On a recent episode of Outsider Theory podcast, host Geoffrey Shullenberger led a discussion with Alice Gribbin on the ideological transformation occurring in art museums that positions “empathy” as the sole purpose of art. The discussion resulted from a Tablet article by Gribbin in which she lays out her objections to this utilitarian idea. It reminded me of a Quillette article on the #DisruptTexts movement’s claim that the purpose of reading and writing is to identify and rectify oppression. The Outsider Theory conversation further touched on the mission creep that is occurring in public and cultural institutions, whereby they all end up with similar mission statements that center concepts like empathy, while losing their unique niches in the cultural ecosystem.
A few days after the Outsider Theory episode was released, Ryan Grim published an article in The Intercept describing the frequent meltdowns that are thwarting productivity at progressive organizations. Sarah Haider responded with a stern list of remedies for “forcibly re-centering the work.” Her list begins with:
Creating an explicitly mission-oriented culture. Making it clear that all staff and volunteers are there to support the mission of the organization—that the mission is important, and deserves their full attention and commitment. This means that while they are at work, engaging in activism that is unrelated to the mission will not be tolerated. We are not here to solve all problems--we are here to solve a specific problem. In addition, employees and volunteers must understand that they will occasionally work with people whose worldviews they don’t always agree with, and that this is to be seen as an indicator of a healthy environment (so long as all agree on the value of the mission).
Three days after Haider published her piece, Carol Horton published a post describing the inherent conflicts between “progressive liberalism” and “post-liberal progressivism.” Her piece further elucidates the clashing worldviews driving the tensions in these institutions.
Thanks for your comment. I do think psychological issues are at play, exacerbated by social media. But I think there are a slew of other factors contributing to the shift-- increasing political partisanship (fueled by the media), legitimate grievances, billionaire donors, worsening economic prospects, the education system. The Deconstructed podcast episode embedded in The Intercept article, "The Implosion of Progressive Organizing," even brings up COINTELPRO.
Another take on the disease of narcissism can be found in the writings of Yuval Levin, who discusses the decline of institutions. Instead of joining institutions and being molded by them, people expect to mold the institutions to their own desires.
I teach courses in cultural heritage and public libraries. The cultural heritage landscape--museums, local history, gardens --is in a struggle. The entire collection process is up for questioning. Big donors of the past accused of "artwashing" are increasingly rejected. They usually have no tax basis.
In librarianship we have had to add courses on maker spaces. Hardly anyone comes into librarianship thinking about maker spaces, but they are now a frequent job requirement. Colocation with social services is starting to become an option for libraries. Will there be interaction among those co-located? will we hire a social worker on staff?
Over 20 years ago I wrote a book about community engagement but was thinking rather low key--historical societies mainly. Yet I find students do not understand (coming in) local government, board politics. Students want to be empathetic but don't have the foundation to make this happen. Since PLs have a tax base they have more room than CH institutions, but boards are increasingly questioning policies. Students want to take sides but need to understand the community to bring people along. These can't just be staff decisions.
Thanks for your comment. I do think psychological issues are at play, exacerbated by social media. But I think there are a slew of other factors contributing to the shift-- increasing political partisanship (fueled by the media), legitimate grievances, billionaire donors, worsening economic prospects, the education system. The Deconstructed podcast episode embedded in The Intercept article, "The Implosion of Progressive Organizing," even brings up COINTELPRO.
Also, you might appreciate another piece by Carol Horton: https://carolhorton.substack.com/p/liberalism-and-the-leftright-horseshoe
Another take on the disease of narcissism can be found in the writings of Yuval Levin, who discusses the decline of institutions. Instead of joining institutions and being molded by them, people expect to mold the institutions to their own desires.
I teach courses in cultural heritage and public libraries. The cultural heritage landscape--museums, local history, gardens --is in a struggle. The entire collection process is up for questioning. Big donors of the past accused of "artwashing" are increasingly rejected. They usually have no tax basis.
In librarianship we have had to add courses on maker spaces. Hardly anyone comes into librarianship thinking about maker spaces, but they are now a frequent job requirement. Colocation with social services is starting to become an option for libraries. Will there be interaction among those co-located? will we hire a social worker on staff?
Over 20 years ago I wrote a book about community engagement but was thinking rather low key--historical societies mainly. Yet I find students do not understand (coming in) local government, board politics. Students want to be empathetic but don't have the foundation to make this happen. Since PLs have a tax base they have more room than CH institutions, but boards are increasingly questioning policies. Students want to take sides but need to understand the community to bring people along. These can't just be staff decisions.