1/
Even as the world is in chaos, science is here to steady us. I am grateful to @apdeprince and @DrJoanCook for this extraordinary article, using one of my original concepts, institutional betrayal, to explain this moment in time. Please read and RT.
theconversation.com/theres-a-name-…
Even as the world is in chaos, science is here to steady us. I am grateful to @apdeprince and @DrJoanCook for this extraordinary article, using one of my original concepts, institutional betrayal, to explain this moment in time. Please read and RT.
theconversation.com/theres-a-name-…
2/
Some brief context on the science. We begin with betrayal trauma theory. The gist: mistreatment by someone you depend upon puts you in a terrible bind. If you fully know about the mistreatment you may risk the relationship by withdrawing or confronting. So . .
Some brief context on the science. We begin with betrayal trauma theory. The gist: mistreatment by someone you depend upon puts you in a terrible bind. If you fully know about the mistreatment you may risk the relationship by withdrawing or confronting. So . .
3/
A way out of the bind for many is betrayal blindness – not fully knowing and preserving the relationship. This allows people to survive a terrible bind but comes with a cost down the road.
And thus. . .
A way out of the bind for many is betrayal blindness – not fully knowing and preserving the relationship. This allows people to survive a terrible bind but comes with a cost down the road.
And thus. . .
4/
While trauma is quite harmful on its own, the harm is even worse when it involves a betrayal by someone you depend on.
dynamic.uoregon.edu/jjf/defineBT.h…
While trauma is quite harmful on its own, the harm is even worse when it involves a betrayal by someone you depend on.
dynamic.uoregon.edu/jjf/defineBT.h…
5/
Now, think about how this applies to institutions. We *all* depend on institutions to meet our needs. At the most basic level, we need them to keep us alive. COVID-19 makes that truth painfully clear.
Now, think about how this applies to institutions. We *all* depend on institutions to meet our needs. At the most basic level, we need them to keep us alive. COVID-19 makes that truth painfully clear.
6/
Sadly, institutions can betray us when we need them most. Sometimes they don’t protect us, are indifferent to our suffering, and focus on self-preservation above all else. The most vulnerable people in our society are the hardest hit.
Sadly, institutions can betray us when we need them most. Sometimes they don’t protect us, are indifferent to our suffering, and focus on self-preservation above all else. The most vulnerable people in our society are the hardest hit.
7/
Due to COVID-19, we are all experiencing a level of institutional betrayal that is staggering. Even though there is also some institutional courage, there is so much betrayal that the psychological stress can be paralyzing.
Due to COVID-19, we are all experiencing a level of institutional betrayal that is staggering. Even though there is also some institutional courage, there is so much betrayal that the psychological stress can be paralyzing.
8/
And due to that institutional betrayal and the fact that our very lives are at stake, the pressure to be blind to the betrayal is also very real -- and very costly as the blindness increases danger.
And due to that institutional betrayal and the fact that our very lives are at stake, the pressure to be blind to the betrayal is also very real -- and very costly as the blindness increases danger.
9/
But for surviving Covid19 neither fear nor betrayal blindness will help. Rather, as wisely said by @apdeprince and @DrJoanCook: “We need to find a better path.”
But for surviving Covid19 neither fear nor betrayal blindness will help. Rather, as wisely said by @apdeprince and @DrJoanCook: “We need to find a better path.”
10/
I want to do my part in finding a better path on this and so many other crucial issues (especially sexual violence). That’s why I have founded a new nonprofit, the Center for Institutional Courage. I can’t wait to tell you more about Courage (our shorthand) – please . . .
I want to do my part in finding a better path on this and so many other crucial issues (especially sexual violence). That’s why I have founded a new nonprofit, the Center for Institutional Courage. I can’t wait to tell you more about Courage (our shorthand) – please . . .
11/Final
Please stay tuned. We at Courage insist upon a world with less institutional betrayal and more institutional courage. If you want to join us, please like/RT this thread, and my team will make sure you stay in the loop.
Please stay tuned. We at Courage insist upon a world with less institutional betrayal and more institutional courage. If you want to join us, please like/RT this thread, and my team will make sure you stay in the loop.
