Podcast Show Notes Summary
Episode Title: Why Men Use Their Pain To Side With Power & The Abandonment of Boys
Episode Overview: In this episode, we delve into the complexities of societal conditioning, self-awareness, and oppression. The host, KadyRoxz, begins with a vivid, symbolic monologue excerpt from her book The Consequence of Girlhood, that explores navigating the idea that we’ve been conditioned to ignore our bodies’ natural wisdom from a young age in an attempt to prepare us to submit to oppressive systems. This theme of internal wisdom versus societal programming runs throughout the episode, exploring how we are taught to prioritize external approval over self-preservation and the way this (inter-sectionalism) divides the collective by incentivizing each group to hyper focus on their own oppression and belittle the suffering of those below them.
The episode also challenges listeners to reconsider how social systems oppress everyone differently, illustrating that while both men and women are harmed by these structures, the nature and degree of harm are unequal. Intersectionality plays a key role in understanding how different identity markers influence one’s social and economic standing, using examples to show the nuanced ways we’re ranked within societal power structures.
Social conditioning starts early, teaching us to suppress our natural instincts and body wisdom, which later influences how we make life decisions.
We are taught that taking care of ourselves is selfish, creating a "dark instinct" that leads us to put others' needs ahead of our own to maintain our place within the social hierarchy.
The episode emphasizes the harm caused by the patriarchy to various groups, but stresses that the harm is not equally distributed.
Intersectionality is crucial to understanding how societal privileges are assigned based on race, gender, class, and sexual orientation.
Equality does not mean equal suffering; rather, it requires equity, which acknowledges that different groups need different levels of support to reach the same baseline.
Pain can make us self-centered, and the episode encourages listeners to shift from "me vs. them" thinking to "we."
“Your body loves you more than the people who want you to obey ever will.”
“Pain makes narcissists of us all.”
“The funny thing about equality is that it’s not about making all things equal, it’s about making things equitable.”
The Consequence of Girlhood by Kady Brown: Purchase this compelling collection of essays exploring the complexities of girlhood and societal expectations. Find Book Here: https://kadyroxz-merch.square.site/
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https://www.patreon.com/difficultconversations
Final Thoughts: The host leaves listeners with a call to reflect on their own position within these social structures and to consider the ethical implications of playing the game. They stress the importance of looking up, forward, and being aware of how we may unknowingly participate in the very systems that oppress us.
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https://www.patreon.com/difficultconversationsDuration: Approximately 19 mins (full episode 30 minutes)
- Difficult Conversations Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kadyroxz
- Kady’s Twitter: / KadyRoxz
- Kady’s Instagram: / KadyRoxz.Official
- Kady’s Tiktok: / KadyRoxz
- Kady’s YouTube Channel: @KadyRoxz
