Bitchy History

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Welcome to this episode of Bitchy History, where we dive into the notorious Comstock Act of 1873. This legislation, named after moral crusader Anthony Comstock, marked a significant moment in U.S. legal and cultural history by enforcing strict censorship of materials deemed "obscene," including contraceptive devices and information on sexual health and reproductive rights.

Join us as we explore the origins of the Comstock Act, shedding light on the societal and political climates that spurred its enactment. We'll discuss how Comstock's moral zeal led to decades of censorship and the suppression of free speech, particularly targeting feminists and advocates for sexual education.

Fast forward to today, and the echoes of the Comstock laws are still heard in ongoing debates over reproductive rights and freedom of information. We'll connect the dots between past and present, examining how remnants of this legislation continue to influence current policies and societal attitudes.

Don't miss this fascinating journey through history right up to the modern-day repercussions of the Comstock Act. Tune in to understand more about how historical laws still shape our lives today.

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Today is a super special episode! We have guest Gwen Levey from the musical group Gwen Levey and the Breakdown on the show to talk about the pro-life movement and her fantastic song, Barefoot and Pregnant.

From its roots in activism to its influence in modern politics, we explore the pro-life movement's journey through the ages, shedding light on the ideologies and controversies that have sparked heated debates across generations. Whether you're a history buff, interested in social movements, or seeking to understand the multifaceted perspectives on this topic, this episode offers a candid and informative look at one of society's most enduring discussions. Tune in to Bitchy History and get ready for a deep dive into the history of the pro-life movement like you've never heard before.

Resources:

Honoring San Francisco’s Abortion Pioneers

Why Not? A Book for Every Woman by Horatio Robinson Storer

* Note: read this with a stiff drink, it’s awful.

Lessons From Before Abortion Was Legal

Divided We Stand: The Battle Over Women's Rights and Family Values That Polarized American Politics

Historical Abortion Law Timeline: 1850 to Today

What everyone gets wrong about evangelicals and abortion

How abortion became a mobilizing issue among the religious right

Bitchy History is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.bitchyhistory.com/subscribe

Join us on our history podcast as we delve into the remarkable story of General Harriet Tubman, uncovering her lesser-known role as a spy and soldier during the Civil War. From her courageous acts of espionage to her pivotal contributions on the battlefield, we shed light on Tubman's extraordinary efforts to secure freedom and justice for all. Don't miss this insightful exploration of a true American hero's legacy.

Resources:

Who Freed the Slaves? By James M. McPherson

Myths & Facts About Harriet Tubman

When John Brown met Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman's Boston: c. Summer 1859

1863: HARRIET TUBMAN - Covert Spy Behind Enemy Lines

HARRIET TUBMAN: An American Icon...and Spy

American Battlefield Trust: Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman: Union Soldier

Army honors female combat pioneer, renowned abolitionist

HARRIET: The Moses of Her People - Sarah Bradford

Army honors female combat pioneer, renowned abolitionist

Design for Philly’s new Harriet Tubman statue unveiled

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.bitchyhistory.com/subscribe

You can find Amanda on TikTok

Resources:

Boston Marriages and the Language of Lesbian Relationships

Boston Marriages

BOSTON MARRIAGES AND THE QUEER HISTORY OF WOMEN'S SUFFRAGE

Public Faces, Secret Lives: A Queer History of the Women's Suffrage Movement

Professor Meredith's Bitchy History is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.bitchyhistory.com/subscribe

Join me with special guest Elena Bowman, a researcher at Columbia University, as we talk about the history of the Puritans and the longstanding impact puritanical beliefs have had on our social and political culture in America...spoiler alert, it's not what we'd call a GOOD impact.

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There are no actual resources listed for this episode, though we reference several books and articles throughout the episode…I’m just too lazy to actually make a full reference sheet for this episode. Instead, I just wanted to make sure you knew the episode was out and invite you to look at the new intro and outro videos for the show that are now on our YouTube version of the show.

Here’s the new merch website!

And here’s the most recent addition to the merch line!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.bitchyhistory.com/subscribe

Did Barbie really set the feminist movement back 50 years? Well...that depends on your perspective, but at least Barbie wasn't a girl's toy that required bottle feeding and diaper changes to stop her from crying...that's a win.

New Merch store: https://www.teepublic.com/user/bitchyhistory

2024 Conference Donations: https://ko-fi.com/professormeredith

Resources:

Toys as Agents of Gender Socialization

How toys became gendered

Barbie's careers though the years

What the Research Says: Gender-Typed Toys

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.bitchyhistory.com/subscribe

In this episode, we shatter the myth of the Old West dominated solely by cowboys and outlaws. While Miss Kitty might embody one side of the era, there's a lesser-known narrative of pioneering women who defied norms and seized opportunities presented by the Homesteading Act of 1862.

Substack for today's episode!

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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.bitchyhistory.com/subscribe

What do Dungeons & Dragons, Phyllis Schlafly, and Baby Sacrifices have to do with each other? Listen along to find out!

The substack for today's episode: https://open.substack.com/pub/bitchyhistory/p/season-2-episode-8-the-satanic-panic

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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.bitchyhistory.com/subscribe

Revisit an early episode of Bitchy History with me today, because it's seasonal. Remember that Thanksgiving is a propaganda holiday and the Puritans sucked. But while it may be a sham, as Buffy reminds us, it's a sham with yams.

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This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.bitchyhistory.com/subscribe

Listen in for a walk through the history of Rosie the Riveter, which includes Canadian machine guns, B-movie musicals, and PBS.

Substack for today's episode:

https://bitchyhistory.substack.com/p/season-2-episode-6-will-the-real

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.bitchyhistory.com/subscribe