Actors Strike Ends, OpenAI's Big Moves, and Guest Mattie Kahn
Nov 10, 2023
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In this engaging conversation, Mattie Kahn, author of "Young and Restless: The Girls Who Sparked America's Revolutions," shares insights on the impactful activism of young women today. She highlights the role of teenage girls in movements like abortion rights and how they leverage social media for change. The discussion also touches on the recent SAG-AFTRA strike's implications for Hollywood and OpenAI's groundbreaking advancements in technology. Kahn emphasizes the urgency of ensuring access to healthcare and mental health resources for youths in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape.
Young women have played a significant role in various social movements throughout history, fighting for labor and voting rights, racial equity, and reproductive freedom.
Present-day activism is heavily influenced by young women, who are using their power and influence to address important issues like gun violence and climate change.
Technology and social media have empowered young activists to amplify their voices, but it is important to navigate the downsides and pressures associated with online activism and focus on creating real-world change.
Deep dives
The Power of Young Women in Social Movements Throughout History
The book explores how young women have played a significant role in various social movements, including fighting for labor and voting rights, racial equity, and reproductive freedom.
The Impact of Young Women in the Modern Activism Landscape
The podcast discusses the power and influence of young women in present day activism, highlighting examples such as the Parkland anti-gun violence movement and Greta Thunberg's climate activism.
The Importance of Amplification and Technology in Youth Activism
The podcast acknowledges the role of technology and social media in empowering young activists to amplify their voices and reach larger audiences, but also acknowledges the downsides and pressures associated with online activism.
Challenges and Risks of Young Activism
The podcast addresses the potential downsides of young activism, such as the risk of creating further division or engaging in online witch hunts. It emphasizes the importance of translating online activism into real-world organizing and lasting change.
The Importance of Empowering Young People
Young people, particularly those who feel disempowered and uncertain about their future, may express their frustrations through drastic actions and misplaced anger. It is crucial for institutions, such as schools, to promote the idea that young people have agency and can make meaningful changes in their own lives. The lack of a trusted source of information and the abundance of aggregated news from multiple platforms can further contribute to polarization and division. It is essential to remind young people that they have the power to shape their own communities and make a positive impact on a local level.
The Role of Institutions in Guiding Young People
Institutions, particularly universities, should play a more significant role in informing and guiding young people. Merely letting them navigate the complex issues among themselves without guidance is not effective. Providing forums for open dialogue and allowing students to ask questions and discuss their concerns can foster productive conversations. Dialogue and partnership between generations are crucial for meaningful change. Additionally, universities should recognize that learning extends beyond the classroom and create opportunities for students to engage in real-world issues and develop a broader understanding of the world.
Kara and Scott discuss the winners and losers from the GOP debate, Disney's latest earnings, and why Rivian seems to be bucking EV trends. Then, the 118-day SAG-AFTRA strike is coming to an end, but who's really coming out on top? Plus, OpenAI makes a big announcement that Kara calls a "power move." Finally, our Friend of Pivot is Mattie Kahn, who writes about girls being a force for change in her new book, "Young and Restless: The Girls Who Sparked America's Revolutions."
