Edition 104: The US Presidential Elections with aurora linnea, Lola Bessis, Sekhmet SheOwl & Katherine Acosta
Dec 5, 2024
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Katherine Acosta, a feminist sociologist and writer, brings her insights on the recent U.S. Presidential Elections and their implications for women. She critiques the limitations of the electoral system and discusses the pervasive misogyny in politics. Acosta emphasizes the need for collective feminist activism beyond traditional voting. The conversation touches on systemic challenges faced by women, such as political repression and the illusion of choice in electoral politics. Listeners are encouraged to explore alternatives to foster real change.
The podcast critiques the U.S. electoral system, highlighting its manipulation and the disconnect between political campaigning and genuine democracy.
It emphasizes the need for women to unite across political lines to demand substantial change and challenge systemic discrimination and violence.
Deep dives
The Absurdity of the Electoral System
The podcast critiques the U.S. electoral system, highlighting the manipulation inherent in political campaigning. The constant barrage of political texts is portrayed as an invasion of privacy and an assault on individual intelligence. The speaker expresses frustration at how technology has masqueraded as grassroots organizing while ultimately maintaining the status quo. A personal experience is shared, illustrating how deep-rooted disillusionment towards the two-party system stems from its failure to represent true democracy.
Women’s Rights and Political Discourse
The episode emphasizes the disconnect between women's lived experiences and political discourse across the political spectrum. High-profile cases of violence against women are recounted, showcasing the systemic failings in protecting women's rights globally. A significant focus is placed on the feminist community's struggle against male dominance in politics and society, indicating that regardless of political affiliation, women face discrimination and violence. It advocates the need for women to unite and demand substantial change rather than settle for inadequate representation.
The Challenge of Identity Politics
The podcast addresses the complex dynamics of identity politics and the emergent division within feminist circles. It questions whether women's rights can be robustly advocated through any single political narrative and challenges the notion that electoral politics can yield genuine progress for women's liberation. The speakers argue for a broader coalition among women, urging a focus on shared goals rather than divisive labels that hinder collective action. The conversation highlights the necessity for women to transcend party lines to foster empowerment and cooperative engagement.
The Futility of Expecting Change Through Elections
The conversation culminates with a stark recognition of the limitations of electoral politics to effect meaningful change for women's liberation. Despite the allure of participating in the electoral process, the speakers articulate a sense of futility in trusting politicians, regardless of gender, to enact policies that genuinely benefit women. The emphasis is on the patriarchal nature of the political system, which they argue is inescapable, thus necessitating grassroots solutions and personal responsibility beyond traditional political frameworks. This perspective encourages individuals to reclaim agency in their activism, focusing on collective action for real societal change.
First up, hear the greeting by Thistle before listening to Mary O'Neill deliver WLRN's world news segment. Then, enjoy Thistle's original song Sticky Red Egg before tuning in to aurora's commentary on the US Presidential Elections cycle. After aurora shares her views, it's on to Lola and her take on the American electoral political scene. Finally, our oldest member Sekhmet SheOwl weighs in with her powerful words before our special guest, Katherine Acosta gives us her analysis of this last election cycle and what it means for women. You can check out more of Kathy's work at https://katherinemacosta.substack.com/. Thanks for tuning in to feminist community powered radio, WLRN! #WLRN #presidentialelections #Kamala #Trump #elections
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