Weaponizing White Femininity, Erasing Climate Change
Plus the latest from Jemar, Kristin, Diana, and Robby
On this episode, we discussed the ways white femininity has been weaponized by Trump and the MAGA movement, along with the erasure of climate change as a scientific conclusion by the Trump administration. Pam Bondi’s recent contentious testimony before Congress, which was widely criticized for its disrespectful demeanor towards Democratic lawmakers, provided a vivid example of conservative white feminine performativity. Kristin gave us a sneak peek into a chapter in her forthcoming book, Live Laugh Love, titled "Lipstick on Pitbulls," which analyzes such performances. There she notes how ideals of white femininity and beauty are marshaled to justify authoritarianism and state violence. We wrap the episode with a discussion of the U.S. government's official erasure of the scientific consensus that climate change is real, which removes the EPA’s authority to regulate emissions. We note that this remarkable action represents half a century of collusion between the oil industries and the Christian right. Finally, we close with some thoughts about resistance and experiencing Lent in these challenging times.
The Latest from the Convocation Unscripted Team
Robby made a big announcement this week: the renaming/relaunching of his Substack newsletter to “Redeeming Democracy.” Here’s his summary of the broader direction:
In Redeeming Democracy, I’ll continue to bring you essays grounded in sociological research, history, and theology. And I’ll focus on a critical question for our moment: How can we reclaim a faith and a nation in the midst of the white Christian nationalist turn against democracy?
And here’s the latest from the rest of the team!
Can’t wait for Kristin’s new book!
As always thank y’all. I can’t believe I hadn’t made the evangelical dominatrix connection! Spot on Diana!!