#1 ·
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how much we tend to put certain institutions on a pedestal. Whether it's an elite university, a world-renowned conservatory, or a high-end summer camp, there’s this unspoken assumption that if a place is "prestigious," it must be a safe, nurturing environment for talent to grow. We see the glossy brochures and the famous alumni, and we just subconsciously trust that the people running the show have the best interests of the students at heart.
But honestly, it feels like the more "exclusive" a place is, the easier it becomes for bad actors to hide in plain sight. There’s a certain level of power and influence that can create a massive blind spot for everyone involved. It’s terrifying to realize how often a culture of prestige can be used as a shield to protect certain individuals, making people feel like they can't speak up without ruining their own budding careers or reputations.
It makes me wonder how many other "sanctuary" spaces for the arts or academics are actually harboring systemic issues. How do we actually hold these high-profile organizations accountable when their entire brand is built on being untouchable?
But honestly, it feels like the more "exclusive" a place is, the easier it becomes for bad actors to hide in plain sight. There’s a certain level of power and influence that can create a massive blind spot for everyone involved. It’s terrifying to realize how often a culture of prestige can be used as a shield to protect certain individuals, making people feel like they can't speak up without ruining their own budding careers or reputations.
It makes me wonder how many other "sanctuary" spaces for the arts or academics are actually harboring systemic issues. How do we actually hold these high-profile organizations accountable when their entire brand is built on being untouchable?