From Olympics to Elections: How Power and Racism Shape Our World

In this episode of Messy Liberation, co-hosts Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown dive into the controversies surrounding the 2024 Olympics, including the Imane Khelif controversy and the drama between Mykayla Skinner and Simone Biles. The discussion explores the intersections of race, gender, and media framing, highlighting how power dynamics and systemic biases continue to play out in sports and beyond. The conversation then shifts to politics, touching on the recent U.S. election developments and the troubling influence of AIPAC on progressive candidates like Cori Bush. The episode ends on a lighter note with a discussion on reclaiming personal joy through fiction reading.

Key Takeaways:

1. Imane Khelif Controversy: The Algerian boxer was falsely accused of being trans by high-profile figures, leading to a dangerous smear campaign. The hosts discuss the lack of accountability for those who spread harmful misinformation, especially when it puts lives at risk.
2. Mykayla Skinner vs. Simone Biles: Skinner’s comments about the U.S. women’s gymnastics team being “lazy” sparked backlash, particularly given the team’s diversity. The hosts dissect the racial undertones and media framing that turned Skinner into a “victim” while expecting Biles to be the “better person.”
3. Media’s Role in Perpetuating Bias: The discussion highlights how media outlets often frame stories in ways that reinforce systemic racism and sexism, particularly in how they cover controversies involving women of color.
4. 2024 U.S. Election and AIPAC: Becky shares her frustration over the influence of AIPAC in ousting progressive candidates like Cori Bush. The conversation touches on the broader implications of foreign influence in U.S. elections and the ongoing challenges of maintaining truly representative democracy.
5. Reclaiming Joy Through Fiction: Both hosts share their recent journey back into fiction reading as a way to reclaim personal joy amidst the heavy work of activism and social justice.

This episode is a deep dive into the messy realities of liberation, from sports and politics to the importance of self-care in the face of systemic oppression.

Resources mentioned:

• "White Tears, Brown Scars: How White Feminism Betrays Women of Color" by Ruby Hamad
• "White Feminism: From the Suffragettes to Influencers and Who They Leave Behind" by Koa Beck
• "My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies" by Resmaa Menakem
• "Weyward" by Emilia Hart
• "The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic" by Breanne Randall
• "Red Island House" by Andrea Lee
• "Seven Days in June" by Tia Williams
• "People We Meet on Vacation" by Emily Henry
• "Funny Story" by Emily Henry
• "One to Watch" by Kate Stayman-London
• "Survival of the Thickest" on Netflix

LEARN MORE:

• Taina Brown WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS
• Becky Mollenkamp WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS | FEMINIST FOUNDERS