The Verso Podcast cover image

The Verso Podcast

Spectators and Witnesses | Legacy Russell & Fred Moten

May 2, 2024
Legacy Russell and Fred Moten discuss the relationship between blackness and modern visual culture. They explore the impact of historical representation of blackness in film on contemporary media and the significance of Black culture, music, and historical archives. The conversation delves into critical fabulation, self-authorship, and the complexities of portraying Blackness in digital culture. They also touch on the dichotomy of witness and spectator, the intersection of digital and real-life experiences, and the role of resistance and refusal in cultural creation.
01:11:30

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The struggle over black representation in early mass media influences future cultural depictions.
  • Critical fabulation challenges imposed norms on black communities, reshaping notions of representation and autonomy.

Deep dives

Implications of Early Film Representations

Early films like Lime Kiln Field Day and Birth of a Nation reflect contrasting portrayals of blackness. While Lime Kiln Field Day featured a historic kiss between black leads, it was overshadowed by Birth of a Nation, a highly influential but racially biased film. The discussion highlights the struggle over black representation at the cusp of mass media, shaping future cultural depictions.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode