The Journal presents my weekly reflections on being a private, Catholic school principal during what promises to be a year filled with energy, excitement, challenges and possibilities…
… the idea that a positivity and optimism that functions against the backdrop of the real world, that is unflinching, that is authentic is, in-and-of-itself toxic is a suggestion I utterly reject.
Over the course of the last few weeks in the professional networks of which I am a part online and in the school I serve, a theme has emerged that bothers me.
Greatly.
It’s the idea that positivity can be toxic.
I am not a social scientist and I have, admittedly, not done much research into the sociological phenomenon of what is referred to as “toxic positivity,” but I state this briefly, unequivocally and clearly: I don’t believe in toxic positivity.
I believe in disingenuity. If individuals pretend they are positive when they truly are not, if they spout words of encouragement in large groups and tear the world down in smaller ones, if they are putting on a facade of optimism when they live pessimistically, then, sure, yes, that kind of deception can be toxic.
Likewise, toxic can be those who brook no conflict, no discord, no divergent ideas. Being positive does not equate with being a Pollyanna. Let’s not confuse this: one can be positive while also acknowledging everything is not perfect. Positivity that implies some kind of unreality can also be toxic.
But the idea that a positivity and optimism that functions against the backdrop of the real world, that is unflinching, that is authentic is, in-and-of-itself toxic is a suggestion I utterly reject.
Our students need positivity. Our faculties need positivity. Our parents need positivity. And, frankly, we as leaders need positivity, too.
This week I was reminded in an email that at Back to School Night I noted to our community that 2020-2021 was going to be a terrific year. This was a timely reminder for me, a reminder that, despite the challenges we face and the hurdles we have to overcome, despite a constantly changing landscape and uncertainty around us, despite those who seem to live in negativity and those who are ready to throw up their hands, good things are happening – great things are happening.
Positive things are happening.
It’s never been more important to recognize that than right now.
I reject the idea of toxic positivity.
I embrace the importance of authentic positivity.
One case this week resulting in fewer than 20 quarantines. We will take it!