Last week, we explored theories about control and responsibility, especially Mel Robbins’ Let Them theory, and how they connect to Evolve’s R3 Culture Approach and the work of Allyship and Closing the Gap.
Many of you resonated with our addition of ‘Let us’ (work together as Allies) as a third step (to Let Them, Let Me, “Let Us”).
Now for a confession (and a potential balloon bursting moment).
Last week, I referred to Let Them as a repackaging of existing concepts. In reducing the word count, I deleted this sentence: “Another reason for my resistance to reading the book was what I saw as a significant lack of attribution in Robbins’ repackaging.”
What I didn’t realise – but now do, thanks to you, Allies – is that the lack of attribution seems to run deeper than I thought.
At the end of an article in The Guardian, I found a mention of criticism of Robbins for not crediting poet Cassie B. Phillips, whose poem Let Them went viral in 2022. What I hadn’t realised was that there is reasonable evidence (but had to dig for it) to suggest this poem – not Robbins’ work as claimed – sparked the Let Them tattoo movement.
Learning this I felt really silly and embarrassed like I’ve let you down. Robbins’ presents the concept in such a compelling and resonant way; I can only speculate as to why (if it is true) Phillips’ poem wasn’t mentioned at any stage.
This isn’t just about one book or one speaker. It’s part of a much bigger pattern where smaller creators, particularly women, First Nations people, and underrepresented voices, don’t get credit for their contributions. It’s also about misinformation.
So I reminded myself: this is an opportunity to walk my talk. I have CHOICES about what I do next and how I react.
Reflect – What’s at the heart of the matter? I didn’t know that Cassie Phillips’ Let Them poem sparked the Let Them tattoo movement.
Relate – Self-compassion. I shared Robbins’ work in good faith and did a decent amount of research on the attribution criticisms.
Reconcile – Moving forward. What’s in my control? How can I be a better Ally right now?
I can acknowledge Cassie Phillips and her Let Them poem. I can share what I’ve learned and ensure proper attribution moving forward. I can study her poem and reflect on its message and if it resonates, promote her work. And I can stay focused on Evolve’s vision, learning from impact, not just intent.
Funnily enough, before I even realised the extent of this lack of attribution, I’d already planned to write about how misinformation contributes to the gap -especially in the big debates happening right now, like efforts to dismantle DEI in the U.S. and its potential impact in Australia, or debates about cultural protocols like Welcome to Country.
In fact, an article interviewing Cassie, the poet, highlighting the lack of attribution links to a book titled The Art of Letting Them by Cassandra Philips (note different spelling). Thankfully, I’m learning – so this time, I dug deeper. Reviews suggest the book is AI-generated and not actually written by the author of the Let Them poem (a misinformation rabbit hole!).
Aunty and I will be sharing our thoughts in the coming weeks on misinformation, the information gap, and what we, as Allies, can do about it.
But I’d love to hear from you too.
What are your thoughts on this? Did something in this resonate with you – or challenge you?
Join our community of Allies
Let’s show our Indigenous brothers and sisters that we are here for them, we value their Voices and we are committed to continuing the journey towards Reconciliation.
