Fresh Air: Best Of: Inside The Pronatalist Movement / Making Sense Of Trauma
Release Date: May 3, 2025
Hosts: Tonya Moseley and Terry Gross
Introduction
In this compelling episode of NPR's Fresh Air, hosts Tonya Moseley and Terry Gross delve into two significant and thought-provoking topics: the resurgence of the pronatalist movement in the United States and the intricate journey of overcoming childhood trauma, as narrated by author Daria Burke. Additionally, the episode features a review of David Cronenberg's latest thriller, The Shrouds, by film critic Justin Chang. This summary captures the essence of these discussions, weaving together expert insights, personal narratives, and critical analyses.
The Resurgence of the Pronatalist Movement
Overview
The pronatalist movement, once considered fringe, has gained momentum in recent years, advocating for policies that encourage higher birth rates. This movement posits that increasing the number of births is essential to stave off economic decline and societal collapse.
Key Discussions
1. Conferences and Demographics
NPR reporter Lisa Hagan attended the second annual NatalCon conference in Austin, where about 200 attendees predominantly comprised white men (95%) advocating for pronatalist ideologies. Dr. Karen Guzzo, a sociologist and fertility expert, highlighted the homogeneous nature of the conference, noting the lack of diversity and the male-dominated discourse.
"There were about 200 attendees... 95% men. Absolutely." [05:50]
2. Core Policies and Incentives
The movement discusses a variety of policies, from child tax credit enhancements to more extreme measures like parental voting and genetic engineering. However, experts argue that these incentives, such as the proposed $5,000 baby bonus, have historically shown minimal impact on overall birth rates.
"By and large, they do not have any appreciable impact on birth rates overall or the number of births people have over their own lifetimes." – Lisa Hagan [16:31]
3. Segments Within the Movement
Dr. Guzzo outlines three primary segments within the pronatalist movement:
- Techno-Puritans: Like the Collins family, who use technology extensively in parenting.
- Religious Traditionalists: Focused on marital births and opposing technologies like IVF.
- Racist Groups: Concerned with maintaining a "true American" population against perceived immigrant replacement.
4. Criticisms and Concerns
Critics argue that the pronatalist movement overlooks critical factors such as the high cost of childcare, inadequate parental leave systems, and women’s autonomy over their reproductive choices. There are also concerns about the movement's underlying eugenic undertones, reminiscent of historical injustices like forced sterilizations.
5. Elon Musk's Influence
Elon Musk, with his reported 14 biological children, is a prominent figure within the movement. However, his views, such as advocating for C-sections to enhance infants' brain development, have been met with skepticism and criticism.
"He has this whole thing about C sections that women should have C sections because then it allows their baby's brains to be bigger than a vaginal birth. And that is just so utterly bonkers." – Lisa Hagan [20:05]
6. Policy Effectiveness Internationally
Comparisons with other countries like Hungary, Russia, and Singapore reveal that while some incentives have marginal effects, the most impactful measures involve robust childcare support and parental leave systems. Israel stands out for its effective fertility policies due to widespread availability of IVF and integration of work-family balance initiatives.
"Investing in a robust childcare infrastructure is really important." – Lisa Hagan [19:56]
Making Sense Of Trauma: Interview with Daria Burke
Author Profile
Daria Burke, an accomplished marketing professional, shares her deeply personal memoir, Of My Own Making, which chronicles her tumultuous upbringing in 1980s Detroit amidst addiction and instability. Her journey from neglect to corporate success underscores the profound impact of early trauma on the brain and body.
Key Discussions
1. Discovering Her Grandmother’s Death
Daria recounts the pivotal moment when she uncovered the details of her grandmother’s fatal car accident, which was the catalyst for confronting buried traumas:
"She represented a safety and a stability and a level of care and attention and intention that was markedly absent after she passed away." – Daria Burke [36:05]
2. Childhood Amidst Addiction and Poverty
Growing up in a household strained by her mother's addiction, Daria describes the scarcity and neglect she endured. The absence of basic necessities and the fear of societal exposure shaped her early years.
"We lived on public assistance... she usually would do that first big trip and then sell the food stamps for money that she could then use to buy drugs." – Daria Burke [42:00]
3. Escaping Through Literature and Imagination
Daria found solace and escape in reading, which fueled her aspiration to leave Detroit and build a better life.
"I think it was just this act of faith... and I was such a reader that I think it fed my escapism as well." – Daria Burke [43:19]
4. Post-Traumatic Growth
Exploring the concept of post-traumatic growth, Daria explains how overcoming adversity can lead to personal strength, deeper relationships, and a heightened sense of possibility. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent among individuals from impoverished and marginalized backgrounds.
"It's people from impoverished backgrounds... and when I look at all three of those populations... how they create the kind of life that I've made." – Daria Burke [50:05]
5. Motivation to Share Her Story
Daria emphasizes the importance of sharing her experiences to help others recognize that their difficult circumstances do not have to define their futures.
"I wanted to understand more and that I could be a witness for someone else." – Daria Burke [47:00]
Film Review: The Shrouds by Justin Chang
Overview
Justin Chang provides an insightful review of David Cronenberg's latest film, The Shrouds. The movie intertwines themes of grief, technology, and the macabre, presenting a narrative that is both morbid and oddly humorous.
Key Points
1. Plot and Themes
The film follows Karsh, a wealthy tech entrepreneur grappling with the loss of his wife. He invents "Gravetech," a technology that allows continuous monitoring of deceased loved ones through MRI-style scans integrated into their graves. This obsession reflects on modern society's relationship with technology and mortality.
2. Character Analysis
Vincent Cassel's portrayal of Karsh, coupled with Diane Kruger's role as Terry, his sister-in-law, brings depth to the characters' exploration of loss and obsession.
3. Technological Paranoia
Chang highlights Cronenberg's critique of how technology can both connect and isolate individuals, referencing Videodrome as a parallel in Cronenberg’s filmography. The pervasive influence of smartphones and surveillance is a central concern.
4. Artistic Merit
While acknowledging that The Shrouds may not fully cohere as a mystery, Chang appreciates Cronenberg's refusal to provide easy answers, instead presenting a narrative that mirrors the complexities of contemporary life.
5. Final Thoughts
Cronenberg's The Shrouds is lauded for its cerebral approach to body horror and techno-paranoia, making it a reflective piece on modern existence and the intertwining of life and technology.
"The Shrouds isn't nearly as graphic, but it doesn't have to be. It's set in a world where most of us have all but fused with our phones already." – Justin Chang [28:13]
Conclusion
This Fresh Air episode masterfully intertwines discussions on the pronatalist movement’s implications for society and the transformative journey of overcoming deep-seated trauma. Through expert analysis and personal storytelling, alongside a critical film review, listeners are offered a multifaceted exploration of contemporary issues surrounding population dynamics, personal resilience, and the pervasive role of technology in our lives. Whether you are intrigued by sociopolitical movements, personal memoirs, or film critique, this episode provides valuable insights and thoughtful reflections.