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This American Life
857: Museum of Now
Mar 30, 2025
Emmanuel Dzotsi, a producer at This American Life, vividly shares his experiences around the dismantling of the Black Lives Matter mural in D.C. Ranjani Srinivasan, a Columbia graduate student, recounts a harrowing five-day ordeal after her visa was revoked, navigating the complexities of ICE. Laura Starecheski provides a gripping account of a court hearing about the Trump administration’s transgender military ban, highlighting the emotional and legal tensions surrounding identity and justice. Together, they paint a compelling picture of our turbulent times.
01:05:09
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Quick takeaways
- The removal of the Black Lives Matter mural in DC highlights societal indifference and the personal significance of community symbols amidst political pressure.
- Individual stories, like that of a transformed immigrant student, illustrate the emotional and legal turmoil stemming from broader policy decisions and enforcement actions.
Deep dives
The Removal of a Symbol
A contentious event surrounding the removal of the Black Lives Matter mural in Washington, D.C. is highlighted, with construction workers tearing it out in response to pressure from the Trump administration. Observers note that the removal was largely ignored by passersby, indicating a general apathy towards the event. One woman, however, stops to collect a piece of the mural, reinforcing the personal significance of the mural to others despite the broader community's indifference. This situation evokes a sense of loss and reflects the changing sentiments about racial justice as the mural, once a symbol of solidarity, is eliminated.
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Discover
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode