The last newsletter focused on the first couple of practices worth trying to embody in order engage and dismantle colonial mental models. I want to look at the next two originally mentioned: Letting go of colonial power structures and encouraging internal rather than external solutions.
Letting Go Of Colonial Power Structures
Perhaps a better way to phrase this would be to say that basically anytime deference can be given to a local voice it should be given to a local voice. Giving deference is a step further than just elevating (as mentioned previously) as it intentionally seeks to engage the underlying power differential often seen in colonial setups. Practically speaking, elevating makes minimal difference if the external force continues to hold the reigns of power. I’m going to try to explain this in a little more detail now.
I think at its core it is being willing to divorce everything that encompasses the context I come from, from the work and context I’m entering into. Divorce is a serious word but its also important in this particular context. We all have a cultural context we come from. We all have different experiences. We all have systems, structures and power that we are accustomed to. And these things become colonial when we choose to enter into new cultural context holding on tightly to these outside influences. So- we have to choose to separate from them intentionally. The word divorce then makes explicit this separation of contexts.
Another way to say this is that I have to be intentional in recognizing that my place is external and focused on serving (rather than acquiring my own power). Practically speaking, this is the marriage of John 1 and Philippians 2. These two passages of scripture have been deeply impactful in my life and I think when placed side by side they illustrate this dynamic that is so important. John 1:14 specifically talks about the Word (Jesus!) becoming flesh and moving into our neighborhood (to use Eugene Peterson’s phrasing); Philippians 2 then fleshes this out by describing what such a move meant practically. As we read in Philippians 2, Jesus didn’t see his equality with God as something to exploit but instead empties himself of all of that, takes on a local form and humbles Himself even to the point of death. Jesus could have easily snapped His fingers and ruled as the disciples kind of expected to happen but He didn’t. When the devil tempts Him with this very thing, He declines.
Now the power I carry coming from the vestiges of colonialism isn’t anything like the power of Jesus stepping out of heaven onto earth but their are real implications and learnings to take away as I meditate on the very real power differential so often around me. So let me get a little practical now:
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I have to develop a deep self-awareness of who I am as {an American, a white male, an expatriate, a member of the middle class, etc, etc}. I need to understand how all of these things have shaped me. I need to be aware of the mental models that these varying identities that form my context create. And I need to be aware of power differentials that they create in contexts I enter.
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I need to be ready to empty myself of it all (specifically the mental models is what I mean here and then what emerges from them) when engaging indigenous voices. To give a practical example: A mental model is an understanding of the way something works so (as example) an American will typically filter topics through a mental model of personal responsibility. In many cultures and contexts though, the dominant mental model might be something like communal responsibility instead. As an American I need to be able to recognize that, value that, and let my mental model go in that given context. This is a rather simple example. The deeper we examine what we hold onto subconsciously, the more difficult but impactful this becomes.
Letting go of my externally earned, inherited, understood power to give deference to indigenous power. We have to be willing to take this seriously.
Encouraging Internal Rather Than External Solutions
The final way I will propose that catalysts make decolonizing mission practical is to encourage internal rather than external solutions. Local communities and their leaders are much more equipped to solve the problems around them then colonial structures give them credit far. The problem is that colonial power structures assumes its solutions are best and necessary and that local solutions are sub par and not worth it.
We have to be willing to partner with local communities and serve and resource local solutions. It’s necessary for the work. There is a whole school of development around this that I’ve seen work well. It’s often termed ABC development (Asset Based Community Development) and is focused on building an understanding of internal needs, internal resources and internal solutions and it is a great way to start as problems are addressed.
Coaching, too, rather than “leading” is vital here. If I enter as a coach who listens, asks questions and lets indigenous leaders discover solutions themselves the impact will be much greater and lasting than if I step in as a leader who dictates a particular path (but again, you just have to be willing to let go of power though to do this well).