A 12 step approach to ending oppression
This morning I received a text from a friend telling me that a coworker had used a racial slur and that the employer did not take any action to address this unacceptable behavior. My friend will not keep himself in such an unhealthy environment.
Later I was listening to an episode of the podcast “Fresh Air” featuring an interview by Sam Briger with author Attica Locke about her latest book Heaven, My Home. Ms. Locke discusses living in Los Angeles only to have her son encounter the same experience of racism. She also discussed her feelings and thoughts about celebrating the beauty of plantations which were literally built on the back of her ancestors.
T was later thinking about the fact my friend is active in a 12 strep recovery program. My understanding of the steps of this program is that it simultaneously stresses accountability and forgiveness. In many respects the 12 step program is built on the core principles which are attributed to the historical figure of Jesus. I understand these to be the same principles which are taught by the Buddha and many other spiritual leaders.
It is not surprising that most of us struggle with letting go of the principle of punishments which continues to guide much of the base of the so called concept of justice in the United States and other countries. It is also one of the key principles of many of the ancestors who “speak” in the Old Testament.
My understanding is that accountability recognizes that:
It follows that the goal of accountability is to reconnect with self, other members of the community and the universe(s) as a whole. It is never to punish, to create resentment , or to withhold an embrace/forgiveness.
Accountability demands that we lovingly help each other recognize and attempt to heal the disconnection with self, each other and the universe(s). Failure to lovingly and humbly hold each other accountable is itself a form of oppression. Whether one is ignoring a racial, sexist, or homophobic slur by a co-worker, a student a teacher, a clerk in a store. any other person or ignoring the fact that the plantations, pyramids, many of our museums, or other symbols of so call philanthropy one is co-signing oppression or ongoing process of disconnection – us and them.
It is often true that many structures which were designed and built with the proceeds of oppression, can also be amazing, beautiful structures. Yet, we must always look at the cost. We must, I believe, be suspect of any of us who has more money or other resources than we need. It will almost always mean that in this generation or several prior generations someone or some group has benefited on the backs of others.
Accountability is seldom, if ever, comfortable and will often lead to the necessity of making some uncomfortable decisions. Yet, without facing this discomfort we will continue to build and promote societies which disconnect rather than connect.
Written October 17, 2019
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
This morning I received a text from a friend telling me that a coworker had used a racial slur and that the employer did not take any action to address this unacceptable behavior. My friend will not keep himself in such an unhealthy environment.
Later I was listening to an episode of the podcast “Fresh Air” featuring an interview by Sam Briger with author Attica Locke about her latest book Heaven, My Home. Ms. Locke discusses living in Los Angeles only to have her son encounter the same experience of racism. She also discussed her feelings and thoughts about celebrating the beauty of plantations which were literally built on the back of her ancestors.
T was later thinking about the fact my friend is active in a 12 strep recovery program. My understanding of the steps of this program is that it simultaneously stresses accountability and forgiveness. In many respects the 12 step program is built on the core principles which are attributed to the historical figure of Jesus. I understand these to be the same principles which are taught by the Buddha and many other spiritual leaders.
It is not surprising that most of us struggle with letting go of the principle of punishments which continues to guide much of the base of the so called concept of justice in the United States and other countries. It is also one of the key principles of many of the ancestors who “speak” in the Old Testament.
My understanding is that accountability recognizes that:
- We are all human and all capable of great acts of love and powerful cruel acts borne of fear. These acts are often lived out in the reality of racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of oppression.
- When we disrespect others and use the excuse of race, gender, sexual orientation or other social constructs we disconnect from each other.
- The “natural” order is community – functioning as a tribe to take care of each other while living in synch with the universe(s).
- Punishment is about further disconnection and cannot allow for healing – living together as a community.
- Oppression is an attempt to feel better about oneself but always leads to disconnection from “true self” and from the community
It follows that the goal of accountability is to reconnect with self, other members of the community and the universe(s) as a whole. It is never to punish, to create resentment , or to withhold an embrace/forgiveness.
Accountability demands that we lovingly help each other recognize and attempt to heal the disconnection with self, each other and the universe(s). Failure to lovingly and humbly hold each other accountable is itself a form of oppression. Whether one is ignoring a racial, sexist, or homophobic slur by a co-worker, a student a teacher, a clerk in a store. any other person or ignoring the fact that the plantations, pyramids, many of our museums, or other symbols of so call philanthropy one is co-signing oppression or ongoing process of disconnection – us and them.
It is often true that many structures which were designed and built with the proceeds of oppression, can also be amazing, beautiful structures. Yet, we must always look at the cost. We must, I believe, be suspect of any of us who has more money or other resources than we need. It will almost always mean that in this generation or several prior generations someone or some group has benefited on the backs of others.
Accountability is seldom, if ever, comfortable and will often lead to the necessity of making some uncomfortable decisions. Yet, without facing this discomfort we will continue to build and promote societies which disconnect rather than connect.
Written October 17, 2019
Jimmy F Pickett
coachpickett.org
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