Woke & Witty: Beyond Barbie's Dreamhouse

LaRen Morton & Akanksha Das
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  • TV & FILM
  • BIMONTHLY SERIES

Dive into issues of intersectional feminism with us twice a month. Season 1 is inspired by the power of cognitive dissonance showcased in Gerta Gerwig's Barbie. Like Barbieland, awaken to the sociopolitical realities of our patriarchal world, and dream with us beyond Barbie's dreamhouse.

Season 1

  1. Beyond Barbie's Dreamhouse: Introducing Intersectional Feminist Barbie

    EPISODE 1

    Beyond Barbie's Dreamhouse: Introducing Intersectional Feminist Barbie

    Welcome to Woke & Witty! A bimonthly podcast co-hosted by Drs. Akanksha Das and LaRen Morton. In our inagural episode we are joined by with the production team, Drs. Shari Dade and Nancy Yanchus, who were a part of the original inspiration for this season's conversation on Beyond Barbie's Dreamhouse! We yap about our reactions to the Blockbuster hit, Barbie (yes, the one from two years ago 😅), introduce the concept of intersectionality, our favorite scenes and characters, and how it inspired us to do more! Check out Dr. Shari Dade's podcast: 3 Psychs and a Mic!   We gratefully acknowledge, Kevin MacLeod's (incompetech.com) music, "Basic Implosion" featured in our intro! Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    21 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Beyond Whiteness: Why We Need Black Feminism

    Co-hosts LaRen and Akanksha introduce Black Feminist theorists, internalized racism, colorism, and and invite reflection and action at the intersection of gendered racism and childhood development. See below for more information on topics discussed in today's episode:  Key Terms:  Black Feminism: a movement that focuses on Black women's interconnected experiences of racism, sexism, and classism which causes their experiences, needs, and worldviews to be different from Black men and White women - from: The National Museum of African American History, "The Revolutionary Practice of Black Feminism"  Intersectionality: the way in which multiple forms of inequality or oppression (such as racism, sexism, classism, ableism, heterosexism and more) can intersect and create unique different modes of discrimination or disadvantage Colorism: a skin tone stratification system privileging lighter-skinned people of color with more proximity to European features over their darker-skinned people Research Sojourner Truth Project - The Truth of the Famous 'Ain't a Woman' Speech - https://www.thesojournertruthproject.com/the-readings Doll Experiment - Maime and Kenneth Clark - Smithsonian Magazine: How a Psychologist's Work on Race Identity Helped Overturn School Segregation in 1950s America - The Gorden Parks Foundation - Doll Test, 1947 Colorism and Betrayal Trauma - Gina Sissoko, Ph.D. - Jennifer M. Gómez, Ph.D.  News/Media CBS segment on 'MGA Only Sell Bratz as a Four Pack' – CBS Mornings Interview MGA vs. Mattel – "You Don't Own Me" movie Black Barbie | Netflix Toys Healthy Roots Doll We gratefully acknowledge, Kevin MacLeod's (incompetech.com) music, "Basic Implosion" featured in our intro! Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    26 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    Beyond False Dichotomies in Femininity & Masculinity

    Co-hosts are joined by Dr. Della V. Mosely, a healer, scholar-activist, and spacemaker who uses Black feminist approaches to facilitate holistic wellness for people of the global majority, particularly Black people and all queer and transgender People of Color. Our conversation explores nostalgia, the representation of Weird Barbie as a symbol of autonomy and queerness, Alan in relation to toxic masculinity, and the complexities of Hari Neff's character as one of the first characters to police Barbie's body. We conclude with steps for listeners to engage in awareness around gender norms and representation. Find Dr. Della on Instagram @dvmosley, and learn more about their coaching services, wholewayves   We gratefully acknowledge, Kevin MacLeod's (incompetech.com) music, "Basic Implosion"! Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    30 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    Beyond Too Thin or Too Fat: Contradictions in Gender Norms and Weight Stigma

    Co-hosts discuss weight stigma with Broquelynn "B" Shepard, M.S. (she/her), a doctoral candidate in counseling psychology studying the experiences of fat and plus-sized Black women. Together, they explore the impact of societal expectations on body image, body neutrality versus body acceptance, and the impact of media representation, including the serious lack thereof in Barbie. The conversation also taps into topics related to the influence of caregivers in maintaining weight stigma, the role of fashion in shaping perceptions of body diversity, and the importance of creating spaces that embrace the wholeness of our bodies.   Find B on Instagram: @dearfatsista     We gratefully acknowledge, Kevin MacLeod's (incompetech.com) music, "Basic Implosion"  Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

