“The Magick of Gallaudet”
To a Witch like myself, a big part of my spirituality is the practice of magick. True magick is the art of creating change. And change is something that makes a lot of people mighty uncomfortable. Change is challenging, which is perhaps why so many people shy away from it; it’s demanding, which is perhaps why so many react negatively to it - not wanting to meet the challenge, they instead criticize it.
Marion Weinstein, herself a respected leader and author in the Pagan Community, states that
The work of magick involves transformation, and the first transformation is the shift of perception.
The shift of perception. As I read the countless blogs which circulated about (and continue to circulate) in regards to the Gallaudet Protest, the one thing that became pretty clear is that the transformation was indeed happening; that people’s perceptions of Gallaudet University - of what it is, and what it could be, and what it should be, and what it has become was clearly undergoing that shifting. The change is happening, whether we like it or not. The best thing we can do is accept it, and prepare for it.
But change to what? To a fuller range of possibilities, to a broader spectrum of spirit. Not change to something else, but to something more. First we learn to know ourselves, then we expand…stretching our hearts and minds and souls, and exploring and developing new territories within ourselves, and within our community.
Yes, I can sense it now…people rolling their eyes and thinking
“What kind of horse manure is this woman trying to preach at us? This all sounds like New Age hooey-dooey to me! I’m not falling for that Witchy Voodoo crap!”
And of course, eyes open up wide, jaws drop, and folks ask me…
“You mean to say that MAGIC took place at Gallaudet?”
Well, certainly! And it still is! In fact, it’s going to take even more magick to help get us through the coming days. The change is only beginning. There’s a lot more work to be done.
Magick can happen anywhere, and often in the most unexpected of places. That it would be happening at Gallaudet should hardly come as a surprise, considering the sacredness of the campus in the hearts and minds of the people who now fight to preserve that very sense of sanctity.
In her article “Toward an Activist Spirituality” which Starhawk published three years ago, she writes of the use of magick:
Much of our magick and our community work is about creating spaces of refuge from a harsh and often hostile world; safe places where people can heal and regenerate, renew our energies and learn new skills. In that work, we try to release guilt, rage, and frustration, and generally turn them into positive emotions.
Hmmmm. Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t this what the Deaf Community has been working for all along?
Isn’t this at the heart and soul of what Gallaudet means to us – the creation of that space of refuge, a safe place where people feel free to be who and what they are; to share what they think and express what they feel…to regenerate, to renew, to release?
And wouldn’t it be perfectly normal for a community that has raised so much energy and focused that energy towards the creation and sustenance of such sacred space to react with vehemence at any action which threatens it?
This doesn’t mean we have to constantly remain in that state of anger and frustration. What it does mean is that we need to use our magickal tools – our identity, our pride, our heritage, our unity – to face those sometimes overwhelming realities that confront us, acknowledge those thoughts and feelings, and transform them into positive change.
Magick is about power – about calling forth power and utilizing it for positive change. But if we are going to raise that power and channel it as energy for achieving our goals, then we need to understand what it is… and what it is not.
Power, to those of us who work magick, should never be power over another. Rather, it is the power that comes from within.
Power-Over is basically a power of oppression, a power of domination, a power of annihilation.
Power-From-Within, which is the power that I speak of, has nothing to do with oppression, nothing to do with domination, nothing to do with annihilation. It is a power that takes its definition from the root meaning of the word – podere, from the Latin “to be able.”
Power-From-Within develops from the ability to control ourselves, to face our own fears and limitations, to keep commitments, and to be honest. To be able to channel this power requires personal integrity, courage, and wholeness. It cannot be assumed, inherited, appointed, or taken for granted…and it does not confer the right to control another.
As I read all those blogs, it strikes me that what the Gallaudet Protest was really all about (as are most protests) is power…and the perception of power. Undoubtedly each side will accuse the other of that Power-Over, and in fact already has.
I’m not going to debate who’s right or wrong in this regard, because frankly that’s besides the point at this time. The Protest is over, the Board has made its decision, and it’s now time to move on. Casting fingers at each other regarding such seems rather moot.
The fact is we all have within us the potential for both types of power – the potential to do good and to do bad, to build and to destroy, to empower and to oppress, to love and to hate. If we are going to accuse others of such behaviors, we better be ready and willing to take a good hard look at ourselves.
