It's been a week.
There's a lot going on right now. And no, I'm not talking about the Starbucks Red Cup "controversy." I'm talking about Yale, Mizzou, Claremont McKenna, and other higher ed institutions across the country. As an educator and a student affairs administrator, systemic oppression and free speech are at the forefront of my conversations this week at work. Privilege. Oppression. the First Amendment. Diversity. Inclusion. Values. Yik Yak. Advocacy. Safety. Respect.
Then there was this video.
Then last night I attended a documentary that was screened on campus about Charity Hospital here in New Orleans. The documentary, Big Charity, doesn't shy away from issues of corruption, politics, classism, health care, and community. It. was. fascinating.
So needless to say, there's a lot going on. And it can make your head spin and your heart hurt. Sure, I could block it all out and instead discuss my visit to criminal court this morning (reporting for jury duty) or gush about how amazing the weather is and my run through Audubon Park this morning. And I need those distractions. To be able to disengage so I can be all in when I need to be. So I can comfort a crying student who is struggling with navigating a breakdown in community values and not understanding how some people can be so ignorant, so mean. There's a fine line between stepping back and disengaging and ignoring the issues altogether. Or thinking that they don't apply to you because you're ____________ (insert label here).
The truth is as long as there is this thing called society, there will always be privilege and oppression and a host of isms. I'm still reflecting on my role both personally and professionally in navigating these environments and issues. And I am well aware that with Thanksgiving in the coming weeks, you never know what family will say when the wine is flowing and you're seated around a table feasting. Engage? Disengage? Only time will tell. I also acknowledge my privilege allows me the opportunity to step back. Because I'm a white, cis-gender, middle-class, educated male.
So where does that leave me? Like I said, there's a lot going on right now. I'm educating myself, processing, engaging in dialogue with friends, coworkers, and students, and reflecting. I encourage you to do the same.
Cheers.
Then there was this video.
Then last night I attended a documentary that was screened on campus about Charity Hospital here in New Orleans. The documentary, Big Charity, doesn't shy away from issues of corruption, politics, classism, health care, and community. It. was. fascinating.
So needless to say, there's a lot going on. And it can make your head spin and your heart hurt. Sure, I could block it all out and instead discuss my visit to criminal court this morning (reporting for jury duty) or gush about how amazing the weather is and my run through Audubon Park this morning. And I need those distractions. To be able to disengage so I can be all in when I need to be. So I can comfort a crying student who is struggling with navigating a breakdown in community values and not understanding how some people can be so ignorant, so mean. There's a fine line between stepping back and disengaging and ignoring the issues altogether. Or thinking that they don't apply to you because you're ____________ (insert label here).
The truth is as long as there is this thing called society, there will always be privilege and oppression and a host of isms. I'm still reflecting on my role both personally and professionally in navigating these environments and issues. And I am well aware that with Thanksgiving in the coming weeks, you never know what family will say when the wine is flowing and you're seated around a table feasting. Engage? Disengage? Only time will tell. I also acknowledge my privilege allows me the opportunity to step back. Because I'm a white, cis-gender, middle-class, educated male.
So where does that leave me? Like I said, there's a lot going on right now. I'm educating myself, processing, engaging in dialogue with friends, coworkers, and students, and reflecting. I encourage you to do the same.
Cheers.
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