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The Myth of White Supremacy and the Process of Deprogramming

Hey White Women

Release Date: 07/23/2024

Episode 40 | Is Whinnie the Pooh A WS Cult? show art Episode 40 | Is Whinnie the Pooh A WS Cult?

Hey White Women

In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Daniella Mestyanek Young unpacks how cult dynamics shape everyday life—from the military to motherhood, from corporate jargon to childhood punishments over “scowling at the Word of God.” She and Rebecca dig into the subtle and overt ways white supremacy trains white women into compliance and calls it safety. Daniella also breaks down the coded messages in American media—including her darkly hilarious theory that Winnie the Pooh is a cult. Through stories of her upbringing, military career, and anti-racism work, Daniella helps listeners...

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Episode 39 | Living Rooms are for LIVING show art Episode 39 | Living Rooms are for LIVING

Hey White Women

In this episode, Daniella and Rebecca unpack what happens when white belief in institutional fairness collides with the lived reality of systemic injustice. Daniella reflects on a moment of betrayal in traffic court and how it cracked open her assumptions about justice, privilege, and whiteness. The conversation weaves through topics like the myth of rule-following as protection, the military's blending of cultural vernaculars, and the unique disorientation white women face when systems stop working for them. They also explore how white women’s fear of “doing it wrong”—especially...

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Episode 38 | Growth Is Uncomfortable show art Episode 38 | Growth Is Uncomfortable

Hey White Women

In this powerful conversation, Daniella Mestyanek Young and Rebecca unpack how systems—from the military to corporate culture to parenting ideologies—often rely on cult-like tactics to demand obedience, erase individuality, and sell comfort as a virtue. Together, they examine the roles of love bombing, future faking, and authoritarian control in everyday life, and ask what it means to reclaim personal autonomy after indoctrination. We talk about what happens when you stop waiting for permission, why “just doing what you're told” is a dangerous lesson to teach children, and how...

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Episode 37 | Are Red-Heads Black? show art Episode 37 | Are Red-Heads Black?

Hey White Women

In this episode of Hey White Women, Daniella Mestyanek Young and Rebecca dive into the layered and surprising discourse around a viral TikTok trend that claimed “all redheads are Black.” What starts as a joke becomes a powerful lens for unpacking themes of othering, cultural belonging, and the danger of conformity in white-dominant spaces. The hosts explore how redheaded individuals are often dehumanized through humor, hypersexualization, and alienation—even as whiteness shields them from systemic racism. This conversation becomes a springboard into deeper critiques of whiteness,...

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Episode 36 | Growth Before Activism show art Episode 36 | Growth Before Activism

Hey White Women

In this episode, Daniella and Rebecca engage in a deep conversation about the complexities of white supremacy, the importance of listening to Black voices, and the need for white women to confront their own roles in social justice movements. They explore hypothetical scenarios regarding protests, the significance of community, and the dangers of ignoring the perspectives of marginalized groups. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of personal growth and genuine engagement in anti-racism work, while also addressing the cyclical nature of blame and the illusion of safety in activism.  ...

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Episode 35 | Colors for Community show art Episode 35 | Colors for Community

Hey White Women

In this conversation, Rebecca and Daniella explore the intersections of fashion, identity, and race, discussing how personal expression through clothing can challenge societal norms. They delve into the complexities of navigating whiteness in diverse spaces, the cultural disconnect evident in social interactions, and the significance of color as a form of resistance. The discussion also touches on the importance of critiquing whiteness, understanding cult dynamics through the Byte model, and the value of personal narratives in shaping identity. They emphasize the role of community in fostering...

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Episode 34 | Boom Boom Beige show art Episode 34 | Boom Boom Beige

Hey White Women

In this conversation, Daniella and Rebecca explore the complexities of platform building, the evolution of ideas, and the impact of cultural narratives on personal identity. They discuss the importance of vulnerability in leadership, the tenets of white supremacy, and the challenges of navigating capitalism and professionalism. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of shared experiences and the need to reopen historical conversations while addressing the dehumanization inherent in capitalist systems. In this conversation, Rebecca and Daniella explore the intersections of capitalism,...

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Episode 33 | Protest or Parade? show art Episode 33 | Protest or Parade?

Hey White Women

In this conversation, Daniella and Rebecca explore the complexities of race, activism, and the impact of online criticism, particularly on black women. They discuss the intersection of political identity and extremism, the role of white women in social movements, and the importance of listening to marginalized voices. The conversation delves into the dynamics of whiteness in society, the power of storytelling, and the journey of self-discovery in the context of anti-racism. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for community support and the role of women in driving social change. In this...

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Episode 32 | Episode 32 | "Lickies and Chewies?"

