Kenji Yoshino, a legal scholar at NYU and author of "Covering," explores the nuances of identity and self-expression. He discusses the concept of 'covering'—how individuals downplay their true selves due to societal pressures. Kenji highlights the emotional burdens faced by marginalized groups and the impact on workplace dynamics. He draws on historical figures like Margaret Thatcher, illustrating the psychological cost of conformity. The conversation underscores the importance of embracing authenticity and fostering acceptance in our personal and professional lives.
Individuals often disguise aspects of their identity to conform to societal norms, leading to internal conflicts and self-esteem issues.
Personal experiences, like those shared by Kenji Yoshino, illustrate the deep struggles faced by individuals who cover their true selves.
Yoshino emphasizes that fostering authenticity within organizations can enhance community trust and promote deeper interpersonal connections.
Deep dives
The Mysterious Hijacking of Dan Cooper
In November 1971, a man identified as Dan Cooper hijacked a Northwest Orient Airlines flight, demanding $200,000 and parachutes. After receiving the ransom, he allowed the passengers to disembark while keeping the crew on board. He then took off again, directing the crew to stay in the cockpit and closing off visibility into the cabin. Ultimately, he parachuted into the night, escaping authorities and leaving his true identity a mystery, demonstrating how extreme measures are sometimes taken to disguise one's true self.
The Burden of Disguise and Identity
People often disguise their true selves not just to deceive others, but to fit in and be taken seriously within society. This need to cover up aspects of our identity can lead to internal conflicts and pressure to conform to societal expectations. Historical figures such as Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Margaret Thatcher undertook significant efforts to manage their public personas, often downplaying or altering key aspects of their identities to maintain authority and control in their respective roles. Their experiences highlight the complex dynamic between authenticity and the masks we wear in societal settings.
Kenji Yoshino's Personal Journey with Identity
Kenji Yoshino shared his own experience of covering aspects of his identity, particularly regarding his sexuality. Growing up in a society that did not readily accept LGBTQ individuals, he felt compelled to hide his true self during his early years, leading to deep personal struggles. His journey included attempts to fit in, such as dating a woman and focusing heavily on academic achievements to distract from his identity conflict. This personal narrative exemplifies the broader societal challenges individuals face when reconciling their true selves with external pressures.
The Concept of Covering
Covering refers to the subtle actions individuals take to downplay their identities in order to conform to societal norms, which can resonate across various demographics. Yoshino highlights how covering affects not only LGBTQ individuals but also extends to straight white men, illustrating its universal nature. This phenomenon leads to detrimental impacts on self-esteem and professional commitment in individuals. The acknowledgment of covering brings to light the necessity for a cultural shift towards greater acceptance of diverse identities.
Empathy and Authenticity in Community
Yoshino argues that belonging in a community is intrinsically linked to authenticity, and without it, individuals struggle to trust their inclusion. Sharing stories of identity, whether distinct or diffuse, fosters an atmosphere where vulnerability is respected and accepted. He suggests that organizations should nurture environments that empower individuals to be authentic, which not only benefits personal well-being but also strengthens the community as a whole. Ultimately, valuing authenticity over conformity can lead to deeper connections and greater understanding among diverse individuals.
Have you ever downplayed some aspect of your identity? Maybe you don’t hide it, but you don’t bring it up with certain people, either. It turns out that these subtle disguises can have powerful effects on how we view ourselves. This week, we talk with legal scholar Kenji Yoshino about what happens when we soften or edit our true selves.
Do you have a follow-up question for Kenji Yoshino after listening to this episode? If you'd be comfortable sharing your question with the larger Hidden Brain audience, please record a voice memo on your phone and email it to us at ideas@hiddenbrain.org. Use the subject line "covering." Thanks!
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