On being a pest ...

The marvelous author Beverly Cleary died this week at the age of 104.  Many of us enjoyed her wonderful characters, and I in particular resonated with Ramona the Pest.  Although I didn't understand when I was a child why my behaviours were pest-like, I have come to deeply celebrate the attributes that make some people pests.  Like Gavroche says, "A worm can roll a stone, a bee can sting a bear, a fly can fly around Verseille cuz flies don't care."  Tenacity, commitment to a cause, a willingness to speak up - and speak truth to power  ... pest as a child, advocate later on ("be careful as you go, cuz little people grow").  

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​I find myself often in situations where I am unwilling to back down on a situation that I think is unjust.  While there is a role for diplomacy, we have seen that diplomacy  is rarely effective at resolving injustice - particularly in an politicoeconomic system that is only interested in the growth of GDP, and concentration of wealth.  In fact, the "diplomacy" of the global elite has only served to lead us into a catastrophic trajectory towards planetary devastation.  While compassion and courtesy and professionalism is (usually) important, that doesn't have to equate with backing down, softening truth, or watering down demands.

Here is how I phrased my thoughts recently (removing identifying details to leave just the generalities of the sentiment):

"Thank you for extending compassion to me in this difficult situation.  I want to underscore that I completely understand the position you are in.  I want it to be crystal clear that I am not ****.  I have a conscientious objection, consistent with my values and practice and ethos overall.  I cannot in good faith *****.

As it happens, this situation is is closely related to the larger issue of integrating concepts of planetary health and justice into ****.   I have tried for a long time to do this within social norms.  I have tried **; I have proposed **; I have engaged in **; I have woven these ideas into **; I have attempted to advocate for **, I tried to use persuasion and play by the rules, and was the lone voice in the wilderness. 

I don't know what else to do, and I feel like I am being told that my approach now is too radical or possibly abrasive to be trusted with leadership on this.  That rather than "bringing people along," I may be alienating others or marginalizing myself.  But I would argue the opposite ... that resistance to this logic and urgent imperative is continuing to marginalize those not in a position of relative power.  I am not aware of many/any revolutions that occurred from within, using the same structures and systems that created or benefit from the root problematic causes.  We do not have time for incrementalism.  Maybe revolutionary reform, maybe attrition, but not incrementalism.  I understand that shaking the structure won't make those at the top comfortable.  But from what I can see, it's the most likely way to make meaningful change.  

This came up as a required reading in one of my courses; it resonates strongly for me:

"If you act to change the narrative, or simply ignore it and do what you feel is right, the powers that be are very unlikely to reward you for it. This is terribly tricky to get your head around if you are acting with integrity ... When you are not noticed or even chastised for doing what you feel is right, the effect can be insidious, making you feel out of kilter; as if you are somehow bad, unworthy or misguided... If you see problems in a system, and refuse to perpetuate these problems (as best you can), then you will not do as well within that system as those who do what it demands. It is a bit like playing Monopoly without buying strategic properties and being surprised when you don’t win."

To add to this idea are a couple of important words of wisdom from the anti-psychiatry advocate Bonnie Burstow:

1. Be prepared for the fact that parts of the fight that seem to have been won will return in new ways, for such is the nature of hegemonic rule. Do not get frustrated. Just tackle whatever new form emerges.
2.  Do not accept the concept of impossibility. In this regard, take every obstacle in your path as a practical problem for you to solve.
3. While working cooperatively with the organizations whose cooperation you are requesting, always be prepared to challenge and to stand your ground. Note they will likely want you to "water down" what you are asking for -- and please note, this is just not the way that revolutions happen.
4. Even if you and the venture are being attacked mercilessly, never devote more than 2 percent of your effort to responding to attacks. Instead, spend the time getting your message out. To put this another way, be active, not reactive.
5. Rally your allies wherever you can. You at once receive considerable help and what is far more significant, you turn this struggle into what it absolutely has to become -- a community effort and a common cause.
6. Never let threats scare you off. The more they threaten you, the more visible/audible you need to become. Such is the nature of revolutions.