Politics, Pussy Hats, and Patriarchy with Donna Bowman
Nov 20, 2017
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Donna Bowman, an author specializing in qualitative research in theology, joins the conversation on the cultural clash between Pussy Hat Christianity and MAGA Hat Christianity. They discuss the significance of activism symbols, the emotional impact of the women’s march, and the patriarchal lens affecting perceptions of ambitious women like Hillary Clinton. Bowman highlights how her research reveals hidden complexities in scripture and advocates for engaging with real people's experiences through media, transforming theology into a communal dialogue.
Donna Bowman emphasizes the importance of engaging with real people's experiences to challenge traditional theological education and enrich personal beliefs.
The contrast between the Pussy Hat and MAGA Hat symbolizes differing forms of activism and community engagement in response to political events.
Pop culture, particularly television and media, serves as a vital lens for exploring contemporary spirituality and understanding complex social issues.
Deep dives
Exploring the Individuality of Faith
Faith is a personal journey that emphasizes the importance of crafting one’s own beliefs. This concept is likened to brewing, where various ideological ingredients are combined to create a unique personal faith. The discussion highlights the necessity for individuals to engage deeply with theological questions and to draw inspirations from different sources. This transformative process allows people to embrace or reject ideas based on their personal convictions, ultimately enriching their spiritual experiences.
The Significance of Handmade Gestures
The contrast between the MAGA hat and the knitted pussy hats exemplifies differing approaches to activism and identity. The handmade pussy hats symbolize community and individual investment, while the MAGA hat represents mass production and impersonal political allegiance. Many participants in the Women's March expressed a profound connection to the process of creating their hats, seeing it as a meaningful act of resistance. This individuality in action reflects a deeper engagement with personal values and social justice.
The Role of Pop Culture in Theological Discourse
Engagement with pop culture serves as a critical avenue for understanding contemporary spirituality and worldview. Television and media are recognized as essential platforms for cultural reflection, where narratives embody deeper existential questions. The importance of shows that explore issues of community, identity, and morality is underscored, revealing how these themes resonate with real-life experiences. Critical engagement with these stories allows for an exploration of the theological dimensions present in everyday culture.
Resistance and Spirituality in the Face of Political Change
The discussion touches on the emotional landscape of individuals navigating the fallout from significant political events, emphasizing a yearning for connection and meaning. This collective experience of engagement, often manifested through rallies and symbolic acts, reflects a quest for affirmation amidst chaos. The narrative showcases how individuals find a voice through communal experiences, particularly during challenging times. The relationship between spirituality and the current cultural climate is depicted as intricately woven with personal stories of resistance and hope.
The Need for Inclusive Conversations
Inclusive dialogue about faith, politics, and identity is deemed crucial for fostering understanding in contemporary society. The need to bridge gaps between divergent perspectives has become increasingly apparent, particularly in the context of political polarization. This conversation invites reflection on the nuances of belief systems and social commitments, encouraging open exchanges rather than divisive rhetoric. Emphasizing the importance of listening to diverse voices fosters a richer, more comprehensive exploration of shared humanity.
Donna and Tripp sit down and talk about getting out of the office and library to talk with real people, what made her decide to dedicate her life to educating, that question that hit at the existential register and demanded a better answer than the one she was given, and on reading the puzzle that is the bible
Plus, Donna shares some of the cross cultural metaphysical assumptions she's discovered in her research and how they differ from those in the academy, the pussy hats made and worn for the women's marches after Trump's inauguration, the intersection of the symbolic and material, Adorno and "Hillary hate," and using TV and media a place of theological research.