S2:E27 Book Editors Interview - Part 1 of "Youth Resistance: Unsettling the 'Good' Citizen" Series

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11/20/24 • 71 min

Summary
For this episode, I am in conversation with Drs. Kevin L. Clay and Kevin Lawrence Henry Jr., editors of the book, The Promise of Youth Anti-Citizenship: Race and Revolt in Education. We discuss the narrow confines of citizenship as defined by the state, especially in terms of what constitutes the ‘good’ citizen versus the ‘bad’ or ‘deviant’ citizen. We also uncover the complexities of civic engagement, recognizing political strategies beyond voting, and the need for collective action and engagement in radical organizations. Additionally, we emphasize the need for solidarity and collective action to combat the divisions created by racial capitalism. Explored are the impacts of social proximity on understanding shared struggles and the sacrifices required for true activism. Our conversation culminates in a reflection on the role of love and relationships with youth as a sustaining force in the work.
Takeaways
Traditional civic education has limitations.
Civic institutions are designed to maintain the status quo.
Black resistance is diverse and multifaceted.
Voting is just one aspect of citizenship.
Protests often go unheard, leading to civic estrangement.
The state often does not represent the interests of marginalized communities.
Class dynamics are crucial in discussions about Black capitalism.
The transition to middle-class civics can create divisions.
Solidarity is essential for collective action against anti-citizenship.
Understanding anti-citizenship requires a focus on collectivity. Being in right relationship and solidarity is critical.
We lose the ability to be in solidarity when we are not in community.
Sacrifice and discomfort are often required for solidarity.
Understanding our shared fate is essential for collective action.
The shift in social proximity affects our understanding of community.
We must actively build relationships to understand our neighbors' struggles.
Ignoring global issues impacts our local communities.
Investing in radical organizations is crucial for social change.
Love sustains and propels us in our activism.
Books, Articles, and Scholars Referenced in this Episode:

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E2:E26 Interlude: Should We Abandon the Term "People of Color" as an Identifier?

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Summary
Dr. Tiffany M. Nyachae and Dr. Ruth M. López question the utility of the identifier “People of Color” and whether we should abandon it as a term of unspoken solidarity and political strategy given the recent social media uproar around the fact that a large percentage of Latinos voted for Trump in the 2024 presidential election. In this conversation, they reflect on their experiences as Women of Color and the challenges of navigating social media discussions around race and solidarity. The dialogue emphasizes the need for nuanced conversations about identity, solidarity, and responsibility in the face of anti-blackness and other forms of oppression while offering necessary pathways forward. The conversation also delves into the fragility of masculinity in discourse, the exhaustion of political engagement, and the need for critical conversations around voting and accountability. They emphasize the importance of unpacking terms like “Black and Brown” and the oversimplification of voting demographics in media narratives. As they explore the complexities of racial identity, particularly the term "People of Color" and its implications, they discuss the historical context of this term, its evolution, and the importance of solidarity among marginalized groups. The conversation highlights the challenges of collective advocacy, the need for clear communication, and the significance of teaching future generations about solidarity and social justice. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of understanding individual and collective identities while navigating the complexities of race and politics.
Takeaways
Social media can amplify voices but also complicate discussions.
Anti-blackness exists within various communities and must be addressed.
Racial identity is not monolithic; it varies across individuals.
Political choices can have profound impacts on Communities of Color.
Terminology like “People of Color” can obscure real differences in experiences.
Education is crucial in understanding historical and systemic issues.
Conversations about race and identity require trust and vulnerability.
There's a responsibility to document stories in our communities.
Assumptions about Latinx identities often lack historical context.
Voter fatigue is a real issue in political engagement.
Voting is just one part of a larger political project.
Terms like “Black and Brown' need careful unpacking.
Media oversimplifies the complexities of voting demographics.
Historical context is crucial in understanding racial terms.
Solidarity among marginalized groups is essential for social change.
Teaching children about solidarity is vital for future generations.
Racial terminology has evolved and continues to change.
The narrative around racial identity is often messy and complex.
Conversations about race should be ongoing.
Articles and Books Referenced in this Episode:

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S2:E28 The Gathering of Book Contributors - Part 2 of "Youth Resistance: Unsettling the 'Good' Citizen" Series

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Summary
For this episode, I am in conversation with Dr. Ariana Denise Brazier, Diana Gamez, Professor Damien M. Sojoyner, and Luma Hasan; four of the book contributors inThe Promise of Youth Anti-Citizenship: Race and Revolt in Education edited by Drs. Kevin L. Clay and Kevin Lawrence Henry Jr. We explore the concept of anti-citizenship, particularly in relation to youth and their experiences within educational systems. Guests discuss how anti-citizenship serves as a framework for understanding the struggles faced by marginalized communities, particularly for Black, Salvadoran, and Palestinian youth. They highlight the importance of play and community organizing as forms of resistance and survival, and examine the intersections of racial capitalism and citizenship. This conversation delves into the complexities of nation-state development, racial capitalism, and the implications of anti-Blackness in migration dynamics. Guests also explore the fragility of these systems and the role of education in shaping citizenship. Finally, they discuss the importance of collective action and community resilience in the face of systemic oppression, emphasizing the need for a reimagined understanding of citizenship that transcends traditional frameworks.

Takeaways
Anti-citizenship provides a framework for understanding youth experiences.
Play is a vital form of resistance for marginalized youth.
The concept of citizenship is often misleading and exclusionary.
Racial capitalism shapes the experiences of Black youth in education.
Community organizing is essential for creating alternative structures of justice.
The narratives of Salvadoran youth are often criminalized and misunderstood.
Youth are capable of navigating oppressive systems through their own agency.
Education systems often perpetuate violence against marginalized communities.
The historical context of citizenship reveals deep-rooted inequalities.
Healing can occur through naming and contextualizing experiences of oppression.
The fragility of nation-state development is a constant concern.
Racial capitalism intertwines with the logics of race.
Education serves as a critical tool for social order.
Anti-Blackness is foundational to the racial order in cities like Los Angeles.
Migration patterns are influenced by U.S. foreign policy and violence.
Rejecting citizenship's assimilation is vital for marginalized communities.
Educators play a crucial role in challenging oppressive systems.
Collective action is essential for dismantling state power.
Community resilience can thrive outside state structures.
Understanding our collective power is key to liberation.

Sound Bites
"This is a healing journey for me."
"I am forever grateful for the timeliness of it (anti-citizenship framework)."
"Anti-citizenship became a gift."
"They (Black youth) know what's going on."
"They (Black youth) fight their own battles."
"They (Black youth) were able to create these spaces of thriving."
"There is no true participation within the civic."
"Education is tied to the hip with the civic."
"There's no acceptable way to be disruptive."
"We need to be bound in community."
Books and Scholars Referenced in this Episode:

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