IDENTITY: POWER, PRIVILEGE + INTERSECTIONALITY

What is a space that you are/have been a part of that is grounded in values and practices outside of whiteness? Describe this space--the explicit and implicit beliefs and values that shape policy, practice, and relational work. What does it look like? Feel like in your body and movements? How does it sound? Taste? 

What stood out from this week’s reading were 15 behaviors that are interconnected and mutually reinforcing, to include perfectionism, an insatiable drive to achieve flawless outcomes that often results in dissatisfaction and stress; a sense of urgency, which pushes individuals and organizations to prioritize speed over thoroughness, leading to burnout and errors; defensiveness and/or denial mechanisms used to avoid accountability or criticism, which stifle growth and constructive feedback. There’s also a preference for quantity over quality, where more is valued over the excellence of work, often at the expense of meaningful impact; the worship of the written word, which elevates documentation and formal records over oral or experiential knowledge, sometimes marginalizing non-traditional forms of communication. A belief in one “right” way reinforces rigid approaches, limiting innovation and diversity of thought.

Paternalism manifests in top-down decision-making, where power is concentrated in a few, assuming those in authority know best. The reliance on either/or binary thinking simplifies complex situations into false dichotomies, excluding nuance and alternative possibilities. Power hoarding involves the unwillingness to share authority, creating imbalances that hinder collaboration and inclusivity. An aversion to open conflict fosters an environment where difficult conversations are avoided, preventing resolution and deeper understanding. Individualism promotes self-reliance to the detriment of collective effort and communal success, while progress is often measured in terms of more—more profit, more productivity, more expansion—rather than meaningful or sustainable growth.

Furthermore, there is a belief in the right to profit, where financial gain is seen as the ultimate measure of success, sometimes overshadowing ethical considerations. Objectivity is often upheld as the ultimate truth, overlooking subjective experiences and emotions that shape reality. Lastly, the right to comfort allows those in privileged positions to avoid discomfort or challenge, preserving existing power structures and minimizing change. Each of these behaviors reinforces the others, creating a self-perpetuating system that prioritizes control, efficiency, and the status quo over flexibility, inclusivity, and well-being.

In the military, especially within diverse units, there are spaces that transcend traditional ideas of "whiteness" by grounding themselves in values and practices rooted in collective mission, discipline, and camaraderie, which can foster a strong sense of unity beyond cultural or racial lines. These spaces are often shaped by core values like duty, honor, integrity, and selfless service—beliefs that focus on a shared sense of responsibility to the greater good.

In these spaces, policy and practice are centered around the mission, regardless of the backgrounds of the individuals involved. The leadership model, although hierarchical, often leans into principles of accountability, teamwork, and respect for others. Implicitly, there is an understanding that every person’s role matters, and this can foster a sense of empowerment, regardless of rank or background. Physically, it feels like being part of something greater than yourself. There's a shared energy that comes from the structure, the movements of drills, or the synchronization of teamwork in the field. This collective movement creates a rhythm of unity. It feels purposeful, your body moving with confidence and a sense of contribution to a larger goal.

The sound of this space is often characterized by the cadence of commands, the steps of soldiers in formation, and sometimes even the silence of shared understanding. There’s a sense of focus and clarity, and while there are strict directives, there’s also space for dialogue and feedback, especially during moments of reflection or debriefing after exercises. Culturally, while elements of military discipline may have historical connections to dominant societal norms, the lived reality often transforms those structures into environments where multiculturalism, sacrifice, and trust build bridges across backgrounds. This focus on the collective rather than the individual, and the mission rather than personal gain, creates a unique sphere where racial or cultural divides are lessened by the weight of shared responsibility and struggle. HUMANS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN HARDWARE!