What Power-From-Within dictates is that we must act responsibly…that we must utilize that power properly, and ethically. Yes, that merger of the spiritual and the political often does mean that we must act to challenge systems – particularly those which perpetuate that hate and oppression. We must act to recognize those who have too little social power, and those who have too much.
As Starhawk explains, trying to equalize that power means changing that system. And systems don’t change easily:
Systems try to maintain themselves, and seek equilibrium. To change a system, you need to shake it up, disrupt the equilibrium. That often requires conflict.
Conflict in and of itself isn’t necessarily a bad thing; oftentimes it is an essential part of change and transformation.
But conflict isn’t violence. Control isn’t coercion, maneuvering isn’t manipulation. If we are going to practice the concept of Power-From-Within, we cannot act on Power-Over principles.
Violence can be defined as the act of using Power-Over.
Now, before anyone starts screaming at me and sending angry emails, I want to clarify that I am not accusing anyone of utilizing violence during the Gallaudet Protest…although if we use the definition of violence as explained above, we can certainly find examples of such perpetuated by both sides of the protest.
What I am saying is that if we are to truly move forward from this crisis, if we are to truly heal ourselves from all that has happened over the past few weeks, if we are to truly learn anything from this protest…
We need to take a good hard look at these two concepts of power, how they were applied – by both sides – during the protest, and how we can get beyond these power struggles to a deeper understanding of the issues, and a greater appreciation of and respect for one another.
Virginia Beach (the person, not the place!) is known as Reverend Ocean a Wiccan High Priestess and ordained Pagan Clergy. She has spent most of her adult life showing identification to name skeptics, and confusing travel agents while attempting to purchase airline tickets. Although Virginia has lived in the East on a few occasions (including five years as a Gallaudet student), she was born and raised in the Midwest, and currently makes her home there. A lover of all things Celtic, Virginia is saving her pennies with hopes of a trip to Ireland in the near future. When she’s not reading up about the Druids, Virginia can be found browsing in antique shops or buying yet another piece of handmade pottery to add to her already vast collection.
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Your power-over might be a tool of preventing others from developing power-from-within. In this terminology, the protest was a step forward developing power-from-within in protestors. But we had to shake off the power-over of Gally admin first.
Well said, testing.
This is certainly one way to look at it, and for the most part, I agree with you.
Power-Over certainly is used as a tool to try and prevent, or at least stifle that Power-From-Within. While it may work for a time, in the long run it usually doesn’t succeed.
I agree, the protest was a step forward for all of us to develop that Power-From-Within. The question still remains to see how many of us recognize that power, and do in fact utilize it - in that responsible and ethical manner - to propel us forward.
No question that we saw some clear examples of Power-Over from the Gallaudet Administration…that was to be expected. Systems often do resort to that Power-Over in their attempt to maintain themselves.
However, we need to remember that Power-Over - as hurtful as it certainly can be and was during this protest - is not an evil thing…at least not in the sense of being the opposite of good.
Instead, we must see that Power-Over as part of the system that we are now attempting to change…a system born of chance that spread because at some point it did in fact serve a certain purpose. But now that system, and thus that Power-Over, has outlived its usefulness.
Thus comes the time for change.
I do hope that the protesters will reach down inside themselves to discover the Power-From-Within to create and implement that change.
I’d say the sudden mushroom in number of blogs was certainly a sign of that power-from-within developing or manifesting. Doesn’t matter what the blogs said; it’s clear people were taking the opportunity to contribute their own energy to a political (and spiritual) event on Kendall Green.
I like the quote from Starhawk about needing to release negative emotions like anger (and wake up dormant ones?) in a way that it makes it possible to move toward positive change. The former has been underway for quite some time. So has the latter, but I look forward to seeing more and more evidence of that happening.
[…] Virginia Beach, in her guestblog trilogy (of which parts one and two have already been posted), talks about how the spiritual experience of this protest has the potential to acheive real positive change in a political arena. […]
Based on information I gathered from Chris Kaftan:
The Clerc Center (MSSD/KDES) has their own dean. The dean reports to the Gallaudet University Provost and the Provost reports to the President. Provost is not responsible for the daily operations of the Clerc Center. Clerc Center is under the umbrella of operations of the POGU (President of Gallaudet University).
