john a. powell: When fear wins, democracy crumbles'
Briefly

In the exploration of societal divisions, john a. powell, director of the Othering and Belonging Institute at UC Berkeley, highlights how cultures define themselves through the exclusion of others, often using legal and social mechanisms to perpetuate discrimination. Through his research, powell emphasizes the concept of belonging as vital, proposing that true belonging encompasses the recognition of all individuals as co-creators of society. His works dissect the complexities of racial, ethnic, and social inequalities globally while advocating for more inclusive frameworks, forming pathways to understanding and combating exclusion. powell's insights draw from personal experiences, shaping his profound advocacy for justice and equality.
powell argues that belonging means recognizing the other as a co-creator of society, challenging the conventional understanding of inclusion that often overlooks this essential aspect.
In his works, powell presents a compelling critique of how societies construct narratives around otherness, influencing who is included or excluded based on biases.
His life’s work reveals that the barriers of discrimination are built through social, legal, and political mechanisms, which deny opportunities to those deemed different.
powell’s reflection on his childhood experiences illustrates early encounters with otherness, shaping his life-long quest to understand and combat exclusion across cultures.
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