Academic, activist, and author Kehinde Andrews explores the concept of whiteness as a psychosis, discussing historical inaccuracies in films, complexities of returning objects to Nigeria, and the impact of societal structures on marginalized groups. The lack of progress under the first black president and the need for revolution to combat white supremacy are also discussed.
Whiteness deludes people and creates a disconnection from reality, perpetuating and justifying racism.
Mandela's negotiation and settlement perpetuated a form of benevolent colonialism, not bringing substantial progress for black people in post-apartheid South Africa.
Deep dives
Power, Politics, and Corruption
This podcast episode delves into the discussion of politics, power, and corruption. It explores the dynamics of who gets to hold power and who is excluded, as well as the potential corruption that arises from having power. The speakers question if power always leads to corruption or if there are examples of leaders who maintain their integrity while in authority. They also explore how the nature of power varies across different times and cultures.
The Psychosis of Whiteness
The episode features an interview with Kayan Day Anders, an academic and author, who discusses his book 'The Psychosis of Whiteness: Surviving the Insanity of a Racist World.' The author explains that whiteness is a set of irrational and distorted ideas about understanding the world. He uses the metaphor of psychosis to describe how whiteness deludes people and creates a disconnection from reality. The discussion delves into the impact of whiteness on society and how it justifies and perpetuates racism, as well as the challenges in rationalizing with whiteness.
The Legacy of Nelson Mandela
The podcast critically examines the legacy of Nelson Mandela, the first black president of South Africa. The conversation highlights the compromises Mandela made during the negotiation process, which resulted in a settlement that still maintained white economic power while offering political power to black South Africans. The speaker argues that Mandela's negotiation and settlement perpetuated a form of benevolent colonialism and did not bring substantial progress for black people in the country. The discussion challenges the idealized portrayal of Mandela and his role in post-apartheid South Africa.
The Need for Radical Change
The episode concludes with a discussion on the need for radical change to tackle the systemic injustices ingrained in society. The speaker emphasizes the importance of revolutionary politics and the unviability of reforming the existing economic systems and institutions, such as the World Trade Organization and international financial organizations. They advocate for a unity between Africa and its diaspora to challenge the structures that perpetuate white supremacy and exploitation. The conversation stresses the necessity of dismantling colonial and neo-colonial power dynamics to create a more equitable and just world.
Academic, activist and author Kehinde Andrews is Professor of Black Studies at Birmingham City University. His books include Back to Black: Retelling Black Radicalism for the 21st Century and Resisting Racism: Race, Inequality and the Black Supplementary School Movement. His latest is The Psychosis of Whiteness, which explores why society cannot face up to the racism at its heart and in its history. Andrews says that while we look to self-help books and vote in leaders who do not represent a diverse electorate, society's actions are akin to delusions, irrationalities, hallucinations and what could be described as a psychosis. Joining Andrews in conversation is psychiatrist, broadcaster and author, Femi Oyebode.
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