Sara Ahmed - Complaint as Diversity Work

The 12th Annual Korenman Lecture in Gender & Women's Studies seeks to highlight contemporary scholarship on gender and sexuality.

Dr. Carole McCann introduces Sara Ahmed, known for her work on racialization, hetero-normativity, gender assignment, affect theory, and feminist pedagogy.

Sara Ahmed's work covers various themes including affect theory, cultural studies, critical race studies, queer theory, feminist theory, and her feministkilljoys blog.

Sara Ahmed discusses the challenges and complexities of making complaints within institutions, focusing on the impact of complaints on individuals and organizations.

Stories shared by individuals who made complaints within institutions, highlighting the barriers, repercussions, and systemic issues faced during the complaint process.

The emotional, psychological, and professional toll of making complaints, including the effects on personal well-being, career trajectories, and interactions within the institution.

The institutional dynamics, mechanisms, and responses to complaints, including how complaints are handled, processed, and sometimes ignored or suppressed by organizations.

The difficulties and obstacles encountered by individuals when addressing complaints related to harassment, discrimination, and power dynamics within academic and professional settings.

The influence of complaints on institutional practices, power structures, and relationships, highlighting how complaints can reveal and challenge systemic issues within organizations.

The complexities and hindrances in addressing complaints effectively, including the role of power dynamics, institutional norms, and resistance to change within organizations.

A critical reflection on the intersection of complaints, institutional responses, power dynamics, and individual experiences, emphasizing the need for systemic change and accountability within organizations.

Discussion about the effects of white supremacy on a lecturer's career progression and the underlying messages of harassment and discrimination.

Examination of racial harassment as a form of communication sending messages about belonging and permission to enter certain spaces.

Exploration of racial harassment leading to damage in relationships and the perception of friendliness masking harmful intentions.

Discussion on how whiteness is perceived as sympathetic and friendly, causing discomfort and leading to relational strain.

Impact of sustained bullying and harassment from white faculty on an individual's career and mental well-being.

Consequences of harassment leading to trauma and the inheritance of historical legacies impacting individuals' ability to engage with institutions.

Adoption of survival strategies such as closing doors and masking to protect oneself from ongoing discrimination and harassment.

Utilizing leaks and complaints as tools for diversity work and resistance against systemic biases and institutional limitations.