Mariana Alessandri, an Associate Professor of Philosophy specializing in existentialism and Latina feminist thought, explores the significance of 'dark moods' and their essential role in the human experience. She discusses how societal obsession with positivity can harm emotional health and critiques the stigma surrounding grief and sadness. Mariana emphasizes the importance of embracing negative emotions and challenges the medical field's rigid perceptions of grief. Her insights encourage a more compassionate understanding of emotional struggles.
Mariana Alessandri argues that dark moods should not be pathologized but embraced as fundamental human experiences that enrich our emotional understanding.
The podcast highlights the detrimental effects of toxic positivity on individuals experiencing dark emotions, fostering shame and discouraging open dialogue about mental health.
Alessandri critiques societal norms around grief, advocating for a more compassionate recognition of individual mourning processes free from arbitrary timelines.
Deep dives
Gloria Anzaldúa's Philosophical Journey
Gloria Anzaldúa's early interest in philosophy was marked by her connection to existential thinkers like Nietzsche and Kierkegaard, which shaped her understanding of dark moods. Growing up in the borderlands of Texas, she identified as an 'alien from another planet,' grappling with feelings of alienation and depression. Rather than viewing her struggles with despair as a sickness, Anzaldúa reframed them as experiences to embrace, finding resonance in Kierkegaard's reflections on despair. This unique perspective laid the groundwork for her influential work, 'Borderlands/La Frontera,' where she explores the emotional dichotomies faced by individuals at the crossroads of cultural identities and psychological barriers.
The Significance of Dark Moods
The conceptualization of dark moods challenges the conventional view of emotions in philosophy, moving beyond labeling them as merely 'bad.' Mariana Alessandri emphasizes that moods such as anxiety and anger should not be seen as pathologies but instead as integral aspects of human experience that deserve exploration. This perspective encourages a dialogue about how societal norms often marginalize dark moods, limiting recognition and acceptance of their validity. By shifting the narrative around these moods, Alessandri calls for an appreciation of the depth they add to our emotional landscapes, promoting a broader understanding of mental health.
Distinguishing Moods from Feelings
Alessandri's distinction between moods and feelings highlights the persistent nature of moods compared to more transient feelings. Moods, such as anxiety or frustration, shape one’s overall existence and outlook rather than being triggered by specific situational stimuli. This existential approach reveals that while feelings can be fleeting, moods are deeply embedded in our personal identity and experience. By understanding this differentiation, individuals can better navigate their emotional lives and cultivate a richer awareness of their moods as integral rather than detrimental.
The Role of Shame in Dark Moods
Shame often compounds the difficulties associated with experiencing dark moods, particularly in a society that pressures individuals to overcome them immediately. Alessandri notes that societal expectations dictate a form of toxic positivity, which discourages open discussions about sadness, anxiety, and other dark emotions. This stigma not only alienates individuals but can lead them to internalize shame regarding their experiences. By fostering environments where vulnerability is accepted, individuals can reclaim their dignity and navigate their emotional challenges more effectively.
Rethinking Grief and Loss
Grief is approached with a critical lens, acknowledging that societal norms often pathologize mourning within arbitrary timeframes. Alessandri advocates for recognizing and respecting each person’s distinct grieving process without imposing timelines or expectations, a view that stands in stark contrast to common medical perspectives. This recognition urges society to embrace the complexities of grief, allowing individuals to experience their emotions authentically without judgment. Ultimately, allowing space for grief fosters empathy and supports deeper connections, reminding us of the inherent dignity in shared human experiences.
In a world that has developed a collective fear of the dark, how can we navigate the not-so-positive feelings that we experience? In episode 121 of Overthink, Ellie and David chat with philosopher Mariana Alessandri about her book, Dark Moods. They talk about how the obsession with light fuels toxic positivity, the ways shame amplifies dark moods, and the harmful effects of associating light with good and darkness with bad. Why does society disregard negative emotions? Does the medical field pathologize grief for good reason? And should we strive to make people feel better when they’re experiencing a dark mood? Plus, in the Patreon bonus, they consider the difficulties of experiencing emotions that lie in a gray area, different types of anger, and whether we need to move away from metaphors of light and darkness entirely.
Works Discussed: Mariana Alessandri, Night Vision, Seeing Ourselves Through Dark Moods Gloria Anzaldúa, Borderlands/La Frontera: The New Mestiza William James, The Varieties of Religious Experience Plato, The Republic Miguel de Unamuno, The Tragic Sense of Life
