In this engaging discussion, Dorothy Fortenberry, a writer for Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale, shares insights on women’s roles in politics. Growing up in Washington, D.C. shaped her perspective on activism and community involvement. She tackles the complexities of identities within feminism, especially post-2016, while critiquing figures like Amy Coney Barrett. Fortenberry encourages the left to seize existing institutions and reflects on the importance of authenticity among female candidates. It’s a vibrant conversation that dives into the changing landscape of women in activism.
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Quick takeaways
Dorothy Fortenberry emphasizes the evolving political engagement of suburban women, highlighting their crucial influence on recent electoral outcomes.
The podcast explores the challenges women face in politics, especially around portraying authenticity while balancing motherhood and professional identity.
A critique of Amy Coney Barrett showcases the contradictions in how traditional womanhood is politically leveraged, revealing deeper systemic flaws.
Deep dives
Voice Distinction and Podcast Tone
The hosts, Matt Sittman and Sam Adler-Bell, discuss the challenges listeners face in distinguishing their voices, humorously suggesting that their vocal tones reflect their personalities. Sam presents his voice as more optimistic compared to Matt's more sardonic demeanor, suggesting this dynamic may help listeners identify them better. They acknowledge their shared experiences with depression, teasing how Matt manages to project a brighter disposition while recording. This lighthearted banter sets a casual and relatable tone for the episode, making the podcast feel accessible and engaging.
Dorothy Fortenberry as a Guest
Dorothy Fortenberry, a prominent playwright and screenwriter known for her work on 'The Handmaid's Tale', is introduced as a key guest on the episode. The hosts express their excitement to feature her, having long desired the conversation, highlighting her intellect and political insights. The discussion ranges across various themes, particularly focusing on women's roles in politics and the implications of contemporary political figures like Amy Coney Barrett. Their enthusiasm for Fortenberry's sharp observations creates a sense of anticipation for listeners regarding the topics they'll explore.
Suburban Women in Politics
The conversation pivots to the political engagement of suburban women, emphasizing their critical role in shaping recent electoral outcomes. Fortenberry notes that suburban demographics are diverse, challenging the notion that they can be easily categorized by political affiliations. The hosts reflect on how suburban women's activism evolved post-2016, driven by issues like child separation from parents, which resonated strongly within their communities. This engagement demonstrates how personal and communal values drive political participation, indicating a shift towards activism among suburban moms.
Gender and Political Authenticity
The podcast delves into the challenges women face in politics, particularly regarding the authenticity they must portray while navigating traditional gender roles. Fortenberry discusses how female politicians often grapple with perceptions of sincerity, especially when their professional lives intersect with motherhood. The conversation highlights the need for women in politics to authentically represent their beliefs without succumbing to damaging stereotypes. By examining figures like Amy Coney Barrett, they critique how societal expectations impact women’s political identities and the authenticity required to succeed.
The Disconnect in Political Narratives
Fortenberry points out the contrasting narratives surrounding political figures like Amy Coney Barrett, who is portrayed as embodying traditional womanhood yet often acts against vulnerable populations through her judicial decisions. The hosts discuss how this hypocrisy reveals deeper flaws in the political messaging surrounding women, especially from conservative angles. They critique how Barrett’s presentation as a caring mother contradicts her anti-healthcare stance, demonstrating a troubling pattern in how women's stories are utilized politically. This examination underscores the complexity of representing women in politics while maintaining consistency with their actions and beliefs.
Matt and Sam are joined by Dorothy Fortenberry for a wide-ranging conversation about women and politics. Topics include growing up in Washington, D.C; her experiences writing women characters in Hollywood; why the left should take over existing institutions; the complicated Catholic motherhood of Amy Coney Barrett; and much, much more. For those not familiar with her work, Fortenberry is a writer and producer on Hulu’s award-winning adaptation of The Handmaid’s Tale, and her plays include Species Native, Partners, Mommune, and Good Egg. She's a regular contributor to Commonweal, among other publications, though for her latest political takes you should follow her on Twitter (@Dorothy410berry).