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The Optimistic Anthropologist Volume 32
Change, Loss, and RBG
SEPTEMBER 2020 | VOLUME 32
Dear ,
In his work on adaptive leadership,
, “What people resist is not change per se, but loss. When change involves real or potential loss, people hold on to what they have and resist the change.”
.
All of these experiences – which took place in the span of one month -- reminded me of the intertwined natures of loss and change. But, what they also reinforced, was the power of being physically together in community in order to acknowledge it and begin to heal.
This year, there have already been so many losses: of
and
, of freedom of movement and sense of safety, of economic security and faith in institutions and one another. I’m usually the optimist, but this year I’ve spent a lot of time feeling this sadness and loss and anger.
Last week, a friend and I got up early and went down to the Supreme Court to pay our respects to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as she lay in repose.
, so I’m not going to repeat those reflections here. While I was
truly saddened by her passing because of who she was and what she accomplished and also because of what it means for the future of the Supreme Court and the country, I was still very surprised by how emotional the experience of seeing her coffin was for me.
But, I realized that for the first time in a long while, I was in community, having a shared experience, acknowledging our collective sense of loss, recognizing that things have now changed, and feeling a sense of shared support and connection that I’ve so missed.
It was a cathartic experience and released a bit of weight on my heart. That release has allowed some room for energy and optimism to start to creep back in.
If you are a changemaker continuing to push to make the world more positive and equitable in this moment, please don't forget your own or others' humanity. And if you are able to create opportunities to acknowledge the loss and change everyone is experiencing right now, it can truly be a gift of support.
Until next time, be well, do good, and keep each other safe,
P.S. Want to chat about anything in this month's newsletter or a project you have in the works? Let's find some time to catch up.
LATEST
At Optimistic Anthropology, we believe that there are two core behaviors that are foundational for any team seeking to make measurable progress on complex social, economic, and environmental problems: collaboration and learning. We also believe that the work of social change can be done with curiosity, joy, and humanity.
Which is why we are pleased to offer a creative and fun way to explore these ideas through our new
for organizations and teams! Perfect for your next virtual retreat or team celebration whether your team is needing a bit of energy or a bit of calm!
or
!
The world and economy are tumultuous right now, but folks we know are still recruiting. So like every month, we're sharing
. It is our monthly round-up of job, consulting, and fully- funded fellowship and accelerator opportunities that people and organizations connected to Optimistic Anthropology are recruiting for.
(our list reaches ~1200 great people!)
GOOD LISTENS FROM AUGUST / SEPTEMBER 2020
We love music! We love podcasts! We're getting into audiobooks Here's what we have been listening to this past month!
- In 2015, the 15th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit in South Carolina gave a confidential informant $100 to buy marijuana from Julian Betton. And then they broke down his door and shot him ~29 times. Betton survived and tells his story.
. A short history of the life of Berniece Robinson, far more than a beautician and an often unsung and overlooked leader in the civil rights movement.
- A limited podcast series that explores the history and current divisions among a community Fundamentalist Mormons on the border of Arizona and Utah since the arrest of its leader, Warren Jeffs.
Episodes 1-10. An in depth exploration of another largely unsung and overlooked woman who broke barriers in Hollywood and is the secret sauce behind many many great movies over 4 decades.
- I'm finding that I have limited capacity for the usual more serious and insightful podcasts I usually love. Helen Zaltzman and Ollie Mann offer a welcome antidote answering listener questions about, well, anything and everything.
- I'm always looking for instrumental music to work to. These covers of pop hits in a "medieval style" are affectionately referred to as "Bardcore" and they are a delight. (H/T EP)
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