Notes and Links to Steven Thrasher’s Work

Dr. Steven Thrasher is an American journalist and academic. In 2019, he became the inaugural Daniel H. Renberg Chair of social justice in reporting and an assistant professor of journalism at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. In 2012, he won the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association Journalist of the Year award.

At about 1:15, Steven talks about book events and the book’s May 19 publication

At about 2:40, Steven shares interesting and “clarifying” feedback from readers on The Overseer Class

At about 4:00, Steven details his childhood reading and writing and creative pursuits

At about 7:40, Steven and Pete discuss the horrible news about the attacks on book choice, a high number of higher education institutions and their “capitulation,” but also the wonderful ways in which Oxnard, CA, and other “low ed” institutions have helped foster community and safety

At about 11:45, Steven responds to Pete’s asking about the three quotes that start the book by sharing his gratitude to the three writers/estates who allowed him to use the words; he talks about the quotes setting up “tension” in his book

At about 18:00, The two discuss the way the book starts and reflect on dynamics of the repression of Gaza as both singular and as representative of all “imperial force,” such as Tyre Nichols’ killing in early 2023

At about 22:00, the two discuss Martin Luther King and Malcolm X’s legacies and the stories told about them, and their work to make connections with international struggles

At about 24:35, Steven expands on cases in which Black men have been killed by the police, and the changing dynamics and populations around US police forces

At about 26:00, Steven notes the “rehabilition” of the Black cop in media in recent years, and the ways in which Black chiefs

At about 27:10, Pete references a possible thesis for Steven’s book and asks Steven to talk about distinguishing (or not) between the overseer class and individuals outside the system

At about 30:40, Steven recounts the history of Denmark Vecsey in furthering his point of the overseer class and its role

At about 33:10, Steven discusses his short-lived plans to become a police officer and its connection to employment

At about 34:30, Steven cites Black in Blue as a pivotal book in his research

At about 36:00, Steven reflects on needs for jobs and connections to jobs that people may be ideologically opposed to police work or similar work

At about 37:00, Steven responds to Pete asking about the idea of “changing the institution (policing) from within”

At about 40:00, Steven talks about power dynamics, levels of power, and historical links to the “overseer” trope

At about 42:40, Steven breaks down terms coined to show the engineering of Black cops and female cops as tools of “freedom”

At about 44:20, The two discuss the overseer trope in the military, including “feel good stories” involving Condoleezza Rice and Colin Powell

At about 46:45, Pete and Steven reflect on the power of a “No” for those resisting overseer status

At about 48:10, Steven gives background on being in solidarity with his students and how he has stood up for his ideals; he also talks about the wonderful work by protestors on various college campuses

At about 51:45, Steven reflects on his unforgettable five days on campus at Northwestern and evolving campus protests

At about 56:10, Steven talks about the importance of “being a Toni”

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Please tune in for Episode 344 with Rachel León, a writer, editor, and social worker, who has worked in child welfare for nearly two decades. She serves as Managing Director for Chicago Review of Books.

The episode airs on May 15, Pub Day for How We See the Gray, their first novel.

Please go to ceasefiretoday.org, and/or https://act.uscpr.org/a/letaidin to call your congresspeople and demand an end to the forced famine and destruction of Gaza and the Gazan people.

You can also donate at chuffed.org, World Central Kitchen, and so many more, and/or you can contact writer friend Ursula Villarreal-Moura directly or through Pete, as she has direct links with friends in Gaza.