Dr. Sarah Lewis on The Unseen Truth: When Race Changed Sight in America
Sep 18, 2024
54:55
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Dr. Sarah Lewis, an author and researcher specializing in race and visual culture, discusses her new book, The Unseen Truth. She reveals how visual representations shape societal beliefs about race and belonging. The conversation dives into the misconceptions perpetuated by visual myths and the essential role of aesthetics in social movements. Lewis emphasizes the importance of confronting historical narratives to challenge systemic racism and the need for self-reflection in fostering inclusivity and justice.
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Quick takeaways
Dr. Sarah Lewis underscores the transformative role of visual culture in reshaping narratives around race, equity, and identity in America.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of confronting the constructed narratives of racial supremacy to foster genuine understanding and justice in society.
Deep dives
The Concept of Revolutionary Love
The podcast begins with a discussion on revolutionary love, as introduced by Valerie Core and her book 'Val Riqueur, Sage Warrior'. This concept emphasizes not only the importance of love in combating societal issues but also the courage it takes to be a 'sage warrior' in times of adversity. With valuable insights shared during the conversation, listeners are encouraged to embrace love as a transformative power in their lives. The message is clear: revolutionary love serves as a beacon of hope, inviting individuals to engage deeply with the world around them.
Understanding Grief and Joy
The conversation shifts to the theme of grief, particularly in the context of personal loss, as the speaker reflects on the recent death of her mother. Through sharing her experiences, she highlights the nuances of navigating grief, unexpected joy, and the valuable lessons learned about love and connection with family. This candid discussion provides listeners with a sense of solidarity and understanding that grief is a universal experience, often intertwined with moments of joy. By openly confronting these feelings, the conversation encourages others to recognize and process their own grief.
The Role of Visual Culture in Racial Perceptions
The podcast features Dr. Sarah Lewis discussing her new book, 'The Unseen Truth: When Race Changed Sight in America', which examines how visual culture has shaped racial hierarchies in society. Through engaging anecdotes and historical examples, Dr. Lewis reveals how imagery has powerful implications on public perceptions of race and identity. One striking point raised is the impact of aesthetic encounters, which can transform deeply ingrained beliefs and lead to societal change, illustrating the profound connection between art and justice. This insight prompts listeners to reconsider the influence of visuals in their own lives and the broader cultural narratives they perpetuate.
Dismantling Racial Myths
Dr. Lewis also discusses the complex narrative of racial supremacy, emphasizing that the foundations of racism are built on cultural fictions rather than inherent truths. This critical perspective urges listeners to confront the myths surrounding race that have been ingrained into American society. The realization that many beliefs about racial hierarchy are merely constructed perceptions challenges individuals to reflect on their understanding of identity and belonging. By acknowledging these fictions, the conversation advocates for a collective effort to dismantle harmful narratives and strive for genuine racial equity.
In this episode, Dr. Sarah Lewis joins me again to talk about her new book, The Unseen Truth: When Race Changed Sight in America. With examples from her historical research, she walks me through the power of visual culture in generating equity and justice. We talk about how what we see and what’s left unseen shapes everything we believe about ourselves and other people — and how we can start changing the narrative about who counts and who belongs in America.