"My differences were taken into account, my sameness sought out." Feinberg 1993: 78

This quote stood out for me as I was reading because I can't quite decide if it's a positive practice or a negative one. Perhaps it's neither - just human.

As human beings we seek out those similar to us, we route out those common attributes that show a clear linkage, a possibility for relationship. Since the day we are born into this word, we are conditioned to condone similarities and shun those who are different. So, in a way, this quote reflects a negative practice that human beings unconsciously engage in every day of our lives.

On the other hand, this presents as a positive habit as they took into account her differences but still strove to accept her into their circle as one of theirs by routing out those same similarities that can make society to exclusive and so cruel. Rather than giving in to the temptation to stop at the differences and reject, the noted them and moved on.

But the final negative in this scenario is that they simply took her differences into account. They dis not try to understand them, they did not try to appreciate them, and far be it from them to celebrate them. Of course, these are things that can occur once you allow someone into your circle and begin to become increasingly intimate with them. So perhaps, this is simply a positive step on the path towards understanding and appreciation.

I believe that this is a positive practice that has grown out of a commonplace exclusionary tactic. Perhaps seeking out sameness first is not always a terrible thing.