In this conversation, Daniella and Rebecca discuss the representation of women and people of color in politics, particularly focusing on Kamala Harris. They explore the excitement and hope that Harris's candidacy brings, while also acknowledging the challenges and limitations that come with being a Black woman in a position of power. They emphasize the importance of not expecting one person to represent an entire demographic and the need to address anti-Blackness and white feminism. The conversation also touches on the concept of the glass cliff and the ongoing process of deconstructing white supremacy. In this part of the conversation, Rebecca and Daniella discuss the challenges faced by women and minorities in positions of power. They highlight the need for multiple individuals from a given minority demographic to have a voice and not be pitted against each other. They also discuss the importance of being an accomplice rather than just an ally in the fight against racism. They touch on the power dynamics between white women and black women, the role of white women in dismantling white supremacy, and the need for white men to educate themselves and call out their friends. They also discuss the concept of white women tears and the importance of believing and listening to black women's experiences. They emphasize the need to question and challenge the sense of urgency imposed by white supremacy and coercive control. In this final part of the conversation, Rebecca and Daniella discuss the importance of privacy and the ways in which lack of privacy can be used as a means of breaking people down. They also explore the concept of self-sealing systems and how society has given over its agency to the system itself. They discuss the potential impact of having a Black woman in a position of power, such as Kamala Harris as Vice President, and the need for white women to take responsibility for their own actions and challenge white supremacy. They emphasize the importance of believing people's experiences and not trying to relate or invalidate their perspectives. They also discuss the power of silence and active listening in conversations about race and gender.
Links:
Connect with Rebecca at:
Connect with Daniella at:
Uncultured by Daniella Mestyanek Young
UnAMERICAN Videobook
Takeaways
Sound Bites
"Everybody feels like they're being represented now in this election."
"The excitement that it has brought has been incredible."
"We also know how we get treated and how we are spoken to."
"They are not against each other, they are pitted against each other."
"I'm so scared for her, right? Like she is going to, just in the election season alone, she is going to have so much misogynoir thrown at her that it is gonna be painful."
"Stop saying you're an ally. It's not about being an ally. It's about being an accomplice."
"No! That is the widest thing I have ever - Ugh! A creepy hunk to check your underwear!"
"It's so creepy, it's so creepy. That's also how purity culture goes into, you know, pedophilia and sexual harassment."
"Demanding immediate answers, constantly surveilling people, or having purity requirements are means of breaking people down and do not have legitimate reasons."
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Representation in the 2020 Election
03:52 The Glass Cliff: Challenges Faced by Women and Minorities in Leadership
08:51 Centering Anti-Blackness and the Role of White Women
13:43 The Significance of Having a Woman in the White House
20:56 From Allies to Accomplices: Dismantling White Supremacy
34:01 Understanding White Supremacy and Allyship
38:58 Challenging Societal Norms and Holding Yourself Accountable
46:40 The Impact of Surveillance and Purity Requirements
01:00:20 The Power of Transformational Leadership and Diverse Perspectives
01:07:12 The Potential Impact of a Woman in the White House
01:14:46 The Intersectionality of Gender and Race
01:19:03 The Importance of Listening and Slowing Down
01:26:40 Fair Compensation for Podcast Production
01:27:20 The Importance of Representation in Various Industries
