Holiday Message & Suggested Reading from Sorry Works!

Over the years I provided holiday messages to Sorry Works! readers. These messages usually never discuss patient safety or risk management issues, but, instead, focus on other topics, from the lighthearted to the serious, and even spiritual aspects of our humanity. Most of these seasonal pieces have been well-received and I hope this year is no different.

Over the last nine months we have struggled through a historic pandemic while also grappling with the historical problem of race relations and what equality means in a democratic, capitalist society. On the topic of race, our country has devolved into a bitter fight over Black lives versus blue lives; one side saying that Black people are victims of police brutality and other forms of repression, while the other side points to crime statistics and other metrics. We're talking past each other. Meanwhile, all of us (Black, white, brown, etc) have suffered in some way with this pandemic; some more than others with the loss of a job, small business, or loved one. This is a horrible year, yet I think (hope?) many people are using this suffering to be reflective. This holiday message hopefully contributes to our collective reflection.

I recently finished reading a book entitled, "There Are No Children Here," by Alex Kotlowitz, a former Wall Street Journal reporter based in Chicago. This book was published in the early 90's and it chronicles Kotlowitz's time embedded in the Chicago public housing projects and the friendship he developed with two young boys -- Lafayette and Pharoah Rivers -- and their mother LaJoe. Kotlowitz crafted a page turner that will break your heart and make your stomach churn while occasionally making you smile and even cheer. This book is required reading for anyone who believes they have an informed opinion on race relations, violence in the inner city, and police reform. Housing projects in Chicago and other major American cities were born out of racism (keeping Black people out of white neighborhoods) but good intentions were also simultaneously at play. The buildings were actually nice when first built and a definite upgrade for many poor Black families, but a lack of urban employers (little to no tax base, white flight) and insufficient government funding led to the buildings (and surrounding areas/neighborhoods) falling apart which led to crime and violence and, too often, generational poverty. Trapped in this impossible situation were/are sweet young kids like Lafayette and Pharoah. Long story short, the housing policies of the 50s/60s (birthed both by racism and good intentions) set up Black people and the police for failure and confrontation. Read this book and think about the lessons contained in its pages before posting again on Facebook or engaging in any form of debate or protest on this topic.

Now, move the lens out a bit...we've all suffered during this year, and, again, some more than others. However, all of us are getting tired of looking at our families and the inside of our homes. After this reading "There are No Children Here" you'll quit complaining, be more thankful for your gifts, and think about ways to help those left fortunate. Kids like Lafayette and Pharoah and their mom, LaJoe, would love to be stuck in your house or apartment.

This is the point of the holiday season when people buy something for themselves. Or, maybe you have received (or will receive) an Amazon gift card. Buy this book...it's almost 30 years old so copies can be had cheaply on Amazon. Do it...

I wish you and your family the best this holiday season, and here's to a better 2021!

Sincerely,

- Doug

Doug Wojcieszak, Founder and President
618-559-8168 (direct dial)
doug@sorryworks.net