26/07/2023
Title: Political Radical Inclusion:
BY MUSA VIBBIE.
Introduction
We have heard our President, H.E Dr Julius Maada Bio had spoken about "Radical Inclusion," and for most of us the word is strange, so I have decided to dissect the words "Radical Inclusion" by using one topic and make a letter heading; "Political Radical Inclusion," since we have regular inclusion or partial inclusion and full inclusion. Many people are marginalized in Sierra Leone not because they are poor, crippled, uneducated, or their family background, rich or poor. With radical inclusion, everyone has the chance to belong to an autocratic class, in respective society perceive you as incompetent. Please read and share.
Political radical inclusion, a term ubiquitous within political circles yet obscure to many, represents a crucial aspect of contemporary political discourse. An analytical probe into its essence provides deeper insight into its importance and necessity for aspirational democracies.
Body
Political radical inclusion, at its definitive core, encompasses the deliberate and strategic efforts within political structures to extend participatory opportunities to traditionally marginalised or excluded groups. Such groups, often sidelined due to socio-economic disadvantage, racial prejudice, or gender bias, are given leverage to contribute significantly to decision-making processes. This approach is built on the conviction that political landscapes should be characteristically diverse, multicultural, and fundamentally inclusive spaces, and the negation of this fact accounts for systemic social injustices on an alarming scale.
Radical inclusivity in political contexts is notably different from conventional concepts of inclusivity. While the latter proposes fundamental access to rights, opportunities, and privileges without discrimination, its radical counterpart advocates for more profound, systemic change. It recognises that traditional barriers to participation go beyond mere prevention of access, extending to institutional biases entrenched within political systems, thereby necessitating the radical dismantling of these barriers.
Radical inclusion's significance lies not only in its moral or ethical implications but also in its potential to enrich governmental policy-making. By incorporating voices from the fringes, policy development gains a broader perspective, reflecting and addressing the variegated concerns of a pluralistic society. It directly influences social cohesion by fostering individual and community involvement in state decisions, reducing alienation and enhancing political legitimacy.
Numerous overarching challenges remain in implementing political radical inclusion, however. Dominant cultural norms, prevalent unconscious bias, and entrenched institutional structures hinder its realisation. Further, selective political tokenism poses another obstacle, offering an illusion of inclusivity while preserving systems of privilege.
Cultural norms, often founded on historical prejudices, represent a significant hindrance. Such biases, be they racial, economic, or gender-based, can pervade societal institutions, forming systemic barriers to inclusion. These entrenched beliefs may covertly influence legislation and policy, perpetuating the marginalisation of certain groups. Countering this, therefore, necessitates the radical deconstruction of such ingrained mindsets, facilitating not only operational but conceptual changes in institutional practice.
Unconscious bias, another challenge, can subtly infiltrate individual attitudes, influencing decisions and behaviours. In political landscapes, micro-inequities may result, in diminishing opportunities for marginalised individuals. Proactive measures of radical inclusion must, therefore, involve the rigorous identification and mitigation of such bias, requiring sustained commitment and vigilance.
Institutional structures present obstacles too, particularly via their legacy of safeguarding privilege. In developing countries, for instance, political structures may favour rural influential elites to the detriment of urbanised working classes. Radical inclusivity advocates for the overhaul of such structures, replacing elitism with egalitarianism.
Political tokenism – superficial representation without substantial power-sharing – is another barrier to authentic radical inclusivity. While a balanced representation of diverse community membership may prevail, the power holders and decision-makers often remain unchanged, sustaining systemic disparities. Radical inclusion, therefore, challenges this cosmetic presentation of diversity, advocating for substantial systemic reform.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, political radical inclusion's relevance and necessity cannot be disputed, particularly in today's interconnected yet diverse global terrain. It is speculated that radical inclusion will have far-reaching effects beyond politics, reframing societal structures to be more equitable, just, and progressive. To transform this speculation into reality, the political landscape must recognise the immediate urgency for radical inclusion. While challenges abound, consistent progress is not only possible but mandatory, as radical inclusion now stands as an essential champion of social justice and political reform. It calls attention to the pervasive prejudices within society and presents solutions to dismantle institutes that propagate such biases. It is not merely a strategy but a movement for a more inclusive, representative, and democratic society. It advocates for the inclusion of the most marginalised and constitutes an essential step towards true political democracy in all its diversity.
BY MUSA VIBBIE