Does Gallaudet University (college) have the power-over the Clerc Center (K-12)? Does the organizational chart need a change?
In my humble opinion and keep in mind I am not an expert especially in an educational setting:
1.) BoT to appoint an interim president
2.) Bot to approve the new changes to the organizational chart
3.) Then start the presidential search (maybe also for a few more new positions such as deans)
I know we are ready for the long haul.
Interesting comments, WAD!
Will we see the day when Clerc Center will in fact seek to balance that power, and decide it wishes to “break free” from that Gallaudet umbrella and become its own separate educational institution, totally independent of the university?
To be honest, I always thought it WAS a separate entity which merely shared campus space with the university. I never realized that it was in fact under the auspices of the Gallaudet Administration.
I don’t know that I would want to go so far as to point this out as an example of that Power-Over…but it certainly is something to think about.
forgive me, this is a little too far out there for me. but hey… you have the freedom of religion. *thumbs up* go you!
With all due respect, Punky…
This article isn’t about religion. It’s about change, and how we all have the power to implement change…if we learn to identify that power properly and use it ethically and responsibly.
Yes…I refer to it as magick, and magick is commonly utilized by those who practice a Pagan spiritual path.
But magick doesn’t have to be utilized only under a religious context, or only by those who practice the Wicca religion.
That’s the whole point - regardless of what you choose to call it, now is the time for us to begin focusing our power into the process of healing and implementing the necessary changes that will promote that healing.
Thanks for your support.
hey… we all have our own understandings for why the sun comes up and the sun goes down.
The future holds all the answers, we can only wait to discover them. so Gallaudet healing is something to be seen….
you want healing? you’ll find it in education and proper encouragement.
You have my complete support to hail the 4 corners of the earth and use it as a reinforcement to “the process of healing,” quite frankly, I have no objections to that, it’s just that I dont’ understand and what I don’t understand I become wary of.
Therefore, at this point of MY understanding, we need to educate our children better… and show them the realities of the world. The world can be awful and it can be wonderful, we need to teach them the difference. It can’t be covered with sesame street and Pokemon or by an au pair. =) Happy healing *clap clap*
“I don’t understand and what I don’t understand I become wary of.”
THAT is a very revealing statement.
Just saying.
I was about to say something similar.
I was puzzled by your comment because Virginia’s blog is about the source and effects of power (authoritarian versus self-determination), and how understanding that can help us understand how we are to effect change at Gallaudet (and elsewhere).
Sure, maybe she happens to quote from sources that are, maybe, foreign to you. I’m guessing she does that because those sources help her understand what she’s trying to convey, and by quoting them she’ll pass on the message.
Similar sentiments to those found in Virginia’s pagan-colored blog can also be found in socialist theories, Marxist treatments, postmodern commentaries, academic discourse on identity group marginalization, and, yes, even Christian ideology structures.
But if Virginia’s illumination of our roles and perception of change is too far out there for you only because you slap a label of “Freedom of Religion” over the whole blog, well, then, I’m at a loss for words.
I notice RIT offers two “power” systems I like very much. Edited for brevity and retrieved from RIT’s website.
RIT has an Ombuds Office. It is a confidential, neutral, informal and independent resource.
1.) To help members of the RIT community on any matters.
2.) To identify recurring issues & communicate to appropriate person who can resolve it.
RIT’s Honor Code was approved by the academic senate a few weeks ago and it’s a statement of principle rather than a policy.
1.) Demonstrate civility, respect, decency and sensitivity towards members of RIT community.
2.) Conduct with the highest standard of moral and ethnical behavior.
3.) Affirm through the daily demonstration of these ideals that RIT’s a university devoted to the pursuit of knowledge and a free exchange of ideas in an opened and respectful climate.
Gallaudet has similar structures in place. I’m not sure if the Ombusdman you mention at RIT is the equivalent of the Student Advocate at Gallaudet because the SA is intended to be available for students. I believe staff and faculty have other means. But the SA is also confidential and meant to help students navigate through issues.
Gallaudet has a credo that applies to the university as a whole. Interim Provost Michael Moore was a key player in bringing that credo about. The text of the credo is here: http://www.gallaudet.edu/x240.xml, and it, when boiled down to its essence, bears a resemblance to the RIT honor code you mention.
Does Gallaudet HAVE an office of the ombudsman? I was under the impression that most colleges and universities have an ombudsman in place.
According to Aunt Sophie in On the Green, December 6, 2002, no. Since then, I don’t know.
A quick search of the Gallaudet website turns up a plan from the Diversity and Community Relations Committee to propose such an office. I don’t see a date on it, but the membership of the committee has at least one name that hasn’t been at Gallaudet for a while, so I’m guessing it’s outdated as well.
Okay, is the credo (or statement of principle) supposed to spread the “power” to the members of Gallaudet University community? I think the “power” is not well received by the community. If the credo is fully adopted and well accepted, then the protest probably would be minimized.
Move on to the next topic — suppose the Ombudsperson was there and able to assist the community by finding the right person to resolve the recurring issues such as DPS’s ability to communicate, then the protest probably would be minimized. I think Ombudsperson is linked to the “power-from-within”.
Please feel free to correct me if you think I misunderstand “power” and “power-from-within”. Thanks!
Hmmmm….
Yes and No, WAD.
I think an Ombudsperson could serve in a guiding way to help people utilize that “Power-From-Within” to help people learn to communicate the issues, to be honest with themselves and each other, to keep their commitments, etc. etc. So from the standpoint of “assisting the community” then yes, I would definitely agree with you.
But we must also remember that “Power-From-Within” cannot be appointed or conferred upon an individual. If the community looks to that Omsbudperson to basically resolve the problems for them, then they are simply giving that individual the right to “Power-Over”…perhaps not necessarily in a violent or negative way, but the people are refusing to take responsibility themselves for utilizing the power to resolve their own issues.
That’s the other thing we have to remember about these two different types of power - “Power-From-Within” assumes that everyone will work together - that “unity” that we keep hearing so much about - to identify the issues and work towards a resolution.
“Power-From-Within” is about equalizing that system and maintaining a level of balance where everyone’s opinion counts, and everyone’s voice is heard, and everyone takes responsibility for being part of the solution.
If we hand the mess over to one person and say “Okay…you fix the problem” or at the very least “you figure out what the problem is and then come back and tell us how to fix it” then we are basically giving up our own power.
*subscribing i keep forgeting to click the box*
Okay, gang…
Because I realize that this blog is rather lengthy and somewhat complex, and perhaps a little hard to grasp, I thought I would break it down into a few questions which could perhaps be used to apply some of basic concepts of my writing to discussing the Gallaudet situation. I have posted them as individual comments below. Feel free to answer any or all….
DISCUSSION QUESTION #1
(Quoted from the blog):
“The work of magick involves transformation, and the first transformation is the shift of perception.”
The shift of perception. As I read the countless blogs…the one thing that became pretty clear is that the transformation was indeed happening; that people’s perceptions of Gallaudet University - of what it is, and what it could be, and what it should be, and what it has become was clearly undergoing that shifting.
SOOO..is that shift of perception happening? Is it a shift for the better, or for the worst? How can we utilize that shift of perception as part of the process of change?
Yes, my perception shifted several times. I wrote my letter titled, “Letter to the Public by an Ordinary Individual”. Here are two examples.
1.) It was the temporary policy set up over the summer for Gallaudet University concerning guidelines for Freedom of Expression. I simply disagreed with the guidelines. It’s crucial for people to have the right to express their opinions. The battle for freedom of speech was likely to strain the relations further with the University. I thought the Administration made a bad move.
2.) In October, I started to see several poor decisions and slow responses to the University and public - for instance, how I. King Jordan’s Administration and especially its Public Relations Department handled information. I became disappointed with many of Gallaudet University’s management strategies and responses.
Both shifts were for the worse. The policy and type of responses were the part of the process of change.
I think we all acknowledge that for the culture to survive, there HAS to be a shift in our perceptions. And as for the better or worse part, I think it depends on who you ask.
For me, I think it’s painfully obvious that we’ve reached a crucial point, where we’re educated enough to realize the terrible oppression committed to us, our language and culture, but we as a whole aren’t educated enough to start dealing with that in a healthy manner.
