The Science
The science of psychodynamics is well established and has a big impact on interpersonal relationships from micro (families) to macro levels (institutions, society, countries). Included within this is ‘othering’- projecting unwanted parts of ourselves onto others and then disliking those parts. This is how prejudices are established. Add power to the equation and we have oppression or “isms”; on a macro level this can mean: wars, genocide, unequal pandemic impacts, vaccine apartheid, etc. The science of personal and global trauma can be seen in changes in stress hormone levels, reduction in life quality and expectancy, and intergenerational trauma both through epigenetics and continued exposure to hostile environments (even vicariously). This video was prepared as a final piece for an NHS (UK National Health Service) leadership programme for senior ‘BAME’ (black, Asian and minority ethnic) leaders. The aim was to find creative ways to bring Equality, Diversity and Inclusion into the NHS. The video is a testament to how we, as BAME leaders, felt ready or not for the biggest leadership challenge of our times. What does readiness mean? Photographs included in this video are from Ms. Sanhita Chaturvedi.
The Artist
Dr Tulika Jha is a Consultant Psychiatrist who has worked in the NHS for 25 years. She has been a clinical leader of quality and safety and the chair of the women’s network and member of the BAME network in both her organisation and other national forums. She is taking a career break to recover from burnout resulting from intersectional oppressive structures, extractive labour and capitalist productivity. She believes that ‘rest’ is not only our prerogative but also a radical tool of resistance.
Copyright statement. This work is published under the CC BY-NC-SA license