Why Theory Structural Violence
37 snips
Jan 19, 2026 Dive into the intriguing world of structural violence, exploring how unwritten systems perpetuate oppression. The hosts illuminate the complexities of this often-invisible harm, contrasting it with overt violence. They discuss historical examples like Haiti's reparations and modern movements in Iran. Cinema's struggle to depict systemic issues gets a critical eye, and redlining is unpacked as a physical manifestation of discrimination. Ultimately, the conversation emphasizes the need for solidarity and awareness to confront these hidden injustices.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Invisible Rules Cause Visible Harm
- Structural violence is invisible, unwritten rules that enable and license overt physical violence.
- Todd McGowan argues invisible structural forces cause more harm than visible acts like a thrown punch.
Haiti’s Reparations As Long-Term Oppression
- Todd recounts Haiti forced to pay reparations to France after winning independence, impoverishing the country for generations.
- He frames the enforced debt as structural violence that outlasted direct military repression.
Cinema Lacks A Language For Structure
- Film and literature struggle to depict structural violence because it lacks a visible antagonist.
- Todd says we lack a visual language to show systemic, unwritten oppression compared to physical violence.
