Being Real
conversations with institutions series
Starting a DIY Ph.D. research project and DIY Ph.D. Performance, 2022-2024
barriers, accommodations, inclusivity, and power
It’s easy to be oblivious when something is not part of our own experience. Especially to people’s challenges and barriers. Especially if they’re inconvenient to our worldview.
Because, are they even real if we don’t experience them? -That’s not our experience.- How much of a barrier could it be anyway? It’s just for that person, right? The way things are now is working for most people. Besides, we just can’t make those accommodations. I mean, we’d really love to. There’s not enough money/time/resources. And it’s against health/safety/accreditation rules. If we let one person, then we’d have to let everyone else. And that goes against our business model/strategic plan/long-term vision. Sorry, that’s just the way things are. You’ll have to figure things out. Perhaps this isn’t the right institution to support you.
If only I had a penny… That conversation, or some variation of it, has played out on repeat since becoming a mother. Despite institutions being made up of people, asking them to put people ahead of money, to be care-centered, is a nonstarter. Under the cover of impartiality, money drives policy; money and fear. Despite the slogans, “Doing it for Real” being my most recent favorite, being brave is costly and hard. That level of self-examination requires a willingness to be wrong. Not only to be wrong, but also willing to give up power. It’s a willingness to have real and open conversations; to let people show you what they need, listen, and make decisions together.
What is inclusive? What does it look like? How does inclusive feel? What makes inclusive real? Who determines this? and why? How can we prefigure a society of care, one built around learning, growth, and wisdom? I’m asking exactly these questions via this project in progress. I’m looking forward to artistically exploring the realities of being a mother in institutions, and seeing what feelings and insights this research uncovers.
