Podcast Summary: The Moth – "Walter Mosley: Let That Weight Go"

Episode Information

• Title: Walter Mosley: Let That Weight Go
• Host/Author: The Moth
• Release Date: February 18, 2013

Introduction In this episode of The Moth, esteemed author Walter Mosley shares a deeply personal narrative titled "Let That Weight Go." Told live in Chicago, Mosley delves into themes of history, race, and the enduring impact of past traumas on present lives. The story examines how language and societal labels can perpetuate old wounds and influence interpersonal relationships.

Living with the Past Walter Mosley begins his story by reflecting on the inevitable connection between aging and revisiting the past. At [02:29], he states:

"The older you are, the more you live in the past. And that everybody, every person as they live, every man and every woman, they're going forward through the years and the decades and they're still influenced by these things behind them."

Mosley explains that despite societal progress, individuals often carry outdated beliefs and prejudices that continue to shape their interactions and self-perception.

Early Education and Historical Awareness Mosley recounts his childhood experience attending Victory Baptist Day School in Los Angeles, where his parents sought to provide a better education for people of color. He shares pivotal lessons from his youth, such as understanding derogatory terms like "boy" and "girl" used by older white men in the South to address black individuals dismissively. At [04:00], he describes:

"This came into me, this is part of my history, this is who I am and who I was and where I'm coming from."

Additionally, Mosley reflects on viewing a daguerreotype of a black woman laboring with a heavy sack of cotton, symbolizing the enduring burden of historical oppression.

Experience as a