#SocietyforEveryone #AveragePerson #InclusiveDesign #SocialInclusion
🌍 The most average person in the world has a society designed just for them. But what does that mean? Who is considered the most average person and how is society designed for them? Let’s delve into the concept of an average person and how inclusivity and accessibility play a crucial role in our societal structures.
The term “average person” is often used to describe someone who falls within the middle of a bell curve in terms of characteristics, abilities, and experiences. This concept is used in various fields, including demographics, economics, and psychology, to understand and predict human behavior and trends. However, when it comes to designing society, the idea of the average person takes on a whole new meaning.
## Defining the Average Person
When we talk about the average person, we’re referring to someone who embodies the middle ground in terms of physical, cognitive, and emotional traits. This includes characteristics such as height, weight, sensory abilities, cognitive functioning, and emotional resilience. While no one person can truly be considered “average” in every aspect, the concept allows us to create generalizations that guide the design of public spaces, products, and policies.
### Example:
Imagine a city planner designing public transportation systems. They may use data on average commuting distances, mobility limitations, and sensory preferences to inform the design of bus routes, subway stations, and pedestrian pathways.
## Society Designed for the Average Person
In many ways, society is structured to cater to the needs and preferences of the average person. From the layout of public spaces to the design of consumer products, the goal is often to create environments and experiences that are accessible and inclusive for the widest range of individuals. However, this approach can inadvertently exclude those who fall outside the parameters of “average” in various ways.
### Example:
Consider the design of a standard office workspace, with desks and chairs configured for individuals of average height and mobility. This setup may not accommodate employees with disabilities or diverse body types, leading to discomfort and reduced productivity.
## Inclusive Design: A Shift in Perspective
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on inclusive design, which challenges the notion of the “average person” and seeks to create environments and products that accommodate the full spectrum of human diversity. This approach requires a shift in perspective, recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution and embracing the richness of human variation.
### Example:
An inclusive design approach to digital technology considers factors such as screen reader compatibility, alternative input methods, and customizable interfaces to accommodate users with diverse abilities and preferences.
## Importance of Social Inclusion
Creating a society that is truly designed for everyone is not just a matter of practicality—it’s also a matter of social justice. By prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility, we can ensure that every individual has equal opportunity to participate in and contribute to the fabric of society. This approach not only benefits those who have been historically marginalized but also enriches the experiences of all individuals.
### Example:
A community center that is designed with inclusivity in mind, featuring ramps, tactile signage, and sensory-friendly spaces, becomes a welcoming and empowering environment for people of all abilities to connect and engage with their community.
## Embracing Diversity in Society
As we continue to challenge the concept of the “average person” and advocate for inclusive design, it’s important to recognize and celebrate the diversity that makes our society vibrant and dynamic. Embracing individual differences, whether they relate to physical abilities, cognitive styles, or cultural backgrounds, enriches our collective experience and fosters a sense of belonging for all.
### Example:
A cultural festival that showcases the traditions and art forms of diverse communities provides an opportunity for people to learn from and appreciate each other’s unique perspectives and heritage.
In conclusion, the concept of an average person and the design of society are deeply intertwined. By embracing inclusive design and prioritizing social inclusion, we can create a society that reflects and celebrates the diversity of the human experience. It’s time to move beyond the idea of the average person and build a world that is truly designed for everyone. Let’s celebrate our differences and create a more inclusive and equitable future for all.
I think a lot of my opinions (especially on education) stem from this. I breezed through school while my brother was tortured for hours every day learning over and over that he’s stupid and will never succeed. The only thing that separated us was our body’s dopamine functions. And different styles of learning.
If someone works with their hands, they’re “blue collar” and somehow that’s a lower class than white collar. They’re paid less and appreciated less and people take it as a reflection of their character. Everything I owe to my “success” is simply due to being born a square in a square holed culture.
We accept the world in which we are given. Think of the movie The Truman Show.
The most average person in the world is oddly unique
Society is designed for the average person the same way a maze is designed for a lab rat.
The most average person in the world is intersex, medium beige, and named Muhammad Wang.
a world full of daily news about Taylor Swift!
This is something I’ve thought about a lot in academia. The people who did best historically were the ones who could memorize facts, had type A personalities and focused on specific details. This was so incredibly important to make any headway because it was so difficult to find information in the first place.
A lot of the work that needs to be done in the sciences going forward is integration; we have a lot of specific knowledge in specific dicaplines that will need to be synthesized to make breakthroughs. Think about knowledge learned in physics that can now be applied in chemistry. Chemistry knowledge in biology. With the advent of computers and the internet, it seems like people who can integrate information are the most needed.
But what leads to success in academia is still largely what was important 100 years ago. This isn’t something that just happens at a university, it starts in grade school; so many talented people who could flourish in science are pushed out so early because they don’t fit into the current paradigm of schooling.
World society is probably far more designed for a small group of privileged, than for the true average person. Case in point: the average person only earns $8 an hour. Surely somebody earning more will find themselves much more catered to by society.
Not to take any credence away from the comments with academic analyses of this post, but just take a look at the pop country music crowd
No one is average in every way
Is being the most average the reason I can walk into a rooms and people not notice for a few minutes? You know how some people are described as “having presence”. I apparently have the opposite.
If you design for the median, you design for no one.
This society is designed just for rich people, the fuck are you talking about?
I dont think the world is designed for middle class Asian woman.
Mode will probably be the better word than average.
I know this guy, he watches Survivor, he eats at Arby’s, he drives a VW, he’s average height, average weight, he’s average looking, average intelligence. Ive told him all of this and that he’ll end up in a museum or alien zoo labeled as “Average Man”
The most average person is best at being average
Not really. A tall, wealthy, able-bodied, conventionally attractive, mentally well cisgender, heterosexual, white man with a loving supportive family, political connections, and a surface level appreciation of pop culture has society designed just for them. And his name is probably Chris…at least in the US HE is the guy society was designed for
A real showerthought. I thought they went extinct!
The average person has one testicle
I like to think I’m really unique but I’m super goddamn average. The only exception is I don’t like football and love driving around town during superbowl Sunday when the only person out, is the pizza delivery dude, speeding around delivering pizzas.