Inner Circle -> Whole circle LO12319

Roger Hoyum (rhoyum@mnpower.com)
Sat, 1 Feb 1997 13:04:25 -0600

Replying to LO12190 --

In previous development of this thread, I have detected hints of jealousy
or desire to become part of an inner circle, which may or may not exist in
this collection of 2000 or so worldwide participants. At the same time,
as Rol articulates here, there are more important things than being part
of "an inner circle" such as continuous learning and acceptance of
alternative views.

Why do people desire the "inner circle", and why does it matter?

Most of us, at one time or another in our lives, have been included and
excluded from desirable situations and groups of people who make up the
"in" crowd. I would imagine the members of this LO have more experience
at being excluded (as does this author) because of unique points of view,
diverse ideas, and generally choosing to live our lives in the way most
conducive to our particular style, and not to the desire of the general
public. Numerous reasons for "inner circle" development exist, such as
group companionship, anonymity, insecurity, desire to learn from others,
etc. There are as many reasons for inclusion as for exclusion.

As a relatively young adult, I only have so much experience to draw from
in response to any situation. To increase my experience and knowledge, I
must learn continuously and also take risks. Someone may be offended by
my ideas, style, or treatment of their time and effort, but that is
inevitable. Most people are reasonable, there will always be some who are
not, for whatever reason. Many times a learning process puts me in direct
contact with an "inner circle" of sorts and presents me with a choice
about how to interact with the participants. As a whole, this entire list
(LO) represents an "inner circle" of many diverse people who are
continuously learning. The list has a dynamic culture with rules that
Rick and others help enforce. _I_choose_ to live by those rules and
participate, and if my level of participation is not acceptable, I am
willing to accept the consequences of this list society at large, which
may include no or negative responses. I make the choice to participate, I
pick my own path. So does everyone else on this list, but I do not
believe there are forces at work to create smaller subsets or "inner
circles" of who may collectively decide my presence or contributions are
not worthy of posting to 2000 people I consider my friends because they
are like me in some way.

In the past, becoming part of a collective group or "inner circle" has
never been more difficult (for me) than embracing a set of ideas and
actions that may or may not be foreign to me. As a chameleon of sorts, it
is not difficult for me to be open minded about new ideas or methods of
doing things, as long as people are not hurt mentally or physically by the
process. All I have ever asked in return is the same respect and effort
to be given a chance, the same time on the floor as everyone else, the
same opportunities, and to have the same set of rules to follow. So far,
I have NOT been treated unjustly, and have found most responses to be from
the heart and without malice for any of the contributors.

There are many in this world lacking the capability to understand
diversity at a deeper level. Their natural cognitive ability, upbringing,
training/schooling and lifetime experiences are so overpowering that some
ideas and actions are impossible for them to understand. The same
abilities that cause misunderstanding also cause jealousy, envy, and even
hate from the resulting exclusions and inability to adjust. This
inability is equivalent to choosing NOT to learn, which would hopefully
and eventually allow for deeper understanding and acceptance of the
diverse world we live in.

I do not believe there is an "inner circle" in this LO. People are free
to contribute if they wish. Some of us are more vocal than others, that
is their choice. As a member of this LO, I desire and expect responses
that vary in length and quality due to the wide variety of cultures,
training, and knowledge levels represented by the entire audience. If
people do not wish to contribute, that is their choice, but it certainly
does not include or exclude them from any "inner circle".

If there is an "inner circle" here, so what, I will choose my own path and
say what I think is appropriate. If not, all the better in support of
equality for all on the list. Either way, I don't care. The threads are
diverse, interesting, and challenging, and I will still enjoy being part
of this society.

Regards,

Roger L. Hoyum

rhoyum@mnpower.com
www.mnpower.com

-- 

"Roger Hoyum (MP)" <rhoyum@mnpower.com>

Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>