In 'The List,' an allegation of sexual misconduct wreaks havoc on a relationship
Nov 2, 2023
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Yomi Adegoke, author of The List, discusses the impact of allegations on a power couple's relationship. The novel fictionalizes a controversial list of men accused of sexual misconduct. It explores questions of ethics, self-empowerment, and the challenges faced by a dark-skinned black couple.
The novel 'The List' raises ethical concerns about online anonymity and its potential for being weaponized, while exploring the tension between personal convictions and complicated questions in the face of an accusation of sexual misconduct.
The portrayal of Ola and Michael as a black British couple in 'The List' brings distinct nuances to the story, highlighting the rarity of representation of dark-skinned black couples in the media and emphasizing the complexities of the narrative in terms of race and intersectionality.
Deep dives
The List: Exploring Questions of Conviction and Compromise
The podcast episode discusses Yomi Aragoke's novel, 'The List,' which revolves around a fictional version of a spreadsheet called the 'shitty media men list,' which exposed men in media accused of sexual misconduct during the MeToo movement. The protagonist, Ola, faces a difficult decision when her fiancé, Michael, is named on the list. The story explores the tension between convictions and complicating questions, as Ola grapples with deciding whether to believe Michael, dump him, or proceed with the wedding. The novel raises ethical concerns about online anonymity and the potential for it to be weaponized. Additionally, the podcast highlights Ola's journey of choosing herself and defining her identity outside of her relationship and her partner's alleged crimes.
The Nuances of Representation in 'The List'
In 'The List,' Ola and Michael are portrayed as a black British couple, which brings distinct nuances to the story. The podcast highlights how representation of dark-skinned black couples, particularly in the media, is relatively rare, making their relationship more significant and garnering support from audiences. The podcast also addresses how accusations against a black man of intimate violence or harassment can carry different implications compared to a white couple, due to historical context and the intersection of racism. The discussion emphasizes the complexities of the narrative and the importance of acknowledging that both assumptions of guilt and actual guilt can coexist. These dynamics add depth and dimension to the story and spark thought-provoking conversations about race and representation.
Ola and Michael are, by all means, a power couple. They're both high-profile journalists, engaged to be married in a month, who wake up one morning to find Michael's name on an anonymous list of predatory men in media. In today's episode, author Yomi Adegoke discusses her new novel, The List, which was inspired by a similar document published online during the #MeToo Movement. She tells NPR's Ayesha Rascoe how Ola and Michael's Blackness, online anonymity, and social media complicate – and challenge – Ola's personal and political convictions.