    33 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    Beyond Normalcy: The Power of Disability as Human Variation

    Dr. Ann Fox, a professor of English specializing in dramatic literature and disabilities studies, joins co-hosts in this week's episode. Dr. Fox introduces the study of disability, and her work centering crip history and representation. We invite listeners to attune to the ableist undertones in Barbie, and explore possibilities to better center disability justice.  Find Dr. Ann Fox on Instagram and Threads @crockpotrunner and @annmargaretfox.bsky.social on Bluesky. Media Recommendations I Didn't See You There Film Disability Visibility Project Books by Alice Wong Enforcing Normalcy by Lennard Davis (Chapter 1)  'Barbie' Celebrates Every Body, Except Disabled Ones by Esme Mazzeo Disability Access in Barbieland Holds Up a Sober Mirror to Our World by Theri Pickens

    39 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    Beyond Aging to Ageism

    In this episode, we welcome Dr. Annika Goldman to explore ageism in society and how it is depicted in media, and Barbie. Dr. Goldman, a geropsychologist, shares her insights on the psychology of aging, highlighting the unique challenges and resilience factors among older adults. We delve into the cultural perceptions of aging, challenge stereotypes around ageism, and the importance of intergenerational relationships to celebrate the wisdom and experiences of older generations. We conclude with steps for listeners to move beyond aging to calling in ageism by attuning to issues of intersectionality in ageism and jon in community-based organizations that support older adults. Resources Media Let's End Ageism Ted Talk by Ashton Applewhite WelcomeToHeidi on Tiktok/Instagram Books This Chair Rocks by Ashton Applewhite Pushing Back On "Black Don't Crack" by Alicia Smith-Tran On a culture that lauds a youthful appearance, the author reveals how racism, sexism, and ageism combine in ways that uniquely harm Black women as they seek professional respect in White spaces. Barbie and My Midlife Crisis - Michele Meek Research Resources Health and Retirement Survey Reframing Aging Volunteer Opportunities Meals on Wheels Eldera - Virtual Intergenerational Mentorship Matching Program  Pen Pals for Life - Intergenerational Pen Pal Program

    39 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    Beyond Commodifying Feminism: Barbie Universe FOR SALE

    Episode 7 features a discussion with Dr. Danielle Tapp, a behavioral neuroscientist, movie enthusiast, and a Woke and Witty proclaimed movie expert. Join us as we delve into feminism in capitalism. Pulling from Brooke Shepard' thesis entitled "Barbie is as much about fashion as she is about culture and empowerment" we discuss feminist narratives and postfeminist marketing strategies present in Barbie. We explore how the film juxtaposes humor with serious themes like mental health and consumerism and how the movie served to commodify feminism to sell the Barbie IP. As always, we end with thoughts on the broader implications of media consumption and encourage critical thinking about the art and messages presented in films.

    39 min

  8. EPISODE 8

    Beyond the Single Story: The Paradox of Heroes

    In this episode of "Woke and Witty," co-hosts LaRen and Akanksha are joined by Dr. Drew McGee, a developmental psychologist, to explore the paradox of heroes and the danger of a single story. Together, they delve into the complexities of societal narratives, examining how stories shape perceptions of heroism and villainy in both media and real life. From the utopian world of Barbie to the nuanced tales of Wicked, the conversation challenges listeners to question who gets to tell the story and how these narratives impact our understanding of identity, power, and privilege. Join us for an engaging discussion that encourages reflection on the stories we consume and the voices we elevate. Definitions: Paradox of Heroes: Psychological dynamic where a group of people is framed as heroic, righteous or perpetually endangered - and therefore any criticism of them becomes morally suspect or even forbidden. By idealizing someone as a hero we unintentionally give them immunity from accountability while also trapping them in an impossible image of perfection. The paradox is that the more someone is elevated as hero the less space there is for honest critique - and the more harm can be overlooked, justified, or ignored in the name of protecting the hero narrative.  Welfare Queen Bystander Effect Bystander Intervention Tip Sheet Organizations: Jewish Voice for Peace Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) Media: TED Talk - Danger of a Single Story by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie  NPR - The Truth Behind the Lies of the Original Welfare Queen  No Other Land Books: Decolonize Palestine - Reading List  Wicked by Gregory Maguire How to Hide an Empire by Daniel Immerwahr  The Color of Law by Richard Rothestien

    36 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Dive into issues of intersectional feminism with us twice a month. Season 1 is inspired by the power of cognitive dissonance showcased in Gerta Gerwig's Barbie. Like Barbieland, awaken to the sociopolitical realities of our patriarchal world, and dream with us beyond Barbie's dreamhouse.

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