Pod Save America Introducing: Mother Country Radicals
Jul 5, 2022
Bernadine Dohrn, a pivotal member of the Weather Underground Organization, reflects on her radical past in conversation with her son, Zayd. They delve into the intense activism of the 1970s, revealing how young radicals fought against government oppression and racial injustice. The discussion highlights personal narratives of growing up in a revolutionary environment and the complexities of activism, including the roles of race and gender. Their experiences shed light on the transformative nature of their struggles amid societal upheaval.
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Bernadine's Declaration of War
- Bernadine Dohrn, at 28, declared war against the U.S. government via a cassette tape.
- This act transformed her from a peace activist into a revolutionary fugitive.
White Youth Rebellion
- Middle-class white kids took up arms against their own country, a rare occurrence.
- They felt their privilege put them on the wrong side of history, prompting radical action.
Zayd's Underground Childhood
- Zayd Ayers-Dohrn grew up underground with his parents, using fake names and paying cash.
- Despite knowing the FBI pursued them, his childhood felt normal.