I thought this assessment was helpful and informative. I’ve been evaluating social theory and system design as an independent scholar— I’ve developed a similar tool after discussing power dynamics with another social theorist. “Power Loop Field Diagnostic”.
My work doesn’t fall neatly into any one category, as I touch ethics, psych, system theory, cultural repair, and ecology but I believe we see a lot of the same systemic and relational issues that are arising from authoritarianism. “Power Over”, as Pieter de Beer calls it, can be offset by other system design influences. Would love to open dialogue around these ideas. It seems we are approaching similar concepts, and I feel compelled to reach out to the minds identifying issues and problem solving simultaneously. Thank you again for this article
I wonder if something is missing here. I get that this is mostly about feelings and thoughts, and in some instances actual harm to self (losing income, blocked or punished by systems) but not about being present when others are harmed. Increasing numbers of people are witnessing harm to others, not just in the media but on their own streets, in their communities, in some cases to people they know. That can be mobilizing but also overwhelming. What do you think?
My wife and I did the assessment and found the results extremely high (in the mid 20's). Sadly not surprising but it is refreshing to see someone name these feelings as not normal and even real harm. Usually when I express even one thing on this inventory I'm told that I'm overacting or that somehow the other side is worse.
Thanks for doing this good work in a seemingly impossible time.
Craig, thanks for sharing. You are not overreacting. Personally, I find the mainstream media’s lack of coverage about the personal impacts of authoritarian rule to be a form of gaslighting.
“Giving yourself (or each other) grace,” spoke to me. We’ve been using the term in our family and it’s powerful.
My husband and I sat down and did the evaluation. It was effective at showing each of us where we are and how we have processed this experience differently. Opened up important ideas and concepts for conversation. Several people have recommended Indivisible as a group embracing many of the positives you suggest. Thanks Paul!
I did a preliminary look-through, including the all important 'pause and reflect.' I'll do the physical checking off the list shortly as well, and get back to you with the results.
One thing I caught myself doing even in commenting here was trying too hard to word it just right. Part of that is an occupational hazard of a writer or wordsmith, but I'm starting to see that as also part of that authoritarian harm complex. I'll follow up.
Interesting results here. All told, I checked off 11 items. That could be considered low or moderate, but the key takeaway for me is that *they all count*!
What really stood out was that 7 of the 11 showed up under Personal and Internal Harms. I think that may explain why, at times, I feel a certain 'sympathetic detachment' from people who have suffered vocational harms; my workplace is (relatively) protected (for now); a kind of island in the midst of sweeping purges.
And I've felt bad about not being more sympathetic, or *doing something*, besides posting, commenting, and talking to others. I work in DC.
On the other hand, the harm does feel very personal, which is why I have little to no hesitancy about speaking out, or with anyone who will listen. Even, at times, taking people to task even if they're on "our side", when I'm convinced (prematurely?) that their attitude or approach is wrong.
Thanks for the opportunity to clarify, even and especially for ourselves. It's good exercise in its own right.
Wayne, thank you for such a thoughtful comment. I’m sure many other people have had similar experiences. And it’s interesting to note how many people have messaged me to say how they are using this tool with others, their spouse, their coworkers, people in their church.
One thing that I think our society has grown unaware of is the overarching ideals that we older folks were "indoctrinated" with. The Constitution, along with the laws, governments, and attitudes that grew out of these seeds represent an existential framework that provides a great deal of meaning to our lives. (For example, do you tear up when watching citizenship ceremonies?)
Since cynicism and despair over the country's missteps have taken over, we've thrown out the baby with the bathwater. Idealism just isn't popular anymore. Nevertheless, it's still part of our subconscious identity as Americans. The threatened dissolution of this **faith** (if you'll allow the term) is at the root much of what Dr. Shattuck is describing here. I think the philosophical implications are well worth pondering. Ultimately, it's a matter of "keeping the faith," but that may be the most difficult task of all.
I thought this assessment was helpful and informative. I’ve been evaluating social theory and system design as an independent scholar— I’ve developed a similar tool after discussing power dynamics with another social theorist. “Power Loop Field Diagnostic”.
