Problematic Faves (art vs. artist), Billionaire Ethics, and Navigating White Feminism

Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture

In this episode of Messy Liberation, hosts Becky Mollenkamp and Taina Brown dive headfirst into the murky waters of problematic favorites. From Kamala Harris' centrist policies to Taylor Swift's status as a billionaire, they explore how these public figures—who were once celebrated—raise ethical questions.

Key Discussion Points:

• Problematic Faves: Kamala Harris is at the center of the conversation, with the hosts dissecting her stance on Palestine, centrist politics, and identity politics.
• No Ethical Billionaires: The controversial statement that "there are no ethical billionaires" is applied to Taylor Swift, as Becky questions how billionaires accumulate wealth and its impact on climate change.
• Separating Art from the Artist: Should we continue to celebrate the work of problematic figures like Michael Jackson and JK Rowling? Becky and Taina tackle the complexities of enjoying art from problematic creators and wrestle with the concept of ethical consumption.
• White Feminism: The hosts don't hold back on critiquing peak white feminism, particularly when it shows up as support for high-profile figures like Kamala Harris.
• Celebrity Hall Passes & Gender Politics: Things get lighthearted as they reveal their celebrity hall passes, while also discussing the ethics of white celebrities adopting Black children, shining a light on deeper issues of race and privilege.

Resources mentioned:

• The People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
• Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
• Butter Honey Pig Bread by Francesca Ekwuyasi
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
  
  

Be sure to tune in for a candid, sometimes messy, discussion on billionaire ethics, white liberalism, identity politics, and how we navigate the complicated relationships we have with our favorite celebrities.

Join the Conversation: Who are your problematic faves? Connect with us on social media or email us—we want to hear your thoughts!

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LEARN MORE:

• Taina Brown WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS
• Becky Mollenkamp WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS | FEMINIST FOUNDERS