A couple of conversations on Campus, this morning, brought this other conversation to mind. Both of these conversations involved staff on conditions other than academic, who were black. Both conversations highlighted treatment of staff on conditions other than academic, by staff on academic conditions - treatment which they viewed as disrespectful, and which was hard to conceive of any other way.
Race wasn't foregrounded in any of the incidents mentioned - although it may well have been a factor in at least one. What was foregrounded was the taking for granted, the lack of regard, the treating of the staff on conditions other than academic as some kind of servant class, there to do the bidding of the academic class, at the convenience and behest of the academic class, with no acknowledgement of shared humanity, never mind collegiality. Some of the incidents reported were experienced, some witnessed, but all were deeply felt. An injury to one as an injury to all.
The "academic" staff in question probably had no idea that they were perceived in this manner. At least one of them would certainly view himself as progressive, and would be no doubt be surprised that his behaviour had given offence. And so... he's unlikely to change it.
Whose responsibility is it to bring about change? Is it for those on the bottom of the power dynamic to speak up and demand respect - and face the very real risks that entails? Or is it for those advantaged, whose interests are unconsciously being protected, to examine their behaviour more self-consciously and consider how it might be affecting others - when they're unaware there is a problem?
Is it up to women to educate men about sexism, or black people to educate white people about racism? Is it up to the subordinate estate to educate the academic estate about the small oppressions committed unthinkingly every day, which perpetuates the apartheid which remains in universities?