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Jacobin Radio

Behind the News: Ethel Rosenberg's Execution w/ Michael Meeropol

Nov 25, 2024
Michael Meeropol, the son of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg, passionately advocates for his mother's exoneration, discussing the injustice of her execution despite mounting evidence of her innocence. Ruth Whippman, author of 'Boy Mom,' shares insights on modern masculinity, revealing the complexities of raising boys in today's society. They explore the emotional and societal pressures affecting young boys, challenge traditional norms, and underscore the importance of fostering healthy emotional development amidst patriarchal constraints.
53:01

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Quick takeaways

  • Michael Meeropol advocates for his mother Ethel's posthumous exoneration, highlighting new evidence of her innocence and government injustices.
  • Ruth Whippman addresses the emotional challenges boys face amid societal pressures to conform to rigid masculinity, affecting their development.

Deep dives

The Rosenbergs' Controversial Legacy

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were executed in 1953 for allegedly spying for the Soviet Union, which sparked intense debates on their guilt, especially regarding Ethel's role. Over the years, advocates for their innocence highlighted the questionable nature of the evidence against them, particularly the testimony of Ethel's brother, David Greenglass, who later recanted his claims. The release of the Venona materials in the 1990s confirmed Julius's involvement in espionage, but Ethel's innocence remains a focal point of contention since she was not given a code name or evidence linking her directly to espionage activities. Michael Mirapol, their son, has tirelessly campaigned for a posthumous declaration of Ethel's innocence, hoping to bring attention to past miscarriages of justice.

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