Unconscious Elitism

The anthropological concept of ethnocentrism is very real. And it was one of the first things I learned as an anthropology student. Ethnocentrism is the fundamental belief that your culture is superior in every way. This theory (as Eurocentrism) is the underlying reason for colonialism (white cultures taking over darker-skinned cultures). As a side note - it is the basis for nationalism, too. 

Ethnocentrism also extends to the notion that each of us personally believes we know what is best - it is in our human nature to think that our ideas and ways of doing things - are, in essence, better than anyone else.  

Deep down inside each of us, there is that whisper of superiority. You can see where this piece of our essential humanness can get us in trouble - right? 

• Elitism gets wrapped up in our able-ness to the point that we want everyone to fit into our world, and we go so far as to provide programs and services to force disabled folks to do just that - instead of adjusting the world to fit their reality. 

 

• It is also embedded in the statement, "if only they worked harder, they wouldn't be so poor." Without fully understanding that the system is rigged against the majority, and we are all in the same metaphorical boat - the opportunity for connection and community growth is lost. 

 

• Privilege is found in the current trend of purchasing electric cars and unpackaged, unprocessed, and organic food (adopting a vegan diet), etc., and then insisting (without recognizing the economics and realities of poverty) that the only way to save the world from climate change is if we all do the same. (This example is where you would use the term - tone-deaf - in case you were wondering.)

 

• Elitism even extends to our educational system, which automatically excludes the kids who don't quite fit into the unimaginative box we call school. The kids who are not developmentally ready to read, the young people who don't come from the "right" families, the children, who by their very nature, are different in every way, including the ones who have some form of disability, are all made to feel "less than" in every interaction, every day. And is the main reason I have kids join us who immediately need an extended period to de-stress and ground themselves (de-school) before they can begin to explore all the possibilities. 

These unconscious levels of snobbery hold us all back - because as a "propagandized" society, we automatically see the other - someone who is so very different from us that we can easily find reasons to disengage and hate. Which ultimately inhibits our ability to make real change for everyone - to create the inclusive world we all desire.

Weekly Creative Meditation

DRC News

The DRC-East fundraisers continues to be the top news. DRC-East currently rents, by the day, an old church in North Lawrence that is also for sale. We greatly appreciate that we have been warmly welcomed to use this historic old building. However, we want to purchase it to make it our own.  Owning it would allow us to use the space more effectively and use our creative talents to personalize it. The student members also envision making it into a community cultural and creative resource center. It will be a place to invite local people to participate in artistic and educational events.  Their first idea is to hold a monthly brown bag lunch film series. The resource center could also host guest speakers, live music events, and art shows.

We are currently seeking vendors for our "Party in the Park." Please complete the Google Form to secure your space.

The Thirty-one online fundraiser goes through the 18th. Next up is Tastefully Simple. Join the DRC-East FB Fundraising page to get the latest scoop.