STEP 2 —

where can you FIND cultures of harm within your work?

When one lives as a minoritized individual, it is easy to externalize some of the problems and barriers we face toward achieving justice and representation within our creative and cultural work. However, cultures of harm are often the same cultures we “live in,” making harm difficult to address within ourselves. 

Harm happens even within marginalized and oppressed communities and identities. Because harmful ideologies and practices are often culturally encouraged and even celebrated by the social norms and practices of the systems we navigate daily.

For example, hustle culture, perfectionism and individualism (“pulling yourself by your bootstraps”) are all personality traits or practices that are lauded in capitalist societies, especially in the United States. And these traits and practices can be affirmed for an individual or group of people, even when they’re causing harm.

Once we can acknowledge the systems we live within, it becomes easier to fight against the harmful mindsets holding us back and rededicate ourselves to communal healing. 

WHAT DOES centering SELF-CARE AND COLLECTIVE-CARE LOOK LIKE?

• Leadership

• Transparency

• Connected communication

• Trauma-informed

• Non-punitive

• Accountability

• Attention to process 

• Affirmation of the whole self

• Congruence between written values/mission and experienced values/mission

can you dismantle systems of harm, while working with theM?

If access gives us a way into dismantling a system, but we only get access through privilege and power, it’s important to acknowledge the internal conflict which may arise. Guilt and imposter syndrome are prevalent among minorities who inhabit places of wealth or predominantly heteronormative, White-dominant spaces (like creative industries and arts and culture industries). Others will reinforce this by telling BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ individuals and women they don’t belong there; this happens often enough that you start to believe it.

Collectivist values tell minoritized people they should feel bad about succeeding and making it out of communities that are still struggling. Still, choosing how to work within or without a system comes with its contradictions and questions:

• When does “playing the game” further marginalize our causes?

• When does refusing to “play the game” further marginalize our causes?

• How do we spend our valuable time and energy on combating what we disagree with, as well as uplifting what we do?

• How do we design our lives for more ease, joy and abundance?

• How do we ensure our choices don’t solely make our lives more difficult (leaving no dent in the broken system, policy or discriminatory cultural attitude we’re hoping to change)?

• Are we trying to solve a problem without the necessary resources, support, self-care or community-care solutions?

what are Your options WHEN YOUR WORK IS CONTRIBUTING TO systems misaligned with your values or goals?

If you can’t change the harmful environment you’re working within—but also can’t leave—it’s of the utmost importance to figure out how to adapt and protect yourself within it. You do not need to re-traumatize yourself. Decide on your ultimate goal and what you’re willing to risk or lose to achieve it. 

Example: You’re observing or experiencing racism within a community space. Calling it out might feel necessary and urgent, but if it ends up in retaliation that leaves you ostracized or jobless, are you better off? Are the consequences things you can live with? Or will the lack of a paycheck further marginalize you and your family? For some, speaking up is the only option. For others, professional blacklisting or temporary unemployment could have devastating consequences.

It therefore becomes paramount to determine your disruption strategy. How can you challenge the status quo in a way that doesn’t endanger your standard of living or ability to feel safe in your professional, communal or creative spaces?

Ways to do this: 

• Solidify your emotional boundaries

• Build a safety network or conduct a care mapping exercise to visualize safe connections around you 

• Seek mentorship and guidance outside of the workplace

Also important to note—even seemingly affirming community spaces, values-driven creative organization and mission-driven artistic work can be marginalizing and/or unsafe, depending on the lived experience, expertise and embodied values of your peers. Be cognizant of how your peers are carrying their own trauma into the work.