Libsyn Directory

Myth: Iran Is An Evil Imperialist Regime (W/ Bikrum Gill)

The Black Myths Podcast

In this episode, we bring back political science professor Dr. Bikrum Gil to discuss the myth that Iran is an evil imperialist regime. The analysis goes beyond loving or hating Iran; instead, we ground the conversation in a material approach to understanding what constitutes an imperialist nation and where Iran fits within it. We also explore a recent open letter published in the Guardian titled ‘To Iran’s political prisoners, trapped ‘between two blades of a scissors’. It was signed by several prominent academics and activists, including Angela Davis, Robyn Kelley, and...

Myth: Iran Is An Evil Imperialist Regime (W/ Bikrum Gill)

The Black Myths Podcast

In this episode, we bring back political science professor Dr. Bikrum Gil to discuss the myth that Iran is an evil imperialist regime. The analysis goes beyond loving or hating Iran; instead, we ground the conversation in a material approach to understanding what constitutes an imperialist nation and where Iran fits within it. We also explore a recent open letter published in the Guardian titled ‘To Iran’s political prisoners, trapped ‘between two blades of a scissors’. It was signed by several prominent academics and activists, including Angela Davis, Robyn Kelley, and...

Myth: Iran Is An Evil Imperialist Regime (W/ Bikrum Gill)

The Black Myths Podcast

In this episode, we bring back political science professor Dr. Bikrum Gil to discuss the myth that Iran is an evil imperialist regime. The analysis goes beyond loving or hating Iran; instead, we ground the conversation in a material approach to understanding what constitutes an imperialist nation and where Iran fits within it. We also explore a recent open letter published in the Guardian titled ‘To Iran’s political prisoners, trapped ‘between two blades of a scissors’. It was signed by several prominent academics and activists, including Angela Davis, Robyn Kelley, and...

Myth: Cuba: The Capital of 21st Century Communism (w/ Dr. Charisse Burden-Stelly)

The Black Myths Podcast

In this episode, in part 2 of this series, we discuss the recent spikes in anti-communism. Recently, the State Department released the "Cuba: The Capital of 21st Century Communism," targeting all progressive elements in the US. They tie all these elements to Cuba as a broader effort to target so-called "domestic terrorism." Dr. Charisse Burden-Stelly is back to discuss this document and the broader framework of domestic terrorism. She relates it back to historical iterations of red scares and explains the specific character of it today. Myth: Communism Made Me Do It Myth: Communism Made...

Myth: Good Socialist, Bad Communist (w/ Dr. Charisse Burden-Stelly)

The Black Myths Podcast

In this episode, we explore the false dichotomy between the “Good Socialist” and the “Bad Communist.” This is the idea that one can separate oneself from anti-communism by dissing communism. However, with the State Department's release of Cuba: The Capital of the 21st Century, targeting anything progressive as “domestic terrorism, it becomes clearer that everyone marginally left is a target. Historically, Black people, whether left-wing or not, are vulnerable to these types of red scares, and thus should be prepared. To help us discuss these dilemmas, we bring on a friend of the...

Myth: Anti-Obama Race Traitor (w/ Dr. Jared Ball and Dr. Todd Steven Burroughs)

The Black Myths Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jared Ball and Dr. Todd Steven Burroughs to break down the myth of the "Anti-Obama Race Traitor." They dig into how that label was often weaponized to silence policy-based critiques of Barack Obama, forcing people to choose between unquestioning support or being ostracized. The conversation centers on how Obama’s public identity was a carefully constructed media strategy. The guests talk about how he learned to code-switch and use symbolic language to appeal to both Black voters and white power structures, all while avoiding any real challenge to the...

Myth: AI Data Centers Uplift Black Communities (w/ Black Alliance for Peace)

The Black Myths Podcast

In this episode, we dissect the myths surrounding the proliferation of data centers in Black communities. We explore the realities behind industry promises—ranging from job creation and infrastructure support to tax base contributions—and examine the potential long-term impacts on water, energy, and community autonomy. Join us as we ground the conversation in what AI and data centers actually are, and discuss how Black communities can organize to address these critical issues.We are joined by guests Austin Cole, Nicholas Richard-Thompson, and India Williams from the Black Alliance for...

Myth: "It Just Sports" and the World Cup (w/ Erica Caines)

The Black Myths Podcast

In this episode of "Its Just Sports," we, dismantle the persistent myth that athletics exist in an apolitical vacuum. Joined by guest Black Alliance For Peace National Co-Coordinator, Erica Caines, we dive into why the "just sports" narrative often washes the crimes of US imperialism. We explore the work of the BAP and their "People-Centered Human Rights" framework—rights secured through social struggle rather than top-down mandates. We contrast this grassroots approach with FIFA's own human rights protocols, which fronts for corporate interests. BAP argues that by allowing the U.S. to...

Myth: All Marxisms are Created Equal (w/ Gabriel Rockhill)

The Black Myths Podcast

On this episode of the Black Myths Podcast, we tackle the "Myth: All Marxisms are Created Equal" with guest Gabriel Rockhill. Rockhill, a philosopher, cultural critic, and activist, breaks down the origins and implications of "Western Marxism". We discuss the influence of imperial entities like the CIA and the deep collaboration of the Frankfurt School founders with the State. The conversation explores the tendency within Western Marxism to oppose "actually existing socialism," and how this stance influences Black and critical theories around race. Finally, we address how to navigate the...

Myth: Black Voting Rights = Voting Power (w/ Petros Bein)

The Black Myths Podcast

In this episode, the myth that Black voting rights = voting power is analyzed through the lens of internal neo-colonialism following the recent devastating blow to the Voting Rights Act in Louisiana v. Callais. We are joined by Petros Bein, author of "Internal Colonialism and the Reproduction of Capital", to explore the historical evolution from colonialism (Slavery, Jim Crow) to neo-colonialism. The discussion focuses on the critical distinction between the right to vote and actual power, using examples like the War on Drugs and the Crime Bill to show how Black elected officials have...

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