DeepSummary
The episode begins by introducing the concept of protests happening around the country calling for changes in how the United States engages with or facilitates Israel's bombardment of Gaza. These protests have particularly escalated on college campuses in recent weeks, sparking controversy, counter-protests, and debates around the role of young people and students in civil disobedience movements.
The hosts then go back in time to the protests that erupted in June 2020 after the killings of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and George Floyd. They discuss the term 'outside agitator' and how it has been historically used to discredit protest movements by suggesting the protesters are illegitimate plants or opportunists, rather than addressing the issues they are raising.
The episode features an interview with historian Peniel Joseph, who provides context on the use of the 'outside agitator' trope throughout American history, from the abolition movement to the civil rights era. He argues that while the term was once an effective tool of repression, it has lost its power in today's divided political climate. The hosts and Joseph explore the implications of this shift and what it means for the future of social movements.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The term 'outside agitator' has been used throughout American history to delegitimize and undermine protest movements by portraying protesters as inauthentic or opportunistic outsiders rather than addressing the issues they raise.
- While once an effective tool of repression, the 'outside agitator' trope has lost much of its power in today's divided political climate, as it primarily resonates with a narrowing base.
- Social movements often experience setbacks and failures, and it is important to acknowledge these rather than solely focusing on narratives of constant progress and victory.
- The current wave of protests represents a generational opportunity to realize a truly inclusive democracy, but the outcome depends on factors like elections, the rule of law, and how opposing forces respond.
- There is uncertainty around whether the transition sparked by the current social movement will be peaceful or met with violent resistance from those threatened by the prospect of change.
- The scale and global reach of the current protests suggest they transcend any single administration or political figure, reflecting a broader societal reckoning.
- Historian Peniel Joseph provides valuable historical context and analysis on the evolution and implications of the 'outside agitator' trope, drawing insights from past social movements.
- The episode challenges listeners to think critically about the language and narratives used to discredit or legitimize protest movements, and to grapple with the complexities and uncertainties surrounding social change.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “This would be our third chance, technically. Oh, our third. The 1960s were absolutely a second chance. We failed. I think it's important that we all acknowledge that social movements are not just about victory laps. And I think we live in a society that wants us to tell successful stories and how we won and how we overcame. Sometimes we don't. You know, there was a great song by naughty by nature, everything will be all right. And one of the lines to that song in the chorus is a young man talking about all the hardship he's going through growing up in inner city America. And he rhetorically asks, how will I make it? I won't. That's how. And he answers, he says, I won't. That's how. So sometimes we lose. Sometimes we lose.“ by Peniel Joseph
- “So what happens next all depends on several different things. The next election, the rule of law. Right now, the president of the United States has been really largely irrelevant to these mass demonstrations and protests. It's bigger than the president of the United States. So what happens next really depends on if this global moment for american citizens is signaling an inflection point that will lead to dramatic electoral change.“ by Peniel Joseph
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5/15/24
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