Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò

Joining the discussion are Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò, a philosophy professor and author known for his work on reparations; Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, a prominent scholar and author focused on Black liberation; and Mike McCarthy, a sociology expert addressing class struggle. They dive into the contemporary pushback against woke culture, scrutinizing the far-right's manipulation of racial narratives. The conversation critiques ineffective liberal identity politics and emphasizes the need for solidarity across various struggles against systemic inequalities.

Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò, an associate professor of philosophy at Georgetown, and Sophia Rosenfeld, a history professor at the University of Pennsylvania, delve into the DEI phenomenon. They critique how corporate diversity initiatives often fail to address deep-rooted inequalities. The conversation touches on the tensions between tech workers and leadership, the superficiality of 'wokeness' among elites, and the historical evolution of choice in society. Listeners gain insight into the complexities of social justice and the changing dynamics of freedom in modern contexts.

In this engaging discussion, Olúfẹ́mi Táíwò, a professor of philosophy at Georgetown University and author of Elite Capture, dives deep into the co-option of identity politics by the wealthy and powerful. He examines how this phenomenon drains grassroots movements of genuine progress, while 'woke capitalism' often serves as a superficial fix. The conversation critiques the tension between corporate interests and progressive goals, emphasizing the need for a new approach that truly redistributes power and resources to marginalized communities.

Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò, a philosophy professor at Georgetown and author, joins Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, a Princeton professor and co-founder of Hammer and Hope, along with UC Santa Cruz's sociology director, Mike McCarthy. They dive into the backlash against diversity initiatives, the rise of white supremacy, and the pitfalls of liberal identity politics. The conversation critiques the corporate embrace of Christian nationalism and emphasizes the need for class solidarity amidst increasing racism, urging a reassessment of strategies in the fight for social justice.

In episode 20 of Overthink, Ellie and David sit down with philosopher Dr. Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò to discuss climate reparations and why they are needed as part of a broader discussion about reparations for racial injustice. Before that conversation, Ellie and David open the episode by addressing the history of reparations and the need for them both monetarily and as a signifier of justice. This episode looks at eco-fascism, whether direct payments via Cash App are viable reparations, and the need for reparations in the fight for justice.Works Discussed:Eric Foner, Reconstruction: America’s Unfinished Revolution, 1863-1877John Torpey, Making Whole What Has Been SmashedCedric J. Robinson, On Racial Capitalism, Black Internationalism, and Cultures of ResistanceOlúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò, "What’s New About Woke Racial Capitalism (and What Isn’t)"Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò, "An African case for carbon removal"Olúfẹ́mi O. Táíwò and Beba Cibralic, "The Case for Climate Reparations"John Mbaria and Mordecai Ogada, The Big Conservation LieAdom Getachew, Worldmaking After EmpireLisa J. Laplante, "The Plural Justice Aims of Reparations"Support the showPatreon | patreon.com/overthinkpodcast Website | overthinkpodcast.comInstagram & Twitter | @overthink_podEmail | dearoverthink@gmail.comYouTube | Overthink podcast