Welcome back to Tough Mind, Tender Heart. Welcome to those who have remained with us and to those who are just joining in on this newsletter and wanting to grow antiracist principles/ethics. Please feel free to email content ideas/topics that you are curious about. We would love to engage in different ways.
It happened again. A so-called, well-meaning ally of POC stepped in it. Rather than apologize and seek to repair the harm that they did, this person proceeded to double down, shift blame, and hide behind their reputation of being a “good activist.” I wish I could say that this is abnormal and that I don’t encounter this situation often, but…that would be a lie. In this particular issue, I want to highlight the issue of accountability. I want us to think through what it has meant, what it means to us now, and what the damage of progressive thoughts without progressive accountability can be. A simple definition would be: “the obligation or willingness to accept responsibility for one’s actions.” (Dictionary)
“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.” Rosa Parks
I try to believe the best in people. I really do. I believe that so many people wake up each day wanting to do the best job they can at work, with their families, and in society. With that said, accountability has become an ambiguous word. In some Christian circles, accountability has been weaponized against people to keep them submissive. (I am aware that this happens in other spiritual circles as well.) I do believe strongly in having an ethic of accountability. It doesn’t have to look like accountability to a certain organization or hierarchical structure. What it CAN be is being tied to an ethic of care and being that allows for transparency, love, and liberation. Without accountability practices, people are left to their own devices to decide how their action and words impact the world.
Robert Monson
co-director
Robert (he/him) is a runner, musician, and a Black theologian committed to softness, contemplation, and liberation for all. As a recent seminary graduate (with distinction) and a current PhD student, Robert studied in-depth the intersection of Black Liberation Theology and womanist theology. Weaving together these two strands of liberation have been important work as well as other liberation based theologies. “How can we help facilitate community and provide answers to a hurting world that is reeling?” remains an important question in his work. While in school, Robert’s scholarly work was recognized and presented at various national conferences/outlets. Podcasting (two shows) and writing remain important aspects of his daily life as well as marathoning the latest Star Trek show(s).