The Moth Radio Hour: Bearing Witness – Detailed Summary

Released: February 12, 2019

Introduction Hosted by Meg Bowles, The Moth Radio Hour features real-life stories told live without notes. This episode, titled "Bearing Witness," explores profound personal experiences that underscore the importance of witnessing and sharing one's truth. The episode includes four compelling narratives from Alice Schaefer, Dawn Ross, Dee Parvaz, Gary Weinstein, and Leland Melvin.

1. Alice Schaefer: Love Hurts

Timestamp: [02:58 - 08:56]

Background: Alice Schaefer shares her childhood in Mississippi, where she was the third daughter of a violent fundamentalist Presbyterian preacher. Her upbringing was steeped in fear and strict religious doctrine.

Key Points:

• Fear of Divine Punishment: Alice recounts teachings that God is love but also a source of severe punishment for those who cross Him. She explains fears instilled by her father about leprosy, polio, and eternal damnation.

  “I knew I would be punished. And I knew how leprosy...” ([05:30])

• Pete the Leper Pig: Alice describes a Sunday school story about a boy named Wilbur who helped lepers by selling “Pete the leper Pig” piggy banks. Despite her family's financial struggles, her father occasionally donated pennies to these piggy banks, which Alice viewed as a temptation from Satan.

  “Pete did not have those little rubber stoppers on the bottom that you could get the coins out.” ([06:15])

• Struggle with Guilt: She vividly portrays the anxiety and guilt she felt from stealing pennies to buy candy, believing she was cursed with leprosy as punishment.

  “I had to do the dreaded test. The pain or no pain.” ([07:45])

Conclusion: Alice reflects on how these childhood fears shaped her understanding of love and punishment, illustrating the deep emotional impact of religious indoctrination.

2. Dawn Ross: Who Moves to Arkansas on Purpose?

Timestamp: [10:03 - 16:34]

Background: Dawn Ross, a software analyst and mother of two, narrates her deliberate move to El Dorado, Arkansas, following her children’s college graduations and an enticing job offer.

Key Points:

• Idealistic Expectations vs. Harsh Reality: Dawn envisioned a quaint Southern life filled with community and charm but quickly encountered unexpected cultural and racial tensions.

  “I pictured hoedowns instead of clubs, a smaller scale of life and a slower pace.” ([10:50])

• Racial Discrimination: She shares instances of racism, including conversations about firearms and Confederate flags, which shattered her idealized image of Southern hospitality.

  “There were huge Conservative flags and Confederate flags on the doors.” ([13:20])

• Office Dynamics: Dawn recounts a troubling conversation about racial biases with a coworker, revealing the underlying prejudices present in her workplace.

  “I think all black people have an inner Malcolm and an inner Martin.” ([15:00])

• Decision to Leave: Faced with increasing discrimination and a deteriorating social environment, Dawn ultimately decides to leave Arkansas, grappling with sadness over the loss of her idealized community.

  “My disillusionment was now complete.” ([16:10])

Conclusion: Dawn Ross’s story highlights the confrontation between personal ideals and societal realities, emphasizing the emotional toll of experiencing racism firsthand.

3. Dee Parvaz: Bearing Witness

Timestamp: [20:40 - 36:01]

Background: Dee Parvaz, a journalist, recounts her harrowing experience covering political upheaval in Cairo, Egypt, for Al Jazeera in 2013. Her story delves into witnessing violence and the profound responsibility of bearing witness as a journalist.

Key Points:

• Massacre in Cairo: Dee describes the violent crackdown on sit-ins led by supporters of deposed President Mohamed Morsi, resulting in mass casualties.

  “It was a massacre in broad daylight in a capital city of roughly 20 million.” ([21:30])

• Personal Trauma: She narrates her emotional turmoil upon meeting a grieving widow whose unarmed husband was killed, leading to a pivotal moment where she physically comforts the woman despite her instinct to remain detached.

  “This woman doesn't care what kind of reporter I am or what my stupid little rules are.” ([30:45])

• Interrogation and Detention: Dee details her arrest, brutal interrogation, and solitary confinement, highlighting the physical and psychological torture she endured.

  “I've never felt so alone in my life.” ([34:20])

• Realization of Responsibility: The emotional climax occurs when she listens to a tortured boy’s cries, compelling her to fully embrace her role in bearing witness to the suffering around her.

  “I couldn't call out to him to say, I hear you. You're not alone.” ([35:10])

Conclusion: Dee Parvaz’s powerful narrative underscores the ethical and emotional complexities journalists face when witnessing and reporting atrocities, emphasizing the essential role of bearing witness.

