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Gasps From A Dying Art Form

GFADAF EP 15 - Tap Dance Patriots; Emma Lazarus and "The New Colossus"

Aug 1, 2023
In this episode, host Tristan Bruns breaks down the monumental poem "The New Colossus" by Emma Lazarus—the same poem inscribed at the base of the Statue of Liberty—which spells out what ostensibly separates the U.S.A. from Europe and why we should be making life easier for immigrants, not harder. The episode explores the history, symbolism, and relevance of 'The New Colossus' poem and the Statue of Liberty in relation to immigration and the treatment of immigrants in the United States. It also discusses the correlation between poverty and crime rates, presenting various studies and reports that support the idea that poverty increases crime. Delve into the roots and evolution of tap dance, examining its connection to African American culture and its role as a communal experience. Ivory Wheeler shares his experiences of being trained by Macio Anderson, including the harsh punishments they endured. Finally, the speaker explores their passion for poetry, discussing poems by Kurt Vonnegut and Langston Hughes.
41:00

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast emphasizes the significance of the Statue of Liberty as a symbol of welcoming immigrants and emphasizes the importance of inclusivity and understanding the meaning behind 'The New Colossus' by Emma Lazarus.
  • The podcast challenges the notion that welcoming immigrants poses a threat by highlighting the connection between poverty and crime, and argues that providing opportunities and support for immigrants can help alleviate poverty and reduce crime rates.

Deep dives

The Symbolism of the Statue of Liberty

The podcast discusses the symbolism of the Statue of Liberty and its significance as a symbol of freedom and peace. The Statue of Liberty, also known as the Mother of Exiles, represents the United States as a nation of immigrants and offers worldwide welcome. The poem 'The New Colossus' by Emma Lazarus, which is inscribed on a plaque at the base of the statue, emphasizes the importance of welcoming immigrants and provides a powerful message of inclusivity. The podcast highlights the role of immigrants in the development of tap dance and encourages a deeper understanding of the poem's meaning in relation to the history of oppressed people.

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