Colorado’s Desensitization to Racism: Dr. Medlock's Alarming Journey
In a world that purports to value equity, inclusivity, and progress, the unsettling reality of racial harm and disparate treatment endures. Dr. Morgan Medlock's tenure as BHA Commissioner serves as a poignant reminder of the insidious nature of racism, especially when coupled with gender dynamics. The unwarranted challenges she faced reveal a deeper issue—the desensitization of media, government employees/colleagues, and behavioral health stakeholders to acts of racism. In a landscape that should be marked by accountability, empathy, and respect, the absence of action speaks volumes.
A Burden of Proof Amplified by Intersectionality
Dr. Medlock's journey underscores a disturbing truth—the burden of proof for racial harm is often compounded by intersecting identities. As a Black-identifying woman, the expectation for her to meticulously document instances of harm is unfairly heightened. This dual intersectionality places an additional strain on her, demanding exhaustive evidence that her experiences were indeed harmful. This creates an unequal playing field where her claims must overcome an unjustly elevated standard of scrutiny.
The Alarmingly Low Threshold for Action
Even a solitary instance of racial harm should be a call to action, a wake-up call for change. The fact that such incidents were not only brushed aside but also went uninvestigated is a troubling indication of a system desensitized to racism. Instances like someone using racial slurs or comparing the organization she leads to a gorilla should have triggered outrage and immediate intervention. Instead, they were met with silence, perpetuating a culture of indifference.
Media: A Reflection of Society's Desensitization
Media's role in shaping public opinion is undeniable. However, when racial harm goes unreported or is diluted in its portrayal, it reflects a broader societal desensitization. The media's failure to spotlight the racial dimensions of Dr. Medlock's story underscores a lack of awareness or willingness to confront the systemic racism that underpins such incidents.
Government Employees and Behavioral Health Stakeholders: Silent Enablers
The silence of government employees, colleagues, and behavioral health stakeholders is equally telling. Their collective failure to challenge or address racial harm perpetuates a culture of complicity. Dr. Medlock's experiences expose a profound lack of empathy and solidarity, revealing a systemic issue where even those within positions of power are desensitized to racial injustices.
The Heartbreaking Reality: Devastation as Catalyst for Action
Perhaps the most heartbreaking aspect is the realization that racial harm must lead to personal devastation before people are spurred to act. The fact that Dr. Medlock's career was shattered and many individuals still choose not to speak out is a painful reminder of a deeply flawed system. Equity and respect should be the bedrocks of leadership, but they appear to be conditional in a world that often requires pain as a prerequisite for empathy.
A Call to Break the Cycle
Dr. Morgan Medlock's story is a call to break this cycle of desensitization. It highlights the urgent need for a societal shift—a shift that demands accountability, empathy, and proactive allyship. Recognizing racial harm should not require devastation as its catalyst. It should be met with immediate action, solidarity, and a genuine commitment to dismantling the structures that perpetuate such harm.
Dr. Medlock's experiences illuminate a path forward—an ongoing journey of change that necessitates a collective commitment to challenging the desensitization to racism. By refusing to accept silence, by actively listening, and by standing up against racism even when it is subtle, we can create a world where empathy and respect are not reserved for moments of tragedy but are integral to every interaction. Dr. Medlock's story is a reminder that our actions have the power to reshape narratives and to foster a society where equity, kindness, and justice are not just ideals, but steadfast realities.
What is your threshold to act? Reflection Questions
Personal Awareness: As you read about Dr. Medlock's experiences, take a moment to reflect on any instances where you might have witnessed racial harm or disparity in your own sphere. How did you respond, and what might you have done differently in hindsight?
Intersectionality: The intersection of race and gender compounds the challenges faced by individuals like Dr. Medlock. How can we better understand the unique struggles that people with intersecting identities face, and how might this knowledge inform our actions and support?
Accountability: Reflect on your role as a member of society, whether as part of a workplace, a community, or a larger institution. Are there situations where you've witnessed or heard about racial harm? How have you held yourself and others accountable in such situations?
Media Influence: Consider the role of media in shaping public perceptions. How can media outlets ensure a fair and comprehensive portrayal of instances involving racism? What steps can you take to critically engage with media content and encourage balanced reporting?
Empathy and Action: Reflect on instances where you've been aware of racial harm but chose not to act or speak up. What barriers prevented you from taking action, and how can you overcome those barriers in the future to be a more active ally?
Breaking Silence: The silence of individuals in positions of power often perpetuates a culture of complicity. Reflect on the importance of using your voice to challenge racial harm, even in uncomfortable situations. How can you navigate conversations around racism and create a safe space for open dialogue?
Raising the Bar: Dr. Medlock's story reveals a cycle where racial harm must lead to personal devastation for people to take action. Reflect on how you can be proactive in promoting equity and kindness without waiting for a crisis. What small steps can you take daily to foster a more inclusive environment?
Long-Term Change: What long-term changes do you believe are necessary to shift the societal norms that perpetuate the desensitization to racism? How can we collectively work towards a society that acknowledges, confronts, and eradicates racism at its core?
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Have you been confronted about your racist, harmful, and oppressive behaviors? JFM encourages you to explore the concept of "processing right to comfort" to better understand its significance. In our efforts to dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusivity, uncomfortable conversations and confrontations are bound to occur. It's essential to remember that JFM’s intention is not to be adversarial but to promote growth and awareness. If you find JFM’s words hitting close to home, take the opportunity to introspect and understand the reasons behind your reactions.
Sign the Petition to Reinstate Dr. Medlock: Demand justice for Dr. Medlock signed the petition for Governor Polis to bring her back as the Commissioner of the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).
Tell a story: If you have benefited from Dr. Medlock and her leadership, show up and uplift a true people-first leader dedicated to community and transformational reform.
Sign the Petition to Reinstate Dr. Medlock
On Monday, April 17, 2023, Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) Commissioner, Morgan Medlock, MD, MDiv, MPH, a Black community leader, was unjustly removed from her Colorado cabinet position without cause. Her removal risks the lives of millions of people in Colorado who deserve accessible, trauma-informed, and culturally-responsive behavioral health care. It also perpetuates the message that strong, qualified Women of Color are vulnerable to the whims of political systems and cabinet leadership.
Demand justice for Dr. Medlock by signing the petition for Governor Polis to bring her back as the Commissioner of the Colorado Behavioral Health Administration (BHA).