Flimsily held beliefs about privilege

[Gavster]

Several years ago, I privately reached out to invite a promising young writer to join a prestigious industry organisation. He thought the idea was completely abhorrent. He thought it was an awful, privileged institution which he had researched and pitched a takedown piece about. He wanted nothing to do with it.

Anyway, on Tuesday of this week he won two awards at their annual awards ceremony at the Royal Institute and was drinking champagne when I walked over to say hello to him.

For some reason, he didn't seem particularly happy to see me

[Rich B]

Should have ended the story with "needless to say, I had the last laugh..."

[dinny_g]

Integrity really is in short supply these days…

[Gavster]

Although it probably sounds like I'm gloating, I'd actually be really happy if he got involved with the organisation. The reason being is that when he told me he wanted nothing to do with it for slightly archaic structural reasons, I pointed out that the best way to invoke change is from the inside and that he'd be a really powerful member from that perspective. If he holds onto his ideals AND works with the organisation then it's a way more powerful solution than just being a critic on the doorstep. It's like corporate activism and divestment, which is quite an effective way to invoke change within institutions, by being on the inside.

[ZedLeg]

Integrity really is in short supply these days…

It's hard to have integrity when it might cost you something

[dinny_g]

[Gavster]

To be fair, by having flimsy beliefs he got to meet Delia and Jamie