{"ops":[{"attributes":{"color":"#010101"},"insert":"Most of the concepts we use in our thinking are handed down to us or influenced by societal conditioning; these ideas may be developed or given new life when emerging generations discuss and apply them. Many of these concepts lack substance, coming and going as fads do; others have the potential to bring about needed change, but are ultimately ineffective because they lack criticality."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#010101"},"insert":" "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#010101"},"insert":"The important ideas that remain with us – exerting positive influence across generations – are those that give us the most power to improve human conditions, the conditions of all sentient species, and the life of the planet itself. These are ideas that stand the test of time."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#010101"},"insert":" "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#010101"},"insert":"In my recent webinar, I explored from a critical thinking viewpoint the now widely used terms inclusion, diversity, and social justice. Since these notions can be approached superficially or deeply, and since each can be used for good or misused for ill, a rich conception of them is needed if they are to help transform human societies for the better. Otherwise, they will fade away as buzzwords – or, perhaps worse, they may be abused in opposition to the spirit of their most reasonable and ethical interpretations."},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#010101"},"insert":" "},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"#010101"},"insert":"Many business and government offices are now grappling with how to bring about diversity and inclusion in the workplace. In some cases, they are grasping at straws, by, for instance, hiring comedians to deal with these ideas. In some cases, inclusion and diversity programs are leading to their opposites – employees becoming even more entrenching within their prejudices and biases. Without critical thinking at the heart of any inclusion and social equity programs, these programs simply will not take hold over the long term. To view this recent webinar, visit this community link:"},{"insert":"\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"blue","link":"https://community.criticalthinking.org/watchEmbeddedVideo.php?id=320"},"insert":"https://community.criticalthinking.org/watchEmbeddedVideo.php?id=320"},{"insert":"\n\nFor more on the problem of prejudice in thinking, read Richard Paul’s chapter "},{"attributes":{"italic":true},"insert":"Critical Thinking and the Nature of Prejudice"},{"insert":":\n"},{"attributes":{"color":"blue","link":"https://community.criticalthinking.org/viewDocument.php?doc=../content/library_for_everyone/95/Chapter11-CriticalThinkingandtheNatureofPrejudice.pdf&page=1"},"insert":"https://community.criticalthinking.org/viewDocument.php?doc=../content/library_for_everyone/95/Chapter11-CriticalThinkingandtheNatureofPrejudice.pdf&page=1"},{"insert":"\n\n"}]}