s06e08 | Normalizing the Pathological, Pathologizing the Normal with Eliza Mondegreen and Jessie Mannisto
Sep 23, 2023
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Eliza Mondegreen and Jessie Mannisto discuss our culture's obsession with normalizing the pathological and pathologizing the normal. Topics include positive disintegration, trans identity, finding community, Robert F. Kennedy's character, Jim Henson as a teenage role model, documenting the Great Depression, muck-raking journalism, dynamics and fault lines among different groups, and controversy surrounding gender.
Our culture tends to normalize pathological behavior while pathologizing normal behavior.
Mixing research and advocacy in organizations can result in manipulating research to fit predetermined conclusions.
Guilt and shame have been used to control and influence white progressives in progressive spaces.
The shift towards abstract battles against white supremacy and transphobia changed the dynamics within the workplace.
Deep dives
The Story of Dorothy Alego: The Photographer Who Exposed the Truth
Dorothy Alego, a photographer during the Great Depression, used her camera to document the realities of the time. She captured the struggles of everyday people and humanized their experiences. Alego's work shed light on the hardships faced by many, leading to increased support for social programs. Her commitment to exposing the truth and bringing attention to those in need made her a role model for many.
The Influence of Jim Henson: Embracing Individuality and Creativity
Jim Henson, creator of iconic characters and stories, inspired many with his ability to blend silliness and seriousness. Through his work in television and film, such as Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, Henson showed the power of embracing one's individuality and exploring the depths of imagination. He encouraged both potency and prolificness in creating meaningful and diverse content, from children's songs to philosophical works, making him a role model for those seeking to navigate the creative and intellectual realms.
Navigating Solitude through Literature and the Life of the Mind
Solitude and the exploration of literature and intellectual pursuits often go hand in hand. Many individuals find solace and connection through books, which serve as a gateway to the realms of imagination and knowledge. This unique form of solitude, where one is surrounded by others yet engaged in deep introspection, can foster individuality and a profound appreciation for the beauty of the written word. By cultivating a love for literature and embracing solitude, individuals can navigate the world of ideas and uncover their own unique perspectives.
The Journey of Self-Discovery: Embracing Weirdness and Finding Belonging
The journey of self-discovery often involves embracing one's own weirdness and finding a sense of belonging. This process can be challenging, whether as a teenager or an adult, as one navigates societal expectations and explores personal interests. Role models like Dorothy Alego, Jim Henson, and other unconventional individuals demonstrate the power of being true to oneself and embracing individuality. By valuing uniqueness and following one's passions, individuals can find a community of like-minded individuals and create their own path of personal growth and fulfillment.
The shift from practical policy changes to abstract battles
The speaker discusses how their workplace, initially focused on advocating for practical policy changes that had a tangible impact on people's lives, shifted towards abstract battles primarily against white supremacy and transphobia. This shift resulted in a change in the nature of their work and the dynamics within the office. The focus became more rhetorical, emphasizing sensitivity and marginalization, rather than practical material changes.
The impact of mixing research and advocacy
The speaker highlights the risks involved in mixing research and advocacy within organizations. While it is important for research to inform advocacy, there is a temptation to put advocacy first and manipulate research to fit predetermined conclusions. This approach becomes especially problematic when applied to issues like anti-racism and gender, where the assumption is that racism and transphobia operate in every situation. The speaker reflects on how different orientations within their organization eventually led to diverging viewpoints and professional choices.
The role of guilt, shame, and insecurity in progressive spaces
The speaker suggests that guilt and shame have been manipulated in progressive spaces to control and influence white progressives. By stirring up these emotions, individuals become more malleable and susceptible to adopting extreme sensitivity and ideological views. This process creates a distinction between those who conform to progressive ideology and differentiate themselves from those considered 'bad white people.' The speaker points out that this tactic can create fractures and divisions within the progressive movement as individual perspectives and orientations start to diverge.