I do not think the Gallaudet protests were emotionally healthy. I think it was emotionally violent. People on all sides committed emotional violence. So, for that perception shift to really take root, I think we all have to acknowledge that the entire thing could’ve been handled better. And that we need to understand our rights better, and be more committed to ourselves, our culture and language, while still recognizing the right for all of us to be an individual, even if some of the person’s personal beliefs is at odds with the culture itself.
I’m seeing a huge ditchomony right now in Deaf culture, because like I’ve said before, we do not exist in a vacuum. We’re also part of the larger society, and they emphasize individuality, among other things. The Deaf culture does not emphasize individuality, but emphasizes groupthink. It’s totally understandable why the culture emphasizes groupthink - it’s how we’ve survived over 150 years of Oralism.
But now, I think the problem’s compounded by the fact that there’s a large number of us who are becoming more and more assimilated in the ‘hearing world’ for a lack of better description. So I think that’s part of why there’s such an intense clash occuring, because nobody wants to truly acknowledge that and start fixing that problem of how do we recognize the person’s right to be an individual, but still retain their Deaf identity.
~ Deaf Pundit
For your viewing pleasure:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vae1-ninEE0
Blurb:”This video was made two weeks ago, but an unexpected circumstances prevented it from being uploaded. Even through this is dated, we felt it was still important to share our perspective as it was two weeks ago. This is a result of a teamwork composed of four deaf individuals with differing perspectives of the protest- we still hold tremendoud respect for each other to listen and have an ongoing dialogue, and we hope the same will happen at Gallaudet and beyond. “
kbm,
Thanks for sharing and nice job! It’s a good idea to stay focused on a certain topic.
I have a few questions. Is there any chance we will ever learn exact what happened inside the process they used to reach the decision they made? I doubt as I believe it will remain confidential forever — to prevent from possible lawsuits and to protect the individuals. How about having the staff from the Human Resource Department to educate us how the selection process should be done. How about posting a new blog focusing on this specific Human Resource related matter?
I agree with WAD. This is a very nice video, and I am glad you shared it with us.
I especially loved how you talked about this protest shouldn’t be about winning. I wholeheartedly agree. Like you said, when we get caught up in that winning mentality, someone must lose, and usually even when there is a victory, everyone ends up losing. That’s the whole problem with “Power-Over”…even when you win, are the benefits of winning really worth all the “violence” that had to go into achieving the victory?
This wasn’t a football game here, folks. The losing team doesn’t get to head back to the practice field and work on their passes for the next game. There’s no “better luck next year!”
This was a protest about changing a system. And as this video demonstrated, doing so required that we not stoop to similar “Power-Over” principles in order to “defeat” it.
Change isn’t about defeat. Change is about looking at the system and seeing where we need to remove the damage it causes, and encourage the benefits that it promotes.
DISCUSSION QUESTION #2
(Quoted from the blog):
In her article “Toward an Activist Spirituality” which Starhawk published three years ago, she writes of the use of magick:
Much of our magick and our community work is about creating spaces of refuge from a harsh and often hostile world; safe places where people can heal and regenerate, renew our energies and learn new skills. In that work, we try to release guilt, rage, and frustration, and generally turn them into positive emotions.
Hmmmm. Correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t this what the Deaf Community has been working for all along?
Isn’t this at the heart and soul of what Gallaudet means to us – the creation of that space of refuge, a safe place where people feel free to be who and what they are; to share what they think and express what they feel…to regenerate, to renew, to release?
And wouldn’t it be perfectly normal for a community that has raised so much energy and focused that energy towards the creation and sustenance of such sacred space to react with vehemence at any action which threatens it?
SOOOO…is this what the Deaf Community (at least the Gallaudet Community) been working for all along? Is this what Gallaudet means to us? And was the protest in fact really about protecting that “space of refuge?”
Allison makes a comment on Starhawk’s quote about needing to release negative emotions like anger in a way that it makes it possible to move toward positive change. Is this in fact happening?
I do think that people are releasing emotions that makes it possible for us to move forward. There has been a deep frission between people in the deaf community a long time. This protest exposed our weaknesses and forced us to confront long held assumptions and beliefs.
For instance, audism- both internalized and external. There are obvious examples of both which I won’t go into now because I’m not in the mood to fight over it.
I have became much more aware, personally, of how my personal experiences have formed my perception as it is. I have also have had my perception changed by those who brought forth excellent arguements and gave me an opportunity to understand them better.
