Behind the News with Doug Henwood

I really appreciate this show. However I cringe every time the hijacked word “woke” is used without any criticality at all. The way that word is over used to refer to dangerous progressive thought and elitism comes from the virulently fixation on Black people, Black culture, and Black vernacular by strategically motivated racist right wing characters. Drawing from cultures of the global majority looking for “dark boogie men” in flesh and in language the simplify and chant with is an old racist and fascist move. When asked what they think that word means and why it makes them so angry, most right wing people cannot answer with a clear definition. Apparently they weren’t listening to Neo-Soul music classics in the 90’s. They just “hate” it and anyone they think “are” it. I would expect Doug and his guests to be aware of that, provide context, and not join in using falsely politicized words that way. There could have a guest who is of the culture scholar of Black Studies and Colonial Studies break it down. It’s already right there.

Love the show but why are you wasting time with Ahmari? He didn’t answer questions about policy or immigration despite your trying to hold him accountable. There’s no there there.

Two thoughtful segments per week on two important topics in the news with two well-informed guests. You’ll get new information and perspectives even if it’s an issue you’re following, but Doug is good about giving background and avoiding jargon, so you don’t have to be a PhD to follow. He’s got the sort of insights you can only get from decades of being willing to listen to other peoples’ points of views. But he most definitely had his own, left point of view. Also excellent, wide-ranging taste in music for the breaks after each of the two segments. Doug, I’m really grateful for your podcast.

I’ve enjoyed this podcast for years, including the music breaks. Doug (or anyone else), Is there a list of the music that has been featured on the show?