We all exist in a vast network of mostly unacknowledged power relationships. Those of us in the Western, English-speaking, Caucasian culture especially have disproportionately high economic, social, and political advantages — aka. “privilege.” This episode, Kevin and I discuss privilege and attempt to unpack some of ours through the lens of a recent controversy over my ASL music videos. It’s a doozy, y’all. Have a listen…
Audio
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Show Notes
- On The Ethics of “My” Art | Stephen’s Blog
- Appropriation: Why Your Pocahontas Costume Isn’t Okay | Aaliyah, YouTube
- Hacking Pop Culture and the Ethics of Appropriation | Jonathan McIntosh, YouTube
- How to Make a Rape Joke | Jezebel
- Al Jolson | Wikipedia
- Privilege (social inequality) | Wikipedia
- Transparent (TV series) | Wikipedia
Post-Show Song
“Weird Science” by Oingo Boingo
05/10/2014 at 7:08 am Permalink
Hey, you didn’t kill any people, when you do this.
I think that you exaggerated when you do your patreon, and I didn’t like that idea.
I don’t have to be ashamed to like what you did.
Anyway.
19/10/2014 at 6:40 pm Permalink
Great episode – really got my gears turning.
You guys touch on punching up (sticking it to the man – telling truth to power kind of stuff) versus punching down (making fun of those beneath you on the power scale) but it seems to me like there is some value in punching down – pointing out flaws in those lower on the power scale that are actually keeping those people down. Maybe the Onion is a good example of this – they seem to punch down with a fair amount of frequency – about as much as they punch up, anyway.
03/12/2014 at 4:39 pm Permalink
I enjoyed the episode. I admit, I was bummed out when I read that Steven wouldn’t be doing any more signing videos as I found them helpful, and entertaining, as I pursue my degree as an ASL Interpreter. (still only a couple classes in, so have a long way to go yet.) However, I respect the reasons why he/you have chosen to stop and I think you made the correct choice.
I’m curious what the Deaf Communities take on students of ASL doing these kinds of videos is? We had to make one as a ‘final’ for my first ASL class, which is how I was introduced to Steven’s videos on Youtube, and it was a challenging and enlightening experience. I have a couple friends that I have made in the Deaf Community since I started my classes, and they were very encouraging in regards to my project.
Anyway, I’m glad I found this blog, it’s been nice to listen to while I work on homework! (a much better background than the sounds the kids choose to fill the house with lol )