David Tennant, the beloved actor famous for his roles in Doctor Who and Good Omens, joins Deborah Frances-White to discuss her thought-provoking new book. They delve into the complexities of navigating emotions in activism and examine the intricate legacies of historical figures. Their conversation parallels the struggles for trans rights with past LGBTQ+ movements, advocating for thoughtful discourse and political engagement. With urgency in addressing social issues, they call for grassroots initiatives to support marginalized communities in a challenging climate.
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Jehovah's Witness Experience
Deborah Frances-White shares her experience as a Jehovah's Witness, describing it as a controlling cult that demanded unquestioning obedience.
Leaving the religion was painful but liberating, fueling her later feminist activism amid prevalent "girl power" culture at university.
insights INSIGHT
Internet Shrinks Empathy Circles
The internet fosters empathy but only towards smaller, narrower groups, resembling cult dynamics.
This shrinking empathy pool harms effective understanding of those outside one's immediate community or "shtam."
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Use Anger Strategically
Use anger strategically rather than expressing it constantly; it fuels motivation but isn't sustainable as the only response.
Respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively to political and social challenges, learning from far-right tactics.
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The novel is set in a near-future New England in the Republic of Gilead, a patriarchal, totalitarian state that has overthrown the United States government. Offred, the narrator, is one of the 'Handmaids', women who are forcibly assigned to produce children for the ruling class, known as 'Commanders'. The story explores themes of powerless women, loss of female agency and individuality, and the suppression of women's reproductive rights. Offred's life is marked by her restrictive routine, her memories of her past life, and her interactions with the Commander, his wife Serena Joy, and other Handmaids, including her friend Ofglen who is part of an underground resistance movement. The novel is a scathing satire, an ominous warning, and a tour de force of narrative suspense[3][4][5].
The Guilty Feminist 438. Intelligence Squared
Deborah Frances-White in conversation with David Tennant
Recorded 30 April 2025 at the Shaw Theatre in London. Released 2 June.
The Guilty Feminist theme composed by Mark Hodge.
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