The Librarian Mystique

My name is Amy Isham, I have a doctorate in social science, specialising in Leadership in regional social and economic systems. I'm interested in what kinds of leadership fosters social and economic sustainability and in social cohesion. I'm using this blog as a kind of social geography of issues I am interested in. We can map the political changes in our world and the impacts this has had on our private lives, travel, work and the economy, but the social facts of our world shift more subtly and are harder to understand. I'm seeking to analyse our world using my training in social theory, ethnography and economic trends to make sense of our world. Seeking to increase social cohesion, dialogue and engagement rather than support the growing polarisation and unrest in Australian society.  I believe the greatest change we can make in society starts with us reading widely, thinking generously and communicating respectfully.

From rising COVID19 cases in construction to a mandatory vaccine requirement, the explosive strike and ensuing riots, it’s all escalated so quickly that it felt out of control. But could it have been prevented?  Although I am not endorsing the behaviour of a group that lists among its demands that the Australian government widely distribute ivermectin, vitamin C and zinc rather than vaccines, it’s helpful to look at the way the situation escalated, and why. It’s easy to separate ourselves from “them” and enjoy the moral higher ground and moral indignation of being part of the socially accepted, who are willing to comply with stay at home orders and be vaccinated. First, let’s look at what Premier Andrews demanded after allowing the COVID19 cases to rise in the construction industry for weeks before acting. “Construction workers state-wide will need to show evidence to their employer that they have had at least a first dose of a coronavirus vaccine by 11.59pm on the 23rd of Septembe...