Category: Civil Rights Movement

In light of the growing normalization of white supremacy and related forms of bigotry in the United States, Jaye focuses on the debate between unfettered free speech and the regulation of hate speech. What does “free speech” truly mean in the US context, and why does it matter? Should “dangerous” speech be made illegal? Jaye also discusses libertarian ideology – specifically how, despite its emphasis on individual rights, it may fall short in the realm of free speech. In a corporatocracy, should we consider ensuring free speech rights in relation not only to government, but also to businesses, especially in the Internet age?

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The 2018 midterm elections are here! In this episode, Jaye talks midterm predictions, the Voting Rights Act, Millennials and Gen Z, and voter suppression. Jaye also discusses a major think tank responsible for the current Republican agenda, and which supplies the manpower behind GOP presidents from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump. Why does this organization have a vested interest in subverting democracy? Can the American people overcome the anti-democratic measures of right-wing politicians and save this country?

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What if the religious extremism Americans should be most concerned about comes from Christianity? In this episode, Jaye explores the authoritarian, extremist elements of American evangelicalism and the overwhelming support of Donald Trump by white evangelical Christians. Jaye also discusses the Quiverfull movement, the increasing emphasis on authoritarianism and control within evangelical Christian colleges, dominionism, racial reconciliation, evangelical support for Donald Trump’s inhumane policies, and parallels between right-wing evangelicalism and ultra-conservative Islam.

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When you hear the word “demagogue” – what comes to mind? Many of us think of demagogues as charismatic leaders who hold an extreme degree of power over their supporters, who will follow them no matter what the leader does. But why do people fall for demagogues?

In this episode, Jaye takes a deep dive into the subject of demagoguery – exploring the ways we debate political and social issues, and how that may lead to the rise of demagogues. What does a country run by demagoguery truly mean for democracy?

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Several US Supreme Court rulings in June that have emboldened Donald Trump and the GOP, and have left Democrats reeling. In addition, US Supreme Court justice Anthony Kennedy is retiring, which means the Trump administration has another opening they can fill on the court. Jaye discusses these and related developments, and seeks to place them into their proper perspective. In the wake of these events, she aims to provide messages of admonishment, motivation, and hope. Resisters – be encouraged!

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Do we have a “free press” in the United States? Jaye makes the case that even though the news media are not owned by the government, elite monopolistic ownership of media outlets and lack of federal regulations lead to outcomes not much different than state-run news media. What does the lack of free press mean for our democracy?

Also – we debut a new segment called “Editorial by Jaye.” In the first “editorial,” Jaye gives her reaction to the Alfie Evans case. While the case is extremely tragic – is it also an example of nationalized health care gone horribly wrong?

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In the concluding episode of a two-part series, Jaye continues her discussion on the decline of the United States within the framework of her hometown, Detroit, Michigan. She discusses the conditions in Detroit prior to the 1967 Detroit riots that led to the riots and the decline of the city, including workplace discrimination, housing segregation, the destruction of tight-knit black communities by urban renewal, racial strife between white and black Detroiters, and tensions between police and the community. As Detroit is making its comeback, what lessons can Americans learn from Detroit that will help the US survive its “fifth quarter?”

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