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So, I've been sitting back and quietly observing the recent debacle involving Joe Wickes and his misstep regarding ADHD with avid interest.
(I know it’s a shock to think that I could ever be quiet but here’s the proof, I actually can! Well for a bit anyway! Lol 😂)
Anyway, what are my observations?
Well, I couldn't help but notice the incredible irony unfolding before us!
Our community, advocating for acceptance, understanding, and inclusion, seemed to veer off course into this ugly pack mentality, reminiscent of scenes from "Lord of the Flies"!
Yes, Wickes' comment was unequivocally incorrect!
(His response to the backlash was not quite on the money either for that matter, but the poor sod was under attack at the time!)
Fact is… the lad got it wrong!
On a pretty epic level due to his influential status, a victim of his own success.
But so did we!
What do we do?
Well instead of empathy or extending a hand of guidance and education, we decide to unleash a barrage of attacks!
WOW! 😮
Where did the foundational principle of treating others as we wish to be treated go?
Or
2 wrongs don’t make a right?
Or
More importantly…
What happened to the notion of inclusion and fundamental human decency?
It's no wonder organisations and public figures shy away from neuroinclusion, when they are met with such ferocity for their mistakes!
As I navigate my path with IMUK, a company dedicated to neuroinclusion, I encounter new lessons daily and often make mistakes.
Should I just pack up now?!
I don’t bloody think so!
Neuroinclusion, at its core, is about the profound understanding and acceptance of diversity in all its forms – from our unique idiosyncrasies (love that word!) to our inevitable mistakes and inherent differences.
It nurtures empathy, compassion, and mutual respect, recognising the validity and significance of each individual’s experiences.
Through this lens of acceptance, neuroinclusion holds the power to genuinely influence and create meaningful impact in the world!
It’s not about flawless knowledge, but the willingness to make an effort and try!
What we’re witnessing here with the Wickes situation is some peculiar, disturbing and somewhat disappointing shift, where our community are imposing a new, albeit different, set of unrealistic standards for those on the outside. Driven by our passionate desire to escape the current constraints inflicted upon us!
Can you not see the hypocrisy here?!
Where’s Joe’s psychological safety?
By demonising Wickes, we have missed a trick, the golden opportunity to leverage his influence, his mahoosive platform, to channel and demonstrate neuroinclusion through learning and growth!
We’ve missed the opportunity to spread awareness of ADHD, neurodivergence and neuroinclusion constructively, positively and more importantly inclusively!
Instead, we've managed to paint ourselves in a less than flattering light in front of his millions of followers.
(4.7 million of them on instagram alone!)
Disrupting the status quo isn't always about protesting; it's about making a space for real conversations to take place, providing education, opportunities for learning, mutual respect, and the overall cultivation of progress.
Change, albeit often born from conflict, doesn't have to resemble a battlefield.
It can and should emerge from genuine dialogue, leading to a place of understanding and growth.
Remember you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar!
(That’s a proper weird saying! But it’s the only one I can think of at this time! 😂)
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