This morning I'm thinking about how privilege distorts our perception and response to a wider crisis. If you're in the fortunate position to be shielded from the worst effects of the pandemic, a push to continue business as usual can take the upper hand. (a mini rant) 1/
If I perceive my own situation as string of inconveniences, then my capacity to see beyond that and recognize the multiple ways others may be suffering (silently) may be impaired. Privilege offers blinders that place the experiences of others conveniently out of view. 2/
If we happen to be in a leadership position, privilege likely shapes our working assumptions for and about those with whom we work. "I'm fine, so onward, everyone!" It's not that leaders (Ts, admin) aim to be cruel or mean, but they're not listening or attending to their people.3
My own patience for this lack of emotional "intelligence" (? I have mixed feelings about that term) in leadership is actually pretty short. Especially under the current circumstances. Yet, the impulse to look busy and reproduce the productivity theater is strong. 4/
Privilege comes in many forms and flavors but in this situation it contributes to the undoing of so many when it becomes an operating assumption in leadership where much more care, differentiation, and understanding is appropriate and desperately needed. 5/
And when I say leadership, I mean that broadly - anyone who is responsible for other people getting stuff done - distance learning Teachers & school admin, homeschooling parents. Many of us are called to lead right now. Let's please, please do that with maximum care and grace. 6/
Ok, I think I'm done. My own emotional household is more than a little stretched right now. Take care, friends. A little listening (*really* listening) can go a long way. 7/fin
