Essays
Is it problematic to mix friendships and professional connections, emphasising the benefits of helping friends since they will eventually feel obliged to help in return? How did such a neoliberal manipulative trick that openly instrumentalizes intimacy become acceptable? Is “friendly, warm hearted” corruption and favouritism legitimised? Am I abusing my position of power by preferring to work with friends? How does the professional environment change if a friendship ends abruptly and unpleasantly?
READAgainst Friendship: On the Dark Side of Professional Intimacies
Is it problematic to mix friendships and professional connections, emphasising the benefits of helping friends since they will eventually feel obliged to help in return? How did such a neoliberal manipulative trick that openly instrumentalizes intimacy become acceptable? Is “friendly, warm hearted” corruption and favouritism legitimised? Am I abusing my position of power by preferring to work with friends? How does the professional environment change if a friendship ends abruptly and unpleasantly?
I’ve been reporting from Manipur since June 2023. From the very beginning, I could understand that though women were contributing as much as men in facing the brunt of the war, their roles never received enough acknowledgment nor were their views taken into account while making important decisions. As an outsider, I could see that women leaders had a much more pragmatic method and manner of dealing with most situations, yet they found no place on the leadership table. This, I was made to understand, stems from a society that is founded on a patriarchal structure, yet a visible reluctance of present-day male-dominated organizations to relinquish space to women during a crucial time as this continues.
READWhat it means to survive a war, with dignity
Women leaders of the Kuki-Zo community reflect on the hardships of a state supported war, and how they are rebuilding lives while negotiating denial of agency and leadership.
Heba Dbaa, a teacher from Gaza, gives an account of her experience living amid Israel’s unfolding genocide of Palestinians since October 7, 2023.
READMy Existence in My Homeland is Resistance
Heba Dbaa, a teacher from Gaza, gives an account of her experience living amid Israel’s unfolding genocide of Palestinians since October 7, 2023.