Paper short abstract:

In my research with university teachers in Rotterdam (NL) on inclusion, racism and inequality, discomfort was a recurring topic. But what does being uncomfortable mean, and who can linger in it? In relation to the Dutch concept of ‘gezellig’ (cosy) I explore discomfort as racialized affect.

Paper long abstract:

In my research with higher education teachers in Rotterdam (NL), discomfort was a recurring topic in conversations about inclusion, racism and inequality. My interlocutors described discomfort as lack of control, a state to rather avoid. Yet, they saw it as inherently connected to the hard work of diversity, to which they were committed. Discussing sensitive topics in class or with colleagues would inevitably lead to feelings of discomfort of one or more participants.

In the Netherlands, the opposite of (collective) discomfort in the Netherlands can be expressed as ‘gezellig’ or ‘gezelligheid’, an indication of cosiness or niceness – a positive feeling of togetherness. However, gezellig, as a favored (collective) state of being, also includes a normative and disciplining stance: a boundary that should not be crossed.

If gezellig is seen as a preferred state, how do teachers engaging in matters of racism, inclusion and inequality, balance gezelligheid with discomfort? I wonder if discomfort could be a conscious and calculated affect.

In other words, what does it mean to be uncomfortable? Who is making a call to be uncomfortable, and to whom? Who can linger in this affective position, who can’t? If there is an option to choose, for whom? I wonder if discomfort actually can be a comfortable position for some. Contrary to a general idea, as expressed by my interlocutors, of inevitable, necessary, and being at risk, being ‘uncomfortable’ might excuse someone from doing the hard work of diversity, turning discomfort instead into a racialized affect.