Unsettled Self PDF Download

Unsettled Self: A Journey Back From Radicalism is the deeply personal story of a white woman’s experiences with radical social justice while fighting for Indigenous rights in Canada. As a university student and “bleeding-heart liberal,” Cate Belbin was drawn to the social justice concept of “allyship” – relationships based on trust and accountability with marginalized individuals and groups. However, within this role, she found herself part of a cult-like radical movement that forced her to to view herself as “other.” Over an eighteen-month period, Cate’s sense of belonging and identity were challenged and eroded, making her angry and resentful towards her family, other white people, and even herself. Although emotionally abused and physically drained, and with her mental health in shatters, Cate eventually accepted the support of her family to remove herself from a dangerous “groupthink” situation. This is her cautionary tale of how one must recognize that one’s own life, history, and ancestry are valid and legitimate, and find self love before trying to empower others.

Unsettled Self: A Journey Back From Radicalism is the deeply personal story of a white woman’s experiences with radical social justice while fighting for Indigenous rights in Canada. As a university student and “bleeding-heart liberal,” Cate Belbin was drawn to the social justice concept of “allyship” – relationships based on trust and accountability with marginalized individuals and groups. However, within this role, she found herself part of a cult-like radical movement that forced her to to view herself as “other.” Over an eighteen-month period, Cate’s sense of belonging and identity were challenged and eroded, making her angry and resentful towards her family, other white people, and even herself. Although emotionally abused and physically drained, and with her mental health in shatters, Cate eventually accepted the support of her family to remove herself from a dangerous “groupthink” situation. This is her cautionary tale of how one must recognize that one’s own life, history, and ancestry are valid and legitimate, and find self love before trying to empower others.