This quote reminded me of some work we did in Jordan:
'“Worries about how you're seen and judged are the most important causes of chronic stress or trauma in health research.” It’s measurable. In experiments, people facing threats to their self-esteem or social status show sharp spikes in cortisol, while other tasks have little effect.'
We were looking at how behaviors, knowledge and attitudes were driving decision-making among refugees, and found that young refugees in particular prioritize their image and how they are perceived by others higher than almost anything else. Being perceived as a model citizen, both in appearance and behavior was a way to combat the shame that is associated with the label "refugee."
Where were the refugees from? Why do you think this behavior, attitude was exhibited in young refugees more than older people? Less developed sense of self? More integration into, or curiosity about, or disconnect from, new culture?
This group was from Syria. It wasn't only young people, but it was mostly young people, and mostly boys. I don't think it was a less developed sense of self, my impression was that it was mostly about a sense of dignity. The culture between Jordan and Syria is different, but also similar in many ways. However, growing up and trying to find your identity when your whole life is defined by being a refugee (and for many it's been 13 years now)-- your school experience, the jobs you can take, etc.--I think it was a way of asserting respectability.
Kate, I applaud your principled and values-based approach to going upstream to uncover and describe the systemic and structural issues that we must address to achieve greater health and wellbeing for the greatest number of people. Thank you for your grit and courage.
When I read your work, I am taken back to Margaret Mead who said, "Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed citizens to change the world, indeed it is the only thing that ever has."
This reflection made my day, Kathy. Thanks for spending time with this piece and for all that you do to raise awareness about — and change — the systemic issues undermining our wellbeing. The more we can socialize these ideas and make them part of the public discourse, the closer this small group of committed citizens gets to changing the world.
Excellent post! The old lie that we can all become the 1% if we work hard, and the hell with all the losers. Forget community, forget the common good. Forget that we are social animals who thrive by working together towards a better life for all. Or maybe, arbeit macht frei.
The silver lining of this challenging time is that more people, I believe, are waking up to power and importance of community. There is a great opportunity here. Appreciate you reading, Jean.
Kate Woodsome delivered a masterclass in journalism, capitalism critique, and the sheer madness of trying to build something honest in a world run by billionaires cosplaying as libertarians. Bezos gutting The Washington Post’s editorial integrity in the name of “free markets” is like a fox hosting a chicken coop wellness retreat. Personal liberty? Only if you define it as the freedom to be crushed by a corporate monopoly while being told it’s your fault for not hustling harder.
The best part? Kate isn’t just calling out the gaslighting. She’s connecting the dots between capitalism’s chokehold on public discourse, workplace authoritarianism, and our collective mental health. The myth of meritocracy is just that, a bedtime story for billionaires to tell themselves before buying another yacht.
Also, the irony of needing ChatGPT to help fight AI’s role in media consolidation? Chefs kiss. The whole piece reminds us that journalism is essential, independent media is hanging on by a thread, and if you’re not paying for news, you’re paying for propaganda.
This quote reminded me of some work we did in Jordan:
'“Worries about how you're seen and judged are the most important causes of chronic stress or trauma in health research.” It’s measurable. In experiments, people facing threats to their self-esteem or social status show sharp spikes in cortisol, while other tasks have little effect.'
We were looking at how behaviors, knowledge and attitudes were driving decision-making among refugees, and found that young refugees in particular prioritize their image and how they are perceived by others higher than almost anything else. Being perceived as a model citizen, both in appearance and behavior was a way to combat the shame that is associated with the label "refugee."
Where were the refugees from? Why do you think this behavior, attitude was exhibited in young refugees more than older people? Less developed sense of self? More integration into, or curiosity about, or disconnect from, new culture?
This group was from Syria. It wasn't only young people, but it was mostly young people, and mostly boys. I don't think it was a less developed sense of self, my impression was that it was mostly about a sense of dignity. The culture between Jordan and Syria is different, but also similar in many ways. However, growing up and trying to find your identity when your whole life is defined by being a refugee (and for many it's been 13 years now)-- your school experience, the jobs you can take, etc.--I think it was a way of asserting respectability.
Thank you for the clear thinking, for sharing your process, and for your hard work.
Thank you for spending time with this — and for upgrading your subscription. It's a meaningful gesture that has real impact and ripple effects.
Great read here!
Kate, I applaud your principled and values-based approach to going upstream to uncover and describe the systemic and structural issues that we must address to achieve greater health and wellbeing for the greatest number of people. Thank you for your grit and courage.
When I read your work, I am taken back to Margaret Mead who said, "Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed citizens to change the world, indeed it is the only thing that ever has."
Thank you.
This reflection made my day, Kathy. Thanks for spending time with this piece and for all that you do to raise awareness about — and change — the systemic issues undermining our wellbeing. The more we can socialize these ideas and make them part of the public discourse, the closer this small group of committed citizens gets to changing the world.
Excellent post! The old lie that we can all become the 1% if we work hard, and the hell with all the losers. Forget community, forget the common good. Forget that we are social animals who thrive by working together towards a better life for all. Or maybe, arbeit macht frei.
The silver lining of this challenging time is that more people, I believe, are waking up to power and importance of community. There is a great opportunity here. Appreciate you reading, Jean.
Kate Woodsome delivered a masterclass in journalism, capitalism critique, and the sheer madness of trying to build something honest in a world run by billionaires cosplaying as libertarians. Bezos gutting The Washington Post’s editorial integrity in the name of “free markets” is like a fox hosting a chicken coop wellness retreat. Personal liberty? Only if you define it as the freedom to be crushed by a corporate monopoly while being told it’s your fault for not hustling harder.
The best part? Kate isn’t just calling out the gaslighting. She’s connecting the dots between capitalism’s chokehold on public discourse, workplace authoritarianism, and our collective mental health. The myth of meritocracy is just that, a bedtime story for billionaires to tell themselves before buying another yacht.
Also, the irony of needing ChatGPT to help fight AI’s role in media consolidation? Chefs kiss. The whole piece reminds us that journalism is essential, independent media is hanging on by a thread, and if you’re not paying for news, you’re paying for propaganda.