Writer Jia Tolentino: Feminism, Fatalism, and the Ego-Death of Motherhood
Sep 30, 2021
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Jia Tolentino, NYT bestselling author and New Yorker staff writer, discusses the challenges of new motherhood, failures of capitalism, and the urgent need for collective action on climate change. The conversation also touches on topics like the impact of the pandemic, flaws in philanthropy, and the dominance of men in the field.
Motherhood shapes worldview and highlights the importance of collective ambition and dismantling gender indoctrination.
Understanding and supporting grassroots movements and advocating for systemic change are crucial for addressing societal challenges.
Deep dives
Feminism and the Need for a New Normal
Abigail Disney hosts a podcast episode where she discusses the need for a new normal, focusing on the experiences of women and the challenges they face. She interviews Geotollentino, a writer whose book of essays provides profound insights into various social issues. Geot shares her experience of becoming a mother and how it has reshaped her worldview, emphasizing the importance of collective ambition and dismantling gender indoctrination from an early age. They also discuss the evolving nature of feminism and the challenges it faces, including the tension between individualistic and collective approaches. Abigail and Geot highlight the importance of understanding and supporting grassroots movements and the need for systemic change rather than relying solely on market-based solutions.
The Power of Surrender and Humility
Abigail Disney and Geotollentino explore the concept of surrender and humility in tackling societal challenges. They discuss the limitations of individualistic approaches and the need to prioritize collective action in order to address systemic issues. Geot stresses the importance of accepting individual limitations and striving for impact at smaller scales. They also touch upon the role of philanthropy and the potential negative consequences of market-driven approaches that prioritize measurements and scale over local grassroots efforts.
Gender, Individualism, and Feminism
Abigail Disney and Geotollentino delve into the complexities of gender, individualism, and feminism. They discuss how societal norms and expectations can shape individuals' paths and the pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. They reflect on the evolving nature of feminism and the tension between different waves of the movement. Geot shares her experiences, both as a writer and within feminist spaces, highlighting the importance of continuous change and the embrace of productive conflict within the movement.
The Urgency for Systemic Change
Abigail Disney and Geotollentino address the urgency for systemic change in society. They highlight the destructive nature of capitalist individualism and emphasize the need to challenge and dismantle oppressive systems. They discuss the potential for strikes and general strikes as powerful tools for effecting change and advocate for the revitalization of collective actions. Geot also explores the intersection of the climate crisis and the need for a more diverse range of strategies, moving beyond traditional peaceful protests.
This week on All Ears, Abby is joined by NYT bestselling author and New Yorker staff writer Jia Tolentino. Before working at the New Yorker, Jia was a writer and editor at Jezebel and The Hairpin. She’s devoted her career and her unique voice to writing about a wide variety of cultural and social issues, including America’s ever-changing relationship to feminism, abortion, Britney Spears’ conservatorship, and what it means to walk away from a religion. In this week’s conversation with Abby, she discusses what it’s like being a new mother, the persistent failures of capitalism, and the urgent need for collective action on climate change. Tune in for a fun and stimulating conversation about what kind of world she hopes her daughter will get to grow up in.
