cultural Storyteller
Championing diversity and inclusion in digital spaces.
Empowering communities through technology and storytelling.
Bridging cultures, innovation, and human connection—one design at a time.
Ensuring accessibility is at the heart of every design.
Read more about my work
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