Topic: American Slavery

4 chapters across the catalog

100: Hard R
• 40:57 - 47:27

100: Hard R

Washington Post Narrative on the N-Word History

A Washington Post audio segment traces the history of the N-word from its Latin roots to its use by British Redcoats to taunt the Revolutionary Army. The hosts discuss the unique identity of African Descendants of Slavery (ADOS) as the "purest Americans" because their history is entirely contained within the United States. They express frustration over the lack of historical understanding regarding the contributions and status of black Americans.

98: Mixed Up
• 1:05:29 - 1:17:35

98: Mixed Up

American Scandal, Coercion and the French Fabric Trap

A clip from the 2000 production *American Scandal* depicts a confrontation between Sally Hemmings and her mother. The mother warns Sally that "fine things are traps" and that her "proper English and French clothes" do not change her status as a slave. The hosts discuss the nature of consent under the coercion of slavery and the mother's advice to get freedom for her children in writing.

23: Blacktivate
• 1:27:19 - 1:30:46

23: Blacktivate

CNN Debate, Slavery vs Illegal Immigration Comparison

A CNN clip features a heated debate between two black women regarding the comparison of the slave trade to modern illegal immigration. The pro-immigration pundit questions the "blackness" of her opponent for not supporting the Democrat party line. The anti-immigration pundit argues that the forced arrival of enslaved ancestors cannot be equated to the voluntary crossing of borders by non-citizens.

04: Facts and Fallacies
• 38:13 - 42:28

04: Facts and Fallacies

The "Pee in the Mattress" of Conservative Talking Points

Mo explains the "racial gag reflex" that many Black Americans experience when hearing conservative talking points about slavery or racism. He uses the metaphor of a "pee in the mattress" to describe how one uncomfortable or dismissive claim can invalidate an entire set of facts for the listener. The discussion covers how these nuances are often used in counter-arguments against reparations.