It’s funny how we get used to things. Those moments when you look back on something and realize that there was significant room for improvement. At the time, you didn’t think about it, because it had become normalized. It was the standard and the expectation.
Often, we don’t realize something is wrong until we see someone do it differently. That moment when you look at something and say, “Yes! This is how it is supposed to be! This is what it looks like!”
I experienced this today when I went to a restaurant and there were two single-person bathrooms. There wasn’t a gender assigned to either bathroom, there was a solid hook to hang my purse, and both restrooms had a changing table available. Unfortunately, this has not been my experience in the past.
I frequently walk into bathrooms and there is nowhere to hang my purse. Sure, I usually figure something out. However, approximately 50% of the population carries purses. So, why aren’t purses accommodated more? Why aren’t more public spaces designed with women in mind?
It’s frustrating when you have a need that seems obvious and it isn’t accommodated.
This is why representation is important. There are a million decisions that affect people in a million different ways. However, if it doesn’t affect you, you might not think about it. Additionally, if you are used to not being accommodated, you might not expect it. Something that seems little at the moment might not feel worthy of the fight.
However, anyone who has experienced a company that charges significant fees knows how little charges can end up making a big difference. Sure, this one experience wasn’t a big deal, but what if you look at the bigger picture? What if you look at the sum of all the little experiences? It’s difficult to fight for something that seems small when you feel it won’t be taken seriously. However, this is why the little things do matter. Not just for you in that moment, but for generations to come and for that sum of all the little experiences.
I remember visiting a restaurant in Mexico and feeling an overwhelming sense of justice when they brought out a miniature coat rack to hang my purse on. It made quite an impression on me, because it is rare for someone to go out of their way to accommodate me.
When someone accommodates you, it makes a difference. It makes you feel safe, seen, valued and wanted. It communicates that your needs matter and accommodation is worth the effort.
Leave a Reply