Bravery is not Fearlessness

I don’t shy away from voicing my opinions. I love stimulating thoughts and responses from others, as they help me learn and force me to defend my views—or sometimes even change my mind.

I was recently called “fearless” and need to explain that this is untrue in the hopes that it will prompt more people to be brave, even if they fear.

I know when I am about to say or post something that may elicit challenges or criticism, and I feel trepidation. However, I do it regardless. I experience fear but choose to be brave Sometimes, I feel enough fear to keep my mouth shut. People don’t see this and will never know what I am holding back due to fear! To me, being fearless is a sign of recklessness. It signals disregard for consequences. When you are brave, you know there may be consequences and consciously accept them.

This applies to food safety at all levels. People on the front line/boots on the ground positions need to be brave; the see something/say something approach is a sign of the health of a strong food safety culture. Just as we encourage industry members to bring forth their concerns about the safety or quality of the product, the same is true for the greater policy work that shapes the landscape of our food system.

In February, I joined a diverse group of stakeholders in signing a statement supporting the food safety work that FDA colleagues do. More recently, I joined an even larger group in a letter to Secretary Kennedy pointing out the need for a well-trained, well-resourced FDA to accomplish the MAHA objectives.

If people think that supporting food safety requires fearlessness, it justifies their silence due to fear. “Well, Jen is fearless so that she can sign on. Unlike her, I am afraid, so that’s why I’ll just be quiet.” No. We are not different. I feel fear. I choose to speak up anyway and I hope others who care about food safety speak up, too.