Podcast Summary: Smosh Mouth – S2: #67 - Black Lives Matter

Release Date: June 17, 2020
Hosts: Shayne Topp (short), Amanda Lehan-Canto (tall), and a rotating Smosh friend
Description: In this episode, the Smosh team delves deep into the Black Lives Matter movement, sharing personal experiences from recent protests, discussing the emotional toll, and exploring ways to support the cause effectively.

1. Introduction to the Movement

The episode opens with the hosts addressing the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. They acknowledge the global momentum and the pivotal events that have galvanized communities worldwide.

Notable Quote:
Keith (00:35): "I didn't know how this was gonna happen. I knew that one day it would happen. I didn't know when it would happen or if it would even happen in my lifetime. But we're here. We are here. And we can see the light. I feel the light. I feel it. I feel change happening."

2. Personal Experiences with Protests

Keith’s First Protest:
Keith shares his first experience protesting, highlighting his initial fears influenced by media portrayals of police brutality. He emphasizes witnessing a sense of unity and hope among the protesters.

Jackie’s Journey:
Jackie recounts her experience during the protests, reflecting on her past involvement during Trayvon Martin's case and how this movement felt different and more personal. She describes participating in multiple protests, finding solace and strength in community support.

Shane’s Involvement:
Shane discusses his motivation to join the protests, feeling compelled to act as the situation escalated. He mentions the challenges of balancing personal safety with the urgency to support the movement.

Notable Quotes:
Jackie (06:05): "The first protest that I participated in wasn't was when I was in college when Trayvon Martin was murdered... And this was the first time, like, I was telling you guys, like, this is the first time that I've ever, like, gone out into my city and protests."

Shane (05:59): "Was this your first time protesting all for everybody?"

3. Emotional Impact and Mental Health

The conversation delves into the emotional strain caused by the protests and the broader issues of systemic racism. The hosts discuss the importance of mental health support, acknowledging feelings of anger, sadness, and frustration.

Keith’s Emotional Struggle:
Keith admits to experiencing emotional highs and lows, expressing how witnessing injustice affects his mental state.

Jackie on Coping Mechanisms:
Jackie talks about using humor and maintaining a support system to navigate the emotional challenges of the movement.

Notable Quotes:
Keith (04:10): "And I feel that every gap is being bridged. I've never seen anything like it. My mom's never seen anything like it. It's such a beautiful thing to see unity."

Jackie (15:26): "The only way that I've been able to get through like the past couple of weeks is with like my sense of humor."

4. Ways to Support the Movement

The hosts explore various methods to support BLM beyond attending protests, recognizing that not everyone can participate physically.

Protesting Safely:
They discuss practical tips for attending protests, such as dressing appropriately, staying safe, and being prepared for potential confrontations.

Donations and Volunteering:
Emphasis is placed on donating to credible organizations like the NAACP and volunteering in ways that support those affected by police brutality.

Advocacy and Education:
Keith and Shane highlight the importance of educating oneself through documentaries, books, and credible online resources to better understand systemic racism.

Notable Quotes:
Keith (09:18): "There are more people standing in the gaps that aren't black, and that's why it's working right now."

Shane (21:00): "There are thousands of ways you can do your part. There's so many ways you can do it."

5. Media Portrayal vs. Reality

The discussion critiques how media outlets often misrepresent protests, focusing on negative incidents like looting rather than the peaceful majority.

Misconceptions Highlighted:
The hosts argue that the media amplifies the actions of a small percentage of looters, overshadowing the peaceful nature of most protests.

Impact of Media Narratives:
They express frustration over media narratives that skew public perception, making it harder to convey the true intent behind the movement.

Notable Quotes:
Shane (13:07): "It's crazy, but it's not funny. Like, this is not a joke."

Keith (24:48): "The media will make you think something is bad. Like, don't, don't. Y'all, the media, there's..."

6. Handling Social Media and Online Interactions

The hosts address the challenges of engaging with supporters and critics on social media platforms.

Avoiding Toxic Interactions:
They discuss the importance of not engaging in unproductive arguments online and setting boundaries to protect mental health.

Positive Engagement:
Emphasis is placed on spreading accurate information, supporting allies, and using social media as a tool for education rather than confrontation.

Notable Quotes:
Keith (31:52): "We have to take care of our mental health in this time too."

Shane (32:14): "If someone’s gonna try and cancel you, they're trying to not care about the movement for real."

7. Building and Maintaining Solidarity

The conversation emphasizes the need for unity both within the movement and among allies from different backgrounds.

Support Systems:
The hosts share personal stories of how friends and family have supported them, highlighting the diverse ways people can show solidarity.

Inclusive Advocacy:
They advocate for building inclusive support networks that bridge racial and cultural gaps, ensuring that the movement remains strong and unified.

Notable Quotes:
Keith (28:44): "We are a different type of people, I will say, then it comes with some heavy hearts sometimes."

Jackie (42:58): "Recognizing that not everyone has the same type of support system right now is just, like, it made my heart hurt just, like, thinking about it."

8. Maintaining Positivity and Humor

Despite the serious nature of the topic, the hosts discuss the importance of finding moments of joy and humor to sustain themselves.

Light Amidst Darkness:
They talk about incorporating humor to lighten the emotional burden without diminishing the gravity of the issues at hand.

Building Resilience:
Using laughter and positive interactions as tools to build resilience and maintain a balanced emotional state during challenging times.

Notable Quotes:
Keith (48:06): "We gotta find some light. We have to have some light in the midst of the darkness."

Shane (49:11): "The meme culture of this movement is awesome."

9. Conclusion and Call to Action

The episode wraps up with a heartfelt call to action, urging listeners to get involved in ways that suit their capabilities, whether through protests, donations, education, or advocating for change within their communities.

Encouragement to Act:
The hosts motivate their audience to take meaningful steps towards supporting BLM, emphasizing that every contribution counts.

Resources Shared:
They provide information on reputable organizations, educational materials, and actionable steps to help listeners engage effectively.

Notable Quotes:
Keith (54:10): "We are here saying their names. We are here protesting. We are bodies here. But if something happens... it's funny. I'm not a robot. I'm alive."

Shane (56:28): "Everybody has a role. There's always a way to do your part."

Key Takeaways

• Personal Engagement: Sharing personal stories fosters a deeper understanding of the movement's impact.
• Diverse Support: There are various ways to support BLM beyond physical participation, including donations, education, and advocacy.
• Media Literacy: Critical consumption of media is essential to distinguish between the majority of peaceful protests and isolated negative incidents.
• Mental Health: Prioritizing mental health is crucial while navigating the emotional challenges of activism.
• Unity and Solidarity: Building inclusive support networks strengthens the movement and ensures sustained progress.
• Balanced Approach: Incorporating humor and positivity can help maintain resilience during trying times.

Final Thoughts:
This episode of Smosh Mouth provides an insightful and heartfelt exploration of the Black Lives Matter movement, highlighting the importance of personal involvement, mental well-being, and collective action. The hosts effectively balance serious discussions with moments of levity, offering a comprehensive perspective on contributing to meaningful societal change.