Join Jared Ball, a Professor of Africana and Communication Studies at Morgan State University and host of the iMiXWHATiLiKE! podcast, as he dives into the deep entanglements of colonization. He discusses the experiences of Indigenous peoples and the descendants of enslaved Africans, highlighting the media's role in activism. Ball examines internal colonialism in Black America, the intersections of cultural production in hip hop, and critiques settler colonialism's impact on identity. Their conversation pushes for meaningful representation and revolutionary change.
The intertwined histories of colonization for Indigenous peoples and enslaved Africans illustrate the shared struggles for liberation faced by both communities.
Jared Ball critiques mainstream media's misrepresentation of radical activism, advocating for digital platforms that foster collective dialogue and amplify oppressed voices.
The discussion on hip-hop reveals how cultural expressions can be both revolutionary and co-opted by oppressive systems, necessitating a critical re-evaluation of popular culture.
Deep dives
Exploring Colonization and Racialization
The podcast episode discusses the interconnected histories of colonization and racialization, particularly focusing on the experiences of Indigenous peoples and enslaved Africans in the United States. The conversation emphasizes that these overlapping narratives showcase the ongoing effects of colonization for both groups, highlighting how their struggles for resistance and liberation are intimately linked. For example, Jared Ball points out that while the Black experience is often framed through a lens of exploitation, it shares common ground with Indigenous struggles against settler colonialism. This shared history necessitates a unified perspective that acknowledges the distinct yet interconnected struggles both communities face.
Media's Role in Radical Discourse
Jared Ball articulates the vision behind Black Liberation Media, criticizing how mainstream media often distorts radical voices and activism. He argues that digital platforms should foster collaborative efforts rather than prioritize individualistic pursuits of fame and recognition. By creating a radical public sphere, the intention is to establish a collective dialogue that appropriately amplifies oppressed voices instead of reducing them to mere entertainment. This perspective acknowledges the need for media to serve as a tool for activism and liberation rather than a platform that perpetuates existing power structures.
The Complexity of Black Cultural Expression
The episode delves into the complexities of Black cultural expression, especially in relation to hip-hop and its historical roots in colonization. Jared Ball argues that while hip-hop has the potential for revolutionary change, it often gets co-opted and commodified within oppressive systems that use it to distract from broader structural issues. He highlights that cultural production should be viewed critically, allowing for an understanding of how it can simultaneously perpetuate the very systems it seeks to challenge. This critique urges audiences to reassess their relationship with popular culture and recognize the implications of consumption and production within a colonized context.
Challenges in the Media Landscape
The podcast also speaks to the difficulties faced by radical media outlets, particularly in terms of censorship and demonetization. Jared Ball shares his experiences with media outlets being targeted for discussing decolonization and anti-imperial narratives, suggesting that structures exist to suppress such discussions actively. The episode emphasizes the importance of membership-funded models, which can help maintain independence and support for radical journalism. This approach counters the pressures exerted by larger corporate sponsorships that often dictate the narratives presented to the public.
Settler Colonialism and Black Liberation
In discussing settler colonialism, the episode emphasizes its foundational role in shaping the relationship between Black and Indigenous communities within a capitalist framework. The speakers examine the assertion that Black people in the U.S. are often sidelined in discussions of settler colonialism despite their experiences being central to this conversation. By understanding internal colonialism as part of the shared struggle against settler colonialism, the potential for solidarity and collaboration between different oppressed groups is enhanced. This recognition allows for a more nuanced analysis of anti-colonial efforts that prioritize the liberation of all marginalized communities.
Jared A. Ball (@imixwhatilike) is Professor of Africana and Communication Studies at Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD. and host of the iMiXWHATiLiKE! podcast.