4. Gary Weinstein: Not Normal

Timestamp: [36:01 - 39:17]

Background: Gary Weinstein shares a heartfelt story about his daughter Kate, who has Asperger's syndrome, and his determined effort to help her earn a driver’s license despite the challenges.

Key Points:

• Parenting Challenges: Gary discusses the extra time and effort invested in teaching Kate driving skills, emphasizing their strong bond and mutual respect.

  “I have been determined to get her a driver's license, a big challenge for some of the problems that she has.” ([36:30])

• The Test Day Incident: On the day of Kate’s road test, she experiences anxiety and lies down in the testing center, causing Gary to urge her to "act normal." Kate’s candid response reflects her discomfort with the situation.

  “Dad, stop yelling at me. Look at the dog cowering in the side of the room.” ([38:00])

• Triumphant Success: Despite the initial setback, Kate passes her driving test. Gary celebrates by dancing in the Motor Vehicle Bureau, expressing his overwhelming joy, while Kate remains focused on maintaining normalcy.

  “Kate, you did it. You did it.” ([38:45])

Conclusion: Gary Weinstein’s story is a touching portrayal of perseverance and unconditional support, illustrating the triumphs and vulnerabilities in parenting a child with Asperger's syndrome.

5. Leland Melvin: Bound and Determined

Timestamp: [40:31 - 52:49]

Background: Leland Melvin, a former NASA astronaut and professional athlete, narrates his journey from a failed astronaut candidate to fulfilling his dream of flying in space, emphasizing resilience and the profound experiences that shaped his path.

Key Points:

• Initial Setback: During astronaut training, Leland suffers a severe accident involving equipment malfunction, leading to temporary hearing impairment and medical disqualification from NASA.

  “Rich Mikulski starts walking towards me and he touches my right ear... I realize something's wrong.” ([42:00])

• Emotional Turmoil: Hospitalized and grappling with his uncertain future, Leland reflects on his purpose and the impact of witnessing suffering firsthand.

  “I couldn't identify him. I couldn't contact his family. Couldn't do anything.” ([35:50])

• Redemption and Return: A pivotal moment occurs when NASA’s Rich Williams believes in Leland and provides him with a waiver to return to training, showcasing the importance of mentorship and support.

  “Rich Williams says, Leland, I've been watching you. I believe in you.” ([50:20])

• Spaceflight and the Overview Effect: Leland finally flies on Space Shuttle Atlantis, where he experiences the "overview effect"—a cognitive shift in awareness of the Earth’s fragility and interconnectedness. This moment transforms his understanding of legacy and human connection.

  “This is the moment, this is the surreal moment where I have this cognitive shift.” ([51:30])

• Honoring Legacy: Leland connects his journey to honoring the legacy of fallen astronauts, reflecting on the emotional and philosophical growth achieved through his experiences.

  “I remember what Jeanette said. I remember what David Brown's father said. We honored their legacy.” ([52:30])

Conclusion: Leland Melvin’s narrative is a testament to resilience and the enduring human spirit. His journey from adversity to achieving his dream highlights the transformative power of determination and perspective.

Final Reflections by Host Meg Bowles Timestamp: [37:26 & 53:42 - End]

Meg Bowles concludes the episode by reflecting on the profound stories shared, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and emotional connection in storytelling. She encourages listeners to share their own unique experiences, highlighting how personal narratives can resonate universally.

“Don't worry about writing out a perfectly polished piece to read, but rather just tell us the highlights...” ([37:26])

Closing Remarks: Meg Bowles invites listeners to pitch their stories to The Moth, providing guidance on how to convey genuine emotions and unique details. The episode ends with acknowledgments to the storytellers and production team, reinforcing the episode's theme of bearing witness through shared human experiences.

Notable Quotes:

• Alice Schaefer: “God is love.” ([07:50])
• Dawn Ross: “Who moves out of Arkansas on purpose? This saner black lady, if a little sadder.” ([16:34])
• Dee Parvaz: “She wants me to bear witness to what's happening to her.” ([35:00])
• Gary Weinstein: “Not normal. Not normal. Must stop.” ([39:00])
• Leland Melvin: “This is the moment… I have this cognitive shift.” ([51:45])

Conclusion The Moth Radio Hour: Bearing Witness offers a compelling collection of stories that delve into personal struggles, resilience, and the human capacity to bear witness to profound events. Through the narratives of Alice Schaefer, Dawn Ross, Dee Parvaz, Gary Weinstein, and Leland Melvin, the episode underscores the power of storytelling in understanding and connecting with diverse human experiences.

For more stories and detailed accounts, visit themoth.org.