People Who Read People: A Behavior and Psychology Podcast

Do simplistic ideas of power (e.g., oppressed/oppressor framings) reduce empathy? with Elizaveta Friesem

4 snips
Mar 26, 2024
Elizaveta Friesem, a writer and researcher focusing on media and social power, dives into the complexities of power dynamics. She critiques oversimplified views of oppressor and oppressed, arguing they diminish empathy. The conversation reveals how Michel Foucault’s ideas challenge binary thinking and highlights the nuanced nature of power throughout history. Friesem also connects power and free will, exploring their implications in political polarization. Ultimately, she advocates for deeper understanding and compassion in addressing societal issues.
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INSIGHT

Power as a Complex Flow

  • Power is not binary; it's a continuous flow shaping society dynamically.
  • Even the most powerful, like a king, face limitations and influences beyond their control.
ANECDOTE

Louis XIV: Power and Powerlessness

  • Louis XIV had immense power but also faced significant constraints from court life and expectations.
  • His early years showed how even a king could be powerless within his own system.
INSIGHT

Power Coexists With Powerlessness

  • Power exists simultaneously with powerlessness within individuals depending on context.
  • Understanding macro and micro levels of power helps transcend simple victim/oppressor narratives.
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