Recent publications: some reflections
Back in July and August, I received copies of publications I had:
- Written: Finding the Words: Addressing language in archive collections as archivists, heritage professionals and volunteers
- And contributed towards: “Who and What Narratives are on Display?”, pages 22–40 in Doing the Work Embedding anti-racism and decolonisation into museum practice
It’s now October. And I’m only writing about this now.
Why?
If I’m being honest, I haven’t had the headspace to reflect on this process of immersing myself in different cultural contexts where problematic language exists. Through this exercise, I have become another person — in a long line of others who have laid the groundwork in anti-racist practices and decolonial theory — to emphasise how dehumanising language via Western knowledge production has been and continues to be. However, this is not the end point when it comes to active change to move away from this mode of thought.
I’ll never be able to remember all the conversations I’ve had about anti-racism. So being commissioned to contribute to this sphere has offered me space and time to organise my thoughts. While simultaneously contributing to a growing body of work which seeks to disrupt and dismantle dominant and hierarchical ways of being. As seen through written records of histories, particularly in how people and cultures across many ethnic groups, cultures and geographic locations have been previously described. I think back to my younger self, at school and then at uni, desperately trying to critique a historical process, event or author and finding this task almost impossible unless you were deemed to be an ‘expert’ or in a position of ‘authority’. Like a teacher, historian or lecturer. But I knew deep down, the study of history cannot only rely on that narrow set of voices alone. There are and have always been multiple routes towards contributing towards the study of history. And this journey, two publications later and with a third on a way, is a testament to that.
Coexisting with others
I share many affinities (in terms of values) with the contributing writers for the Doing the Work publication. The beauty of compiling our texts together reinforces the importance of truly embracing and including a range of perspectives to contribute to the current discourses on anti-racism and decolonial theory. Each contribution in my view provides additional stepping stones within the realm of changing the knowledge production process. Where gaps in knowledge foster curiosity and challenge us to continue approaching this endeavour which embraces multiple routes, entry points and experiences.
Trusting the process
Through this research process, I heard concerns colleagues were facing — some for many years. Which has implications on who, what and how people, histories and cultures are displayed and exhibited in cultural spaces. In both publications, I sought to take readers on a thought experiment. Where readers are asked to consider their starting point re anti-racism and decolonial theory, wherever that may be. Before being presented with practical entry points. I attempted to draw readers back to themselves and honestly think about what they knew/ didn’t know, what were their frustrations and fears, identified blockers and the role of personal responsibility which underpins collective action. In my view, knowing where you are is imperative before making any plans for change — because you need to know the direction you are working towards.
Flowers
I am grateful to Anjalie drawing my attention to the Doing the Work programme.
As well as the other contributing authors Sylvia Theuri, Kathleen Lawther, Khairani Barokka, Jessica Lowe-Mbirimi and Aksana Khan, who continue to inspire me.
To Anna, Renee, Amy, Hannah, Isobel and Polly for your support and care while working together on the Finding the Words publication. It was empowering to see organisations in Bath work together and being confident to test an approach addressing problematic language through action.
Have a read of these publications and let me know what you think, as these conversations are ongoing…