My work doesn’t fall neatly into any one category, as I touch ethics, psych, system theory, cultural repair, and ecology but I believe we see a lot of the same systemic and relational issues that are arising from authoritarianism. “Power Over”, as Pieter de Beer calls it, can be offset by other system design influences. Would love to open dialogue around these ideas. It seems we are approaching similar concepts, and I feel compelled to reach out to the minds identifying issues and problem solving simultaneously. Thank you again for this article
I wonder if something is missing here. I get that this is mostly about feelings and thoughts, and in some instances actual harm to self (losing income, blocked or punished by systems) but not about being present when others are harmed. Increasing numbers of people are witnessing harm to others, not just in the media but on their own streets, in their communities, in some cases to people they know. That can be mobilizing but also overwhelming. What do you think?
i have actually been experiencing several of the checklist items since the first trump nightmare.
My wife and I did the assessment and found the results extremely high (in the mid 20's). Sadly not surprising but it is refreshing to see someone name these feelings as not normal and even real harm. Usually when I express even one thing on this inventory I'm told that I'm overacting or that somehow the other side is worse.
Thanks for doing this good work in a seemingly impossible time.
Craig, thanks for sharing. You are not overreacting. Personally, I find the mainstream media’s lack of coverage about the personal impacts of authoritarian rule to be a form of gaslighting.
Thanks for putting into words my utter frustration about mainstream media. Part of the problem for sure.
“Giving yourself (or each other) grace,” spoke to me. We’ve been using the term in our family and it’s powerful.
My husband and I sat down and did the evaluation. It was effective at showing each of us where we are and how we have processed this experience differently. Opened up important ideas and concepts for conversation. Several people have recommended Indivisible as a group embracing many of the positives you suggest. Thanks Paul!
Apprehended & Abducted
In MAGA America
for the crime of
Breathing While Brown
I haven’t even dived into the post and ‘Authoritarian Harm’ resonated so deeply.
Authoritarian Harm: heavy & accurate
I did a preliminary look-through, including the all important 'pause and reflect.' I'll do the physical checking off the list shortly as well, and get back to you with the results.
One thing I caught myself doing even in commenting here was trying too hard to word it just right. Part of that is an occupational hazard of a writer or wordsmith, but I'm starting to see that as also part of that authoritarian harm complex. I'll follow up.
Interesting results here. All told, I checked off 11 items. That could be considered low or moderate, but the key takeaway for me is that *they all count*!
What really stood out was that 7 of the 11 showed up under Personal and Internal Harms. I think that may explain why, at times, I feel a certain 'sympathetic detachment' from people who have suffered vocational harms; my workplace is (relatively) protected (for now); a kind of island in the midst of sweeping purges.
And I've felt bad about not being more sympathetic, or *doing something*, besides posting, commenting, and talking to others. I work in DC.
On the other hand, the harm does feel very personal, which is why I have little to no hesitancy about speaking out, or with anyone who will listen. Even, at times, taking people to task even if they're on "our side", when I'm convinced (prematurely?) that their attitude or approach is wrong.
Thanks for the opportunity to clarify, even and especially for ourselves. It's good exercise in its own right.
Wayne, thank you for such a thoughtful comment. I’m sure many other people have had similar experiences. And it’s interesting to note how many people have messaged me to say how they are using this tool with others, their spouse, their coworkers, people in their church.
One thing that I think our society has grown unaware of is the overarching ideals that we older folks were "indoctrinated" with. The Constitution, along with the laws, governments, and attitudes that grew out of these seeds represent an existential framework that provides a great deal of meaning to our lives. (For example, do you tear up when watching citizenship ceremonies?)
Since cynicism and despair over the country's missteps have taken over, we've thrown out the baby with the bathwater. Idealism just isn't popular anymore. Nevertheless, it's still part of our subconscious identity as Americans. The threatened dissolution of this **faith** (if you'll allow the term) is at the root much of what Dr. Shattuck is describing here. I think the philosophical implications are well worth pondering. Ultimately, it's a matter of "keeping the faith," but that may be the most difficult task of all.