The Russell Moore Show
A Conversation with Pulitzer-Winning Poet Natasha Trethewey
Jan 1, 2025
Natasha Trethewey, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and former U.S. Poet Laureate, shares her powerful insights on identity and belonging. She reflects on her ties to Mississippi and experiences of Hurricane Katrina. Trethewey discusses the emotional journeys explored in her work, particularly grief and faith, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in healing. Their conversation touches on the significance of reclaiming marginalized narratives and the role of poetry in connecting with deeper truths about life and loss.
43:12
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Quick takeaways
- Natasha Trethewey highlights the importance of storytelling in reclaiming personal narratives and understanding erased histories of racial violence.
- Creative expression through writing allows individuals to navigate grief and celebrate resilience, acknowledging both sorrow and joy in their lives.
Deep dives
The Legacy of the Satanic Panic
Between 1991 and 1993, over 12,000 cases of alleged satanic ritual abuse were reported across the U.S., creating a national hysteria commonly known as the satanic panic. This movement was marked by widespread fear and triggered moral campaigns, influencing several notorious criminal cases, including the West Memphis Three. An audit conducted by the FBI in 1995 found no evidence linking these cases to any cult activities, highlighting a significant disconnection between the reported fears and actual evidence. The episode critically examines this period and its enduring impact on societal perceptions of crime, morality, and culture.
