The importance of un-learning harmful behaviours (Lateral Violence Discussion)
Hi Everyone. I wanted to share some other information I think is relevant to our communities. Lateral violence and common and harmful to those who aren't aware of the reasons behind it or the psychology of those who contribute to it.
Here is some information I've found useful:
What Is Lateral Violence?
Lateral violence is aggressive behaviour that occurs among members of a group, because of accumulated and internalized stress and oppression. Helplessness and powerlessness to respond directly to psychological and systemic violence can result in redirecting this violence toward peers, colleagues, or neighbours. The impact of lateral violence flows “sideways” to other people – in other words, it spreads.
Lateral violence can occur in any setting, but it is most often discussed in the context of a closed setting, such as a workplace or small community. The network of relationships within these closed settings provide the pathways along which lateral violence travels. Over time, the tone and behaviours become normalized and institutionalized – meaning they are expected and rationalized as a rite of passage or “hazing.”
Nuances of Lateral Violence
Within marginalized or racialized communities, there are additional layers of historical and contemporary racism, discrimination, and oppression that add to the complexity of lateral violence..
The experiences of Indigenous communities have been examined through the lens of complex and intergenerational trauma. This could be from pervasive staff-perpetrated and student-to-student abuse experienced in residential schools, as well as layers of traumatic oppression in other institutions. In this way it is an ongoing destructive outcome of colonialism.
Lateral violence becomes a mechanism through which the pressures of suppressed rage, shame, and fear are released indirectly in ways and spaces where there is less threat. A person who has absorbed such experiences now enacts them through manipulating, controlling, or diminishing others.
Lets work on uplifting each other and promoting positivity ✌️, while calling our harmful behaviour. We can also look back at our actions and reflect on past experiences with this in mind in order to grow :)
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