Ep 16 Little Red School House Cross-Upload: On Decolonization Pt. 1
Jun 3, 2021
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This podcast explores decolonization, radical education, and indigenous voices. It delves into the concept of settler colonialism, the true story behind the Mayflower and American Revolution, and the importance of evaluating social systems. The hosts discuss cooperation vs survival of the fittest, the significance of last names and family history, and the importance of community support. They question representation in TV shows, discuss power and self-determination in decolonization, and explore the misunderstood concept of warrior culture. The podcast also highlights the importance of oral history, openness to criticism, and the support for indigenous nations. Lastly, it mentions remarkable places to visit outside of national parks like the Badlands and Detroit.
The podcast challenges the glorified narratives of American history and highlights the role of slavery in the founding of the United States.
It emphasizes the importance of uncovering the true history behind accepted narratives and teaching about the history of dispossession and migration.
The podcast discusses the sanitization and distortion of revolutionary figures like Fred Hampton in mainstream media.
It calls for a holistic understanding of history and emphasizes the need to evaluate social systems and movements from their historical conditions.
The podcast highlights the importance of accounting for the history and cultural heritage of marginalized groups to create a more equitable world.
Engaging in practice through material support and solidarity is vital in the decolonization process.
Deep dives
The myth of settler colonialism
The podcast explores the misconceptions and distortions surrounding the myth of settler colonialism, highlighting the true intentions and motivations behind the Mayflower's arrival in America and the American Revolution. It delves into the economic interests underlying the revolution and the role of slavery in the founding of the United States. The discussion challenges the glorified narratives of American history and the silencing of indigenous narratives.
Uncovering the truth behind history
The podcast emphasizes the importance of uncovering the true history behind accepted narratives, highlighting the erasure and distortion of indigenous history and experiences. It discusses the limited perspective offered by settler culture and the need for radical educators to challenge these narratives, teaching about the history of dispossession, migration, and prehistory. It encourages the exploration and appreciation of diverse indigenous perspectives and the decolonization of historical thought.
Reclaiming the history of Fred Hampton
The podcast reflects on the tragic history of Fred Hampton, discussing the sanitization and distortion of his story in mainstream media. It highlights how dominant culture often appropriates revolutionary figures, seeking to separate them from their radical politics. It emphasizes the need to critically engage with history, reclaim narratives, and challenge the systems of oppression that continue to perpetuate dispossession and violence.
Demystifying history and promoting interconnected analysis
The podcast calls for demystifying history and approaching it through an interconnected and interdependent analysis. It questions the prevailing narratives that fragment history and emphasizes the importance of evaluating social systems and movements from the conditions that gave rise to them. It encourages a dialectical analysis that goes beyond preconceived ideas of eternal justice, promoting a holistic understanding of history and its impact on contemporary society.
Importance of acknowledging history and diverse cultures
It is crucial to account for the history and cultural heritage of marginalized groups in order to build a solid foundation for society. Neglecting to include their experiences perpetuates harmful myths of exceptionalism. Teaching alternative facts to children only further reinforces biased narratives. Understanding the contradictions in society and challenging bourgeois control is essential to creating a more equitable world.
Taking action in decolonization
Engaging in practice is vital in the decolonization process. It is important to go beyond theoretical discussions and actively participate in actions that address the material needs of marginalized communities. This could involve donating money, providing resources like food and clothing, or getting involved in mutual aid efforts. It is crucial to move beyond mere sympathy and actually assist those in need.
Avoiding homogenization and assimilation
While engaging in solidarity with indigenous communities, it is important for settlers to avoid homogenizing or assimilating their cultures. Approaching with humility and a willingness to learn is crucial. Settler solidarity should not seek approval or judgment, but rather aim to build mutual relationships based on trust, self-determination, and respect for diverse perspectives.
Examining alternative decolonization models
Rather than replicating previous models of decolonization, it is important to explore and learn from current initiatives. Examples like Bolivia's plural national model and other ongoing struggles can provide valuable insights. It is essential to understand that decolonization is an ongoing process shaped by specific contexts and the needs of indigenous communities.
Challenges of Identity and Alienation
The podcast episode delves into the challenges faced by Native Americans in terms of identity and cultural alienation. The speaker discusses the personal struggle of feeling like an imposter due to societal pressure and the difficulty of fully connecting with and translating their culture. The impact of colonization on the native identity is also explored, highlighting the prevalence of schizophrenia and generational trauma within indigenous communities.
Misrepresentation and Stereotyping in Popular Culture
The podcast episode addresses the issue of misrepresentation and stereotyping of indigenous people in popular culture. The speaker discusses how indigenous cultures are often reduced to one-dimensional depictions in film, TV shows, and video games. This leads to the perpetuation of harmful stereotypes and the erasure of diverse native cultures and histories. The impact of such misrepresentation on native individuals' sense of identity and self-worth is emphasized.
The Importance of Oral History and Decolonization
The podcast episode emphasizes the significance of oral history in understanding and reclaiming indigenous cultures. The speaker highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing traditional storytelling as a means of preserving cultural heritage and passing down important lessons. Additionally, the episode emphasizes the need for decolonization and the inclusion of indigenous voices and perspectives in shaping a more equitable and just society. The role of education, both in terms of personal learning and supporting indigenous causes, is highlighted as a crucial step in this process.
Thank you for downloading and listening. In this episode we discuss decolonization with Gord from Little Red School House. This episode and other are already available on their feed, so check them out now if you want your fix earlier. Otherwise since I am on a research trip this summer I am cheating and using these as my summer episodes with a double upload this month. I look forward to the next completely unheard episode and hope ya'll enjoy the summer vacation. I have also started a patreon again explicitly to fund my research on the American Indian Movement, Red Power, and Indigenous Resistance. The goal is to reach $500 a month so I don’t have to worry about my rent and bills, while I donate plasma and do podcasting to earn more money on the side. This all will contribute to several books, the People’s History podcast, and a large archival project of oral histories; as well as I will be dumb stuff along the side to have fun like a Pizza/Communism documentary I am filming on my research trip. So please help fuel these endeavors, and help me become a full time podcaster.
With that I would like to thank the following people Lake P (the first every patron), the absolute best person Kelbaenor who is just a good friend, Rocco, Gina C, MIchael M, d-lang, and silverwit who have been Patrons every time it's been running. Our sometimes co-host cerb, Lazar long ass K-name, and lastly my boi Grant. If you want to be a part of this ever growing list of names please donate. We are 400 plus dollars away from the goal. However I would prefer if you donate to the Jarvis Bay community water drive which is $7000 plus off. I will be donating monthly, but obviously we all should. This thank you will go into the end of every episode after this summer I am sorry I can't do it sooner :c
