

Ep. 46: (Un)learning for Liberation w/ Joshua Virasami, Dylan Rodriguez, Sonya Childress, Asher Gamedze, Thenmozhi Soundararajan, Kelsey Mohamed, Camille Barton, Aditi Jaganathan
13 snips Apr 30, 2021

Guest
Camille Barton

Guest
Thenmozhi Soundararajan

Guest
Asher Gamedze

Guest
Sonya Childress

Guest
Dylan Rodriguez

Guest
Joshua Virasami

Guest
Jemma Desai
Jemma Desai, a London-born film programmer, joins a powerhouse lineup, including artist Joshua Virasami, abolitionist thinkers Dylan Rodriguez and Sonya Childress, musician Asher Gamedze, and activist Thenmozhi Soundararajan. They discuss the transformative power of unlearning societal narratives to combat white supremacy and the importance of cultural intersections in activism. Asher shares insights on his jazz album, while Thenmozhi connects caste and systemic oppression. The conversation beautifully melds arts, education, and grassroots movements for collective healing and liberation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Institutions Rooted in White Supremacy
- Arts institutions are rooted in white supremacy where white middle-class able-bodied people are always seen as default in power.
- Diversity work in these spaces often excludes marginalized groups and is experienced as hostile and additional labor.
Engage Institutions Strategically
- The only real relationship to these institutions now is theft: take what you need and leave.
- Do not expect these institutions to nourish or include marginalized people meaningfully.
Educate, Agitate, Organize Framework
- Begin activism by educating yourself through reflection on your experiences and historical context.
- Effective organizing requires combining education, agitation, and collective organizing for sustained change.