I’m fascinated by change.
How do we change ourselves, our teams, our organizations, our communities, and the world?
So many theories of change focus on dominant ways of thinking and being and forget to include structural issues.
Structural issues are those big bold things that are out of individual control, like poverty, race, gender, physical ability, sexual orientation, migration, etc.
When we forget about those issues we do everyone a disservice. And for those who regularly experience oppression and/or marginalization, those folks are at risk of blaming themselves.
“I just gotta try harder. It’s all on my shoulders. It’s up to me.”
Sound familiar?
So when I came across Andre Henry’s excellent article “5 Toxic Ideas About Social Change to Abandon in 2024” both my brain and my heart lit up.
Andre Henry, who writes about resilience and revolution, says “Tomorrow-makers often forget that the very society we “resist” shaped our common sense. This means, if our minds don’t change, the world won’t either.”
With that in mind, here’s a quick summary of his five toxic ideas ( be sure to read his whole, excellent article available at the link below).
1. Identity is a politic
“The Black Lives Matter era mainstreamed standpoint theory. This theory says a person’s place in society shapes their perspective about society.”
When someone’s ‘standpoint’ becomes weaponized we all lose. And social change becomes muddled and hard.
2. Rude = Radical
“Social justice culture is harsh. Its adherents are competitive. Sometimes I’m not sure if many of today’s activists are as interested in getting free as they are in being right. They assert their rightness and impose severe punishments on each other.”
We need so much more nuance, less posturing, and seeing beyond black and white (pun intended).
Conflict and kindness can and should coexist. And change will follow.
3. Strategy is a luxury
“Pure spontaneity and passion rarely — if ever — win revolutions. They’re the exception, not the rule in history.”
Thinking big, broad and bold, laying plans, and summoning strategy are all musts for well-executed and inclusive change.
4. Wellness is a privilege
“Wellness is the foundation of liberation. That’s because the first terrain of oppression is your own body.”
So good!
It reminds me of Myles Horton (link below) who talked about safeguarding the fire in our bellies – ensuring that fire (our passions, our motivation) doesn’t burn too high, literally burning us out, or too low, meaning lacking in motivation and drive.
5. We’re the good guys
“If perfection is the standard for belonging and doing justice work, none of us qualify. And if self-righteousness serves as a license for cruelty, we’ll all soon be monsters.”
“Superiority is thrilling and addictive until you’re on the receiving end of it.”
So delicious. So divine.
We’re all our lovely, messy, imperfect selves.
I sincerely hope his words, his five ideas, hit you like they do me.
Onwards with change.
Andre Henry says “We’ve all been part of the problem.”
Now let’s all be part of the solution.
Now go on and learn, laugh, and lead
Learn
- Read Andre Henry’s full article here. Check out his music on Spotify and his book “All the White Friends I Couldn’t Keep: Hope–and Hard Pills to Swallow–About Fighting for Black Lives.”
- Find out more about ”Fire-itis” and Myles Horton.
Laugh
- Watch this ‘racist radio’ clip and watch what they do with it.
Lead
- Try my quadrant tool for managing change and incorporating a structural view
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