A Genealogy of Refusal : Walking away from crisis and scarcity narratives

21st Century Coworkers

As 21st century observers, we might argue that his coworkers are in fact envious of Bartleby—perhaps they would prefer not to pick up more work for the same amount of pay; perhaps they would prefer not to stay late or work overtime; perhaps they would prefer not to, too. However, what could have changed had his colleagues rallied around him? What lessons can we take, not from the eponymous Bartleby, but from his coworkers? Can we recognize when the refuser is standing up, and think of ways to support them?