Podcast Summary: Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky – Episode Featuring Tarana Burke

Release Date: March 18, 2025
Host: Monica Lewinsky
Guest: Tarana Burke, Founder of the Original MeToo Movement

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Reclaiming with Monica Lewinsky, host Monica Lewinsky sits down with Tarana Burke, the visionary activist and founder of the original MeToo movement. The conversation delves deep into the origins of MeToo, the complexities of intersectionality, and Tarana's personal journey of reclaiming her life after enduring trauma. This episode offers a rich exploration of the multifaceted nature of social movements, personal healing, and the enduring quest for empathy and community.

Origin of the MeToo Movement

[02:01] Monica Lewinsky:
Monica reflects on Tarana's impactful 50th birthday party and their initial connections, highlighting the deep respect she holds for Tarana's work in reclaiming personal and collective narratives.

[04:11] Tarana Burke:
Tarana provides an origin story of MeToo, clarifying that it began in 2006 in Alabama, long before the viral hashtag #MeToo 2.0 popularized by Alyssa Milano.

“In 2006, I started this work under the name MeToo movement in Alabama, and then I moved to Philly...” [04:11]

[05:29] Monica Lewinsky:
Monica seeks to differentiate the original movement from its social media resurgence, prompting Tarana to elaborate on how the grassroots efforts were foundational.

“MeToo went viral because of everyday people and everyday survivors...” [07:53]

Tarana's Personal Journey and Trauma

[21:08] Tarana Burke:
Tarana discusses the importance of survivors controlling their own narratives, emphasizing that sharing their stories should be empowering rather than performative.

“When I say that we shouldn't have to perform our stories... you get to guard your story.” [21:08]

[30:06] Tarana Burke:
She recounts her first experience of sexual assault at age seven, describing the manipulative tactics used by her abuser to exploit her vulnerability.

“He bought us candy in the candy stores... convinced me to go with him.” [31:47]

[41:43] Tarana Burke:
Tarana opens up about her childhood trauma and the concept of "cover sins" she fabricated during confession to mask her true pain.

“…I felt like I was complicit in my own abuse. So I didn't understand that what was happening to me wasn't my fault at all.” [41:43]

Intersectionality and Racism within the Movement

[10:26] Tarana Burke:
Tarana highlights the racial disparities in the MeToo movement's media coverage, noting that black women and women of color were often sidelined.

“They were like, no, no, we're not participating in that... Alyssa doesn't know who I am at all.” [10:22]

[14:21] Tarana Burke:
She discusses how black women had been advocating against sexual violence long before MeToo went viral, yet received minimal attention initially.

“Black women had been screaming at the top of our lungs about R. Kelly for 10 years before MeToo went viral.” [14:52]

[16:15] Tarana Burke:
Emphasizing the need for intersectionality, Tarana explains how sexual violence disproportionately affects the most marginalized communities and the importance of centering these voices.

“Sexual violence is so complex and it affects the most marginalized people in the country way more.” [15:19]

Media's Role and Misconceptions

[05:39] Tarana Burke:
Tarana recounts the initial confusion and lack of recognition when the MeToo hashtag went viral, clarifying that she was the original creator and not Alyssa Milano.

“Alyssa didn't know who I am... she reached out to me after she had gotten so many tweets saying, 'Where's Tarana Burke?'” [10:22]

[16:43] Tarana Burke:
She touches upon the sudden loss of privacy and the unpreparedness for the intense media spotlight following the movement's surge, highlighting the challenges faced by activists.

“No roadmap. There's nobody to come. There's no consultant to hire.” [17:38]

Tarana's Work and Challenges

[19:18] Tarana Burke:
Tarana describes the immediate security concerns that arose after the movement gained traction, including threats and the necessity of protective measures.

“I had to get a bodyguard because I can handle these two old white women...” [19:18]

[22:23] Tarana Burke:
She emphasizes the continuous nature of reclaiming her life, underscoring that it's an ongoing battle filled with both triumphant and challenging days.

“I have to reclaim my life every day. It’s a decision... I'm still afraid of the dark.” [65:07]

The Importance of Empathy and Community

[38:09] Tarana Burke:
Tarana shares a transformative moment working with young girls, realizing the importance of providing them with language and hope through stories of successful survivors like Oprah Winfrey.

“I was trying to create something for them that felt hopeful. Oprah was always the last person we turned over...” [38:09]

[49:35] Tarana Burke:
She discusses the critical role of empathy in healing, asserting that empathy is essential for community and individual recovery.

“Empathy is absolutely key to our healing because we don't heal in isolation.” [49:20]

Reclaiming Personal Life

[28:04] Tarana Burke:
Tarana reflects on the personal cost of advocacy, sharing her experiences with public backlash and the emotional toll of defending herself while supporting others.

“I have to fill in those gaps all the time, and it’s okay as long as I get up and I keep going.” [65:07]

[67:02] Tarana Burke:
In response to Monica's final question, Tarana eloquently describes her daily effort to reclaim different aspects of herself, acknowledging both her strengths and ongoing struggles.

“I sometimes have to reclaim my heart. I sometimes have to reclaim my brain... I have to reclaim myself every day.” [67:02]

Future Directions and Healing

[46:57] Tarana Burke:
She introduces the concept of a "politic of grace," advocating for new frameworks of understanding and supporting survivors in a changing world.

“We need to revolutionize [grace]. We need lots of new offerings so that people can start thinking about it.” [46:57]

[47:14] Tarana Burke:
Tarana emphasizes the necessity of evolving our approaches to healing and support, highlighting that traditional methods may no longer suffice in the current societal landscape.

“This is no better time than now for us to start generating new ideas.” [47:14]

Conclusion

Monica Lewinsky wraps up the episode by expressing deep gratitude to Tarana Burke for sharing her invaluable insights and personal stories. She underscores the importance of such conversations in fostering understanding and support for survivors. Tarana reiterates the significance of community and empathy in the healing process, leaving listeners with a powerful message of resilience and the ongoing journey of reclaiming one's life.

“Thank you, Tarana. You've already helped so many people. I'm very grateful to you.” [68:53]

Notable Quotes

• Tarana Burke [04:11]:
  “MeToo went viral because of everyday people and everyday survivors who were responding to that call.”

• Tarana Burke [21:08]:
  “You get to guard yourself. You get to guard your story.”

• Tarana Burke [30:06]:
  “He bought us candy in the candy stores... convinced me to go with him.”

• Tarana Burke [46:57]:
  “This is no better time than now for us to start generating new ideas.”

• Tarana Burke [65:07]:
  “I have to reclaim my life every day. It’s a decision... I'm still afraid of the dark.”

Key Takeaways

1. Foundational Roots of MeToo: Understanding that the movement's origins trace back to Tarana Burke’s grassroots efforts in 2006, long before its viral resurgence.

2. Intersectionality Matters: The importance of recognizing and addressing the unique challenges faced by marginalized communities within social movements.

3. Personal Healing is Ongoing: Reclaiming one’s life after trauma is a continuous process that requires daily effort, community support, and empathy.

4. Empathy as a Healing Force: Building empathetic communities is crucial for individual and collective healing from trauma.

5. Evolving Support Systems: There is a need for new frameworks and resources to support survivors in an ever-changing societal landscape.

6. Control Over Narratives: Empowering survivors to control their stories ensures that sharing becomes a source of strength rather than mere performance.

This episode serves as a profound exploration of the MeToo movement's depths, Tarana Burke's unwavering dedication, and the intricate interplay between personal trauma and collective healing. It offers listeners a nuanced understanding of what it truly means to reclaim one's life and the vital role of empathy and community in that journey.