Yes, it’d say it’s a positive change for me. But is it for everybody? Are you all really taking this opportunity to reexamine your own beliefs and assumptions or are you still pushing your own agenda?
We learn until we die. The older we become, the more knowledge we will gain. I think turning them into positive emotions is due to wisdom.
“There can be no knowledge without emotion. We may be aware of a truth, yet until we have felt its force, it is not ours. To the cognition of the brain must be added the experience of the soul.” Arnold Bennett
I think so, yeah. The protests were all about protecting that space. They kept saying over and over that they wanted a leader who could truly reflect them and their culture and language. That Gallaudet’s a mecca, the center of our Deaf culture.
As for us expressing anger in a way so we can move forward in a positive way - that’s an extremely good question. I think it remains to be seen. There’s ways to express anger appropriately, and to be perfectly blunt, like I’ve said previously, I don’t think what happened at the protests were appropriate. I’m a social activist, and I’ve done protests. I’ve been mad as hell at people who’ve denied me and others services, but the sheer amount of RAGE just confounded me.
To me it seemed that people were generally angry about a variety of things - legitimately by the way - then JK came along, and quite frankly, in my eyes, she was the perfect target for the protestors to take their rage out on.
I think it’s normal for people to be angry, considering our history of oppression. But I don’t think this level of rage is normal. I think there were several individuals who exploited people’s legimate anger at the wrongs committed, and fanned their anger into vitrolic rage, and the whole thing spun out of control. That’s my take on it, anyway.
~ Deaf Pundit
DISCUSSION QUESTION #3
This blog talks about concepts of power - of Power-Over and Power-From-Within. Do these concepts of power exist at Gallaudet? In what forms? How can we work to equalize that power, and change that system?
I thought that these concepts were the most valuable contribution of your Blog. The Blogs that have supported the protest give the impression that they’re seeking to win and dominate. Perhaps the “power from within” approach may have unified the community in their purpose?
Perhaps they were just reacting to the Power-Over? Not that I’m saying they’re not complicit in their own reaction, but when someone pushes you, the reaction usually is to push back.
The administration launched a very divisive and dangerous PR war that wounded many and insulted many people deeply, including myself.
I am not surprised people fought back, with anger, and yes, it has become acriminious and violent at times (both sides).
However, our anger did unite us and motivate us to start talking, asking why and questioning ourselves. I think that is when we overcome our apathy and realized we still had power-within.
If the PR office had not taken upon themselves this particular strategy, would it have infuriated the bloggers so?
I think the concept of Power-Over definitely exists at Gallaudet. And frankly, I think that’s the only concept of power that’s taught at Gallaudet. I do not think the concept of Power-From-Within is taught at all. The protests to me, were the epitome of a Power-Over struggle. Each side wanted to be in control, and both sides vilified each other. Each pointed fingers at each other and refused to be accountable for their own behavior.
I’m not sure how we can equalize that system. I do think that a good start is to teach Ethics. By taking responsibility for our own actions, we acknowledge that we do hold some power. But I don’t think it’s possible for the students to just arrive at Gallaudet, then understand that. I think that has to happen on all levels, from locally to nationally. It happens over time, from various learning experiences, and from different individuals teaching us that.
Hope that made sense… :p
~ Deaf Pundit
DISCUSSION QUESTION #4
This blog talks about conflict. Do you feel conflict was utilized properly during the protest? Do you feel there were times the conflict turned into violence? How can we utilize conflict in a positive manner to implement change?
It felt very personal to me.
I had this sense that this was a deeply personal fight - such like would be between a father and son. The father has guided his son in a specific direction, but his son wants to go down another path. They fight. The father accuses the son of betraying the values he was raised with. The son accuses the father of “selling out to The Man”. Mom says “it’s up to you to resolve this”. It escalates, until Mom says, “okay boys, I know what needs to be done”. Now it’s suddenly quiet as the father and son sit in their respective corners pondering their actions, mulling over regrets and finally feeling the pain, the loss of separation.
I got a little metaphysical here, but this is what the protest felt like to me. IKJ was a very important symbol, and his actions deeply wounded many, on a personal level. Tim Rarus said it when “We put you in tthe office, now you arrest us!”