Unmuted: Conversations on Prejudice, Oppression, and Social Justice

In 2015, Myisha Cherry launched The UnMute Podcast to amplify “voices and/ or topics that are not given much attention in mainstream philosophy” and make conversations about philosophy accessible relevant people outside the field (p. xiv). She sought interview young, diverse philosophers their work on contemporary social political issues, challenging conventional ideas of who (read: old white guys) serves. creating such a space where “philosophy real world issues collide” xiv), she hoped podcast would contribute “the revolution”—a term does define but one clearly guided for her by values inclusion, democratic participation, justice. As it turned out, broad audience was hungry just these kinds conversations, took off.Now several seasons in, has gathered together thirty-one transcripts from Unmuted: Conversations Prejudice, Oppression, Social Justice. explains, book further extends goals accessibility making interviews available hearing-impaired those prefer absorb content through reading xv). organized into six sections three seven interviews: “Politics Society”; “Language, Knowledge, Power”; “Social Groups Activism”; “Race Economics”; “Gender, Sex, Love”; “Emotions Art Public Life.” keeping with Cherry’s initial vision, group interviewees across race, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, ability. Many young early career. Before begin, an illustrated “Notes Contributors” section introduces guests research interests, affiliations, paths philosophy. While most professors philosophy, come wide range institutions describe very different journeys field—from contemplating infinity as child, experiencing culture shock teenager, falling love someone majoring adult. This choice reflects goal humanize professional journeys, perhaps role feel more within reach least represented field. also includes “Say What?” glossary help specialized terms support readers’ understanding message is clear: can must be everyone.And themselves? They gems. I began them, pencil hand, only realize underlining every interview. no doubt due combination quality guests, probing questions, dire need insightful, incisive, creative world’s pressing challenges. For this moment, found Society” particularly revelatory, especially Meena Krishnamurthy’s discussion Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. racial distrust, José Mendoza’s explanation ways US immigration policy created “undocumented” category, Wendy Salkin’s analysis ethical challenges representing speaking others formally informally. English major my undergraduate years lover fiction, enjoyed closing section, Life” (pp. 251–273): exploring Black aesthetics Paul C. Taylor, philosophical power richness literature (particularly literature) Amir Jaima, forms roles hope public discourse Adrienne Martin. Across all sections, offer nuggets insight reflective citizen aspiring revolutionary alike.The bookended foreword Cornel West brief introduction conclusion Cherry. One benefits compiling allows than possible time-bounded discuss aims what she’s learned engaging conversations. Through we get clear sense intentionality behind each decisions host, scholar, writer—from opening music (“I wanted sound like they had urban radio station” [p. xiv]), addresses, decision call first names drop potentially distancing “Dr.”In turns art value themselves lessons along way how hers meaningful. nature dialogue feels distinct topical up book. However, keen engage strengths limitations, virtues us better conversation partners thought-provoking any discussions fellow scholars. At time national conversational failure, find myself hearing echoes assertion “we cannot isolate them” 278) if our aren’t working, problem us.There are, course, limitations publishing transcripts. Unmuted presents wonderful spread bite-sized, running ten pages. often gets could have kept exchanging thoughts longer, time. really tasting menu, exposing readers voices insights enticing interested explore further. Additionally, wishing offered own reflections commentary individual groups interviews, at start close allowed benefit threads saw between We valuable when, introduction, notes chapters read flexible order offers few suggestions fruitful pairings (read chapter 15 allies ally 7 risky speech, example). “Yes, say more!” implore page, left do connecting ourselves.In reflecting evolution over its growing number seasons, writes, “I still believe aids revolution—even revolution ideas” Reading book, wondering caveat “only.” difficult season following 2020 presidential election, nation weathered new peaks pandemic loss, stream antidemocratic vitriol lies, insurrection Capitol racist extremists, inauguration many watched tenterhooks. we’ve witnessed struggle profound new, become fact essential—not less-valuable precursor action critical step identifying developing insights, frames, understandings guide inspire carve forward. his foreword, canon analytic “falls far short meeting challenges” today, including “wrestling realities empire, capitalism, patriarchy, supremacy, homophobia, transphobia” xi)—a critique certainly extended other fields domains. To tackle injustices time, understand complex interconnected visions address them. ideas. amplifies, explores, questions asks, achieves aim aiding revolution.Cherry guarantee you will agree everything written But am certain encourage think deeply, even differently world” Indeed, challenged me pursue deeper thinking myself, others, world. nourishing inspiring when scorched barren civic imaginations envisioning shaping future. plenty feed imaginations. It model invitation kind inquiry period upheaval demands—the equal place.