Call In vs Call Out, does it actually make a difference what you call it when you’re using it as a weapon? This is by no means a new conversation, BUT in the last few weeks I’ve noticed as we slip farther and farther away from more restorative and reparative approaches to naming conflict and conflict resolution.
Don’t get me wrong, sometimes all we can do is name that there is a problem, alert someone to that reality and move on. Other times, it can be an invitation for deeper conversation and connection. The distinction depends on the context and the players involved.
As I said, this is not a new conversation, and so this isn’t the first time that I’ve talked about it. In 2020, I did a short live in a small fb group to cover the distinctions and I think it’s time to resurface it.
While there is no one right way to approach calling people in/out, there is a liberator approach that honors humanity and an agro approach rooted in our oppressive systems and power hierarchies. Our goal should always be to lean into liberation and as such, there are some things to keep in mind. Listen on:
Bonus fun: Trudi and I have an episode of That’s Not How That Works from 12/2018 speaking to the toxicity of Call Out culture in its coopted form! Episode 32: Call Out Culture & The Woke Olympics. Listen Here On Apple Podcast or anywhere podcasts are streamed
Questions To Ponder:
How have y’all seen Call In/Out culture evolve or devolve over time?
How has your liberation journey changed how you participate in Call In/Out culture?
P.S. - Please consider upgrading to the paid subscription to support my work & labor. 🙏🏽💜