Why Sensitivity Matters: A Guide to Creating Inclusive Environments

-Deeksha Solanki

Intern, May- July 2024

Sensitivity is defined by the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as 'the capacity to be delicately aware of the attitudes and feelings of others'. Many institutional and social practices actually promote insensitivity, and yummy, it suddenly gets touted as a way of being 'cool and aloof', hence socially accepted. This thinly veils a practice equally opposite to the empathy and inclusivity we need to promote in society.

Why must you sensitize yourself?

One has to sensitize oneself to proximate a more inclusive and harmonious society. One has to create an environment that is all open by way of understanding and expressing empathy toward issues faced by different identity groups with whom one comes across.

Such empathy in interpersonal relations makes for a better support system, and it might make setting one's boundaries a bit easier. Not to speak of reducing prejudices, possible discriminatory actions, and microaggressions which we shouldn't even be aware of by engaging in empathic and understanding behavior.

The Culture of Insensitivity

Though the benefits of sensitization are evident, multiple institutional and social practices naturally tend to encourage insensitivity. In other instances, being insensitive or uncaring of others' feelings seems to come across as 'cool' in some respect. Such culture insinuates itself on social media, workplaces, and even learning institutions through varied means.

We see this frequently in social media and entertainment media: fame befell the detached, sarcastic, and outright insensitive. For instance, shows like "House" and "Sherlock" feature very brilliant main characters who sometimes turn out to be very unsympathetic, signifying to audiences that insensitivity characterizes the highly intelligent or otherwise very successful individual. These depictions make viewers act in attitudes similar to those characters and assume emotional distance to be a sign of strength or sophistication.

This is also reflected in our respective workplaces, where, a display of vulnerability, showing empathy, is considered a weakness. For example, in any corporate industry or high-pressure fields, culture rewards people who can stay detached, non-emotional, and the most empathetic are considered less capable of performing duties. It creates a culture where insensitivity is rewarded and emotional intelligence is undervalued.

Finally, at times, schools and universities foster a culture of competition against collaboration. For example, emphasis on standardized tests and academic performance often creates an atmosphere in which students are encouraged to outperform their classmates rather than support them. This competitive atmosphere may de-incentivize sensitivity and empathy among students. In this case, peer pressure, even social expectations, tends to play a role. It may be that mocking or belittling someone is the way to be accepted or to dominate others in some social groups. For instance, locker room talk and certain online communities are built on a culture of insensitivity, where being callous or making offensive jokes is normal.

Sensitizing oneself

Therefore, sensitivity has to be worked on as a core value. Sensitivity should not be viewed as something negative or weak but as an attribute that binds people together and makes them more inclusive. Following are a few ways by which sensitivity can be promoted and exercised:

• Self-education and awareness-mongering

• Engagement in the identification and celebration of people whom one perceives as sensitive and caring

• Active listening to what a person has to say will help in the development of true empathy.

• Calling out insensitive behavior can begin to shift social and cultural norms to a more considerate and respectful point of view!

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