Today, we’re musing on some recent headlines involving @NBCUniversal and parent company @comcast. They have important things to teach us about the intersecting issues of workplace harassment, institutional betrayal, and institutional courage. Let’s dig into it. @CourageforAll 
First up:
On May 12, The Cut published this piece by @bridgetgillard. Linda Vester broke her silence in 2018 about Tom Brokaw’s harassment of her in the 1990s. In this piece, Vester calls for an external investigation to truly “clean house” at NBC. thecut.com/2020/05/linda-…
On May 12, The Cut published this piece by @bridgetgillard. Linda Vester broke her silence in 2018 about Tom Brokaw’s harassment of her in the 1990s. In this piece, Vester calls for an external investigation to truly “clean house” at NBC. thecut.com/2020/05/linda-…
According to The Cut: Vester @lindavester1 has been interviewed by the NYS AG’s Office (also: @megynkelly, @BrookeNevils, and @addie_zinone). On May 4, NBC Chairman Andy Lack was fired for reportedly pursuing affairs with female employees and “fostering a culture of impunity.”
Next up:
On June 3, the LA Times published this piece by @MegJamesLAT. Comcast shareholders (led by Chairman Brian Roberts, who controls 33% of voting rights) rejected a proposal to allow an external investigation of NBC Universal, its child company. latimes.com/entertainment-…
On June 3, the LA Times published this piece by @MegJamesLAT. Comcast shareholders (led by Chairman Brian Roberts, who controls 33% of voting rights) rejected a proposal to allow an external investigation of NBC Universal, its child company. latimes.com/entertainment-…
Per the LA Times: @ArjunaCapital noted the risks of failing to act: “Workplace harassment can harm shareholder value. To avoid legal and reputational risk...[we] must create a culture of accountability and transparency, and protect employees from harassment and discrimination.”
Next up:
On June 4, the LA Times published this piece by @ChristiCarras. Ex-NBC employee Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) has filed a public complaint, stating that NBC retaliated against her for pointing out episodes of racism at the network. latimes.com/entertainment-…
On June 4, the LA Times published this piece by @ChristiCarras. Ex-NBC employee Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) has filed a public complaint, stating that NBC retaliated against her for pointing out episodes of racism at the network. latimes.com/entertainment-…
Per the LA Times: “By virtue of Union refusing to silently endure the racist and misogynistic conduct...she was labelled as ‘intimidating’ and viewed as the problem, thus resulting in her termination. [NBC heads] seek to blame the victim...in order to maintain the status quo.”
Last up:
On June 8, NBC News (owned by parent company Comcast) published this piece by @davidkli. “Media giant Comcast announced Monday that it is donating $100 million to battle the ‘complex issue’ of systemic racism, sexism and homophobia in America.” nbcnews.com/business/busin…
On June 8, NBC News (owned by parent company Comcast) published this piece by @davidkli. “Media giant Comcast announced Monday that it is donating $100 million to battle the ‘complex issue’ of systemic racism, sexism and homophobia in America.” nbcnews.com/business/busin…
Per NBC News: CEO Roberts - “We don’t have all the answers, [but] we agree it’s time that we start putting our words into real, sustainable action. We know that Comcast alone can’t remedy this complex issue, but [we] will try to play an integral role in driving lasting reform.“
Where do we begin.
#1: This is Institutional Betrayal 101. Racism and sexual violence are forms of discrimination that go together. They reinforce each other. As noted by our founder, Dr. Jennifer Freyd: “They are about the abuse of power, about inequality, and about betrayal.” @jjfreydcourage
#2: The truth telling by Linda Vester, Gabrielle Union, and others are not about isolated impact. Their stories illuminate the systemic creep of institutional betrayal, which often runs unchecked due to over-concentration of power and a lack of true transparency and oversight.
#3: NBC and Comcast’s response to this moment of reckoning is suboptimal (to put it mildly). By rejecting real investigations and issuing platitudes about racism in society, they erode public trust as well as shareholder value. We wonder: is this all the courage they can muster?
#4: How could NBC and Comcast demonstrate more Institutional Courage? We applaud the $100 million pledge, but in and of itself, this is a drop in the bucket. And more to the point: while investing real money is important, acts of courage can cost nothing. Zero dollars. No cents!
#5: Here are 3 free examples of the “how” to develop Institutional Courage, from Dr. Jennifer Freyd’s 10 steps:
⭐️ respond sensitively to victim disclosures
⭐️ bear witness, be accountable, and apologize
⭐️ cherish the whistleblower @jjfreydcourage
theconversation.com/when-sexual-as…
⭐️ respond sensitively to victim disclosures
⭐️ bear witness, be accountable, and apologize
⭐️ cherish the whistleblower @jjfreydcourage
theconversation.com/when-sexual-as…
Here’s the good news: institutional betrayal may be a toxic status quo, but it is NOT inevitable. Together, we can insist on Institutional Courage in our society. We’re in good company: check out @TaranaBurke’s recent call to institutional courage here. variety.com/2020/film/news…
We are the Center for Institutional Courage, and we need your help in creating more courageous institutions in which we all can thrive. Please join us: institutionalcourage.org/join-us
@threadreaderapp unroll
Thank you for helping to boost our signal, friends @SaraJBenincasa @SVLeadershipLab @ProfCheit @JenniferMGmez1 @LoriNMackenzie @kimballscott @allysonvhobbs @AshleyJudd @MonikaNLind @heykmart @MeghanOWarner @KenSPope @DrJoanCook @apdeprince
