Iranian-American scholar Reza Aslan talks about his article for The Atlantic, "How to Avoid the White Savior Industrial Complex," which tells the story of his childhood hero, missionary Howard Baskerville. Reza argues that the world needs more good, white saviors like Baskerville. Joel wants nothing to do with trying to be a good, white anything in today's political climate. Reza tries to convince him anyway.
You can read the full story here: https://www.theatlantic.com/books/archive/2022/10/howard-baskerville-persian-constitutional-revolution/671787/
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12/08/22 • 30 min
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Story of the Week with Joel Stein - How to Be a Good White Savior
Transcript
Pushkin. I'm Reza Aslin, and I wrote how to Avoid the White Savior industrial Complex in the Atlantic, and it is the story of the week. Over the thirteen truly enjoyable years that I've known Reza Aslan, I've noticed there's one huge difference between us. He cares about stuff, unlike me. Resa is never afraid of a fight. This guy's argued with more people on television alone than I have in my entire life. So when Resa wrote that we need good whit
How to Be a Good White Savior Top Questions Answered
What is the story of Howard Baskerville?
Howard Baskerville was an American missionary who tried to convert people to Christianity in Iran in 1907.
Why was Baskerville sent to Persia?
Baskerville was sent to Persia by the Church, despite wanting to go to China or Japan.
What was the political situation in Iran when Baskerville arrived?
Iran was going through a revolution, and Baskerville arrived in the city of Tabreez, where revolutionaries were fighting against the Shah.
Who was Baskerville's friend in Iran?
Baskerville became friends with Satar Khan, a revolutionary leader.
What role did Baskerville play in the revolutionary army?
Baskerville was appointed as the second in command of the revolutionary army.
Why was Baskerville's presence valuable to the revolutionaries?
Baskerville's presence as an American missionary provided valuable propaganda for the revolutionaries who sought support from the United States.
Why did the State Department order Baskerville to return home?
The State Department ordered Baskerville to return home out of fear that he would cause an incident.
Did Baskerville return home or stay in Iran?
Baskerville initially complied with the order to return home but ultimately decided to stay and continue supporting the revolutionaries.
How did Baskerville die?
Baskerville was shot in the heart and died during a suicidal mission to provide food and assistance to a city besieged by revolutionaries.
What happened after Baskerville's death?
The death of an American garnered international attention and led to a temporary ceasefire. The revolutionaries took advantage of the ceasefire and overthrew the Shah, establishing a liberal democracy in Iran.
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