Mourning our Collective Space: Reimagining our Community on the Screen

by Anjuli Joshi Brekke

Recently, I was Zooming with a good friend of mine who has been struggling with quarantine fatigue. As an extrovert who is energized by engaging with other people, she is struggling with feelings of isolation and loss of purpose. When I pointed out to her that she talks to friends and coworkers online every day, she sighed. Although virtual connection helps, she stressed “It’s not the same vibe.” Seeing your classmates, friends, and co-workers’ faces neatly displayed in little rows on your computer screen certainly creates a different vibe. As Interrupting Privilege has moved online, we’ve had to cultivate a new vibe, to mourn and reimagine our collective space.

This essay was produced as part of the Interrupting Privilege seminar series. This year, the University of Washington's Center for Communication, Difference and Equity partnered with NAAM to host the series on site at NAAM. Interrupting Privilege brings together students and community members from across Seattle for intergenerational conversations about race, racism and its intersections. The program is facilitated by ACLS/Mellon Scholars & Society Fellow in Residence, Ralina L. Joseph.