Hey White Women

This conversation delves into the complexities of race, privilege, and activism, particularly focusing on the experiences of black women and the reactions of white women in the context of social justice. The speakers discuss the historical and current realities of systemic oppression, the implications of language, and the importance of listening and learning from marginalized voices. They also explore the nature of groupthink, the illusion of safety, and the responsibilities of individuals in activism. In this conversation, Daniella and Rebecca explore the complexities of group dynamics, the...

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Episode 31 | Defensiveness and White Identity show art Episode 31 | Defensiveness and White Identity

Hey White Women

In this conversation, Rebecca and Daniella explore the complexities of race, identity, and the dynamics of power within societal structures. They discuss the defensiveness often exhibited by white women in conversations about race, the impact of language, and the role of white women in perpetuating systems of oppression. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of acknowledgment, healing, and the responsibility that comes with privilege. They also touch on the significance of community and the need for open, honest discussions about race and identity. In this conversation, Rebecca and Daniella...

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More Episodes
In this conversation, Daniella Mestyanek Young and Rebecca discuss their experiences with cults and the deconstruction of white supremacy. They explore the stages of leaving a cult and the process of deprogramming from the myth of white supremacy. They also touch on topics such as privilege, racism, and the impact of cult dynamics on society. The conversation highlights the need for self-reflection, questioning societal norms, and working towards equality. In this conversation, Daniella and Rebecca discuss the importance of self-reflection and deconstructing the systems of white supremacy and patriarchy. They emphasize the need for white women to recognize their privilege and actively work to dismantle oppressive systems. They also discuss the power of vulnerability and the role of social media in spreading awareness and creating change. The conversation touches on topics such as the cult-like nature of societal systems, the challenges of living authentically within capitalism, and the role of art and creativity in personal growth.
 

 

 

Connect with Daniella at:

Daniella's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/GroupBehaviorGal

TikTok: @daniellamestyanekyoung

Instagram: @_daniellamyoung

https://www.uncultureyourself.com/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuFRBZ2w3QsYs7Km69keHsg

UnAMERICAN Videobook

 

Get the book: UNCULTURED: A Memoir    

"A propulsive memoir delivered in the honest tones of a woman who didn't always think she'd live to tell her story." --NYT  

 

See a Sample Chapter in Rolling Stone Magazine 

See a Sample Chapter in The Sydney Herald

 

Words in: Newsweek & Narratively

 

Get a copy of UNCULTURED: Digital, Audio, or Hardcopy or preorder the paperback as a holiday gift for a friend.

Get an Autographed copy here: https://uncultureyourself.com/pages/uncultured-autographed
 
Takeaways
  • There are three stages of leaving a cult: waking up, cracking the brainwashing, and physically and mentally leaving the cult.
  • Deconstructing from the myth of white supremacy requires a process of deprogramming that can take years.
  • White supremacy is like a cult, and deconstructing it involves questioning societal norms and recognizing the impact of privilege and racism.
  • Cult dynamics, such as the need to defend the good intentions of the group, can be observed in white supremacy and other systems of oppression.
  • Recognizing and challenging the sacred assumptions of white supremacy is essential for dismantling the system and creating equality. Recognize and reflect on your own privilege and the systems of white supremacy and patriarchy that perpetuate inequality.
  • Challenge and dismantle oppressive systems by actively working to create change.
  • Embrace vulnerability and use your voice to spread awareness and inspire others to take action.
  • Question and deconstruct your own beliefs and behaviors to ensure they align with your values and promote equality.
  • Find ways to live authentically and resist the pressures of capitalism and societal expectations.
  • Use art and creativity as a means of personal growth and self-expression.
Sound Bites
  • "White supremacy is like a booger"
  • "White supremacy starts radicalizing you the second you set foot here"
  • "Deconstructing white supremacy is a process of self-reflection and questioning"
  • "Hey, black women, if you're alone in a conference room and someone's about to walk in and it's gonna be a white person, would you rather be a white man or a white woman?"
  • "White women are the men of women."
  • "Once you can name it, you can fix it."
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Background
02:32Growing Up in Diverse Communities and Discovering Cult Dynamics
05:22Creating Safe Spaces for Black People to Share with White People
07:49Leaving Seattle and Deconstructing White Supremacy
10:11White Supremacy as a Booger and Challenging Sacred Assumptions
13:07The Radicalization of White Supremacy and Deconstructing Beauty Standards
20:49The Interconnectedness of Patriarchy and White Supremacy
25:01The Need to Stack Rank and the Impact of White Supremacy
28:18Questioning the Cult of Capitalism and Valuing Humanization
31:04The Con of White Supremacy and the Benefits of Equality
37:02The Power of Vulnerability and Spreading Awareness
48:56Living Authentically and Resisting Capitalism
53:28Art and Creativity as Tools for Personal Growth