[In]Convenient Systems
This week, Dr. Shaunna and Dr. Lisa talk return to nostalgia for bygone eras that were not equitable for all and how systems are constantly working in the background to reinforce U.S. cultural values that maintain hierarchies of who / what is worthy of support and who / what is not.
Word of the Week [0:52]: Jim Crow: No, this isn't a person, but an extensive set of rules to codify racial segregation in the U.S. named after a prominent minstrel show.
Phase 1 [4:30]: Black Unicorns: In past episodes, we've mentioned how Black women have become necessary entrepreneurs as they are the largest group of new entrepreneurs -- larger than new women business owners and new Black business owners. Today, we talk about the recent court ruling striking down the legality of the Fearless Fund’s Strivers Grant Contest. The contest seeks to provide $20,000 grants to this growing segment given Black women receive less than 1% of venture capital funding capital funding.
Phase 2 [15:00]: Nostalgia: Byron Donalds, a conservative Republican from Florida was obliterated by Joy Reid for reminiscing on previous eras -- such as Jim Crow – which he dubbed as "better times." He did so in reference to family life. Dr. Lisa and Dr. Shaunna warn against declarations of admiration for such time periods with "tight nuclear families" given that constantly evolving contexts aren’t "better or simpler" for all. By the way, Mr. Donalds is a Black man.
Phase 3 [28:30]: [In]convenient Systems: Dr. Shaunna and Dr. Lisa examine systems that are built to be convenient for some, but inconvenient for others. In late June, the House of Representatives passed a bill to automatically register men, ages 18-26, for selective service rather than having to initiate the process themselves. Apparently, it’s easier to systematize military service than it is voter registration…by design.
Mentioned in the show:
How the Fearless Fund Ruling Distorts Charity, History — and Law
Rep. Byron Donalds defends comments about Jim Crow
House Passes Bill To Automatically Register Young Men for the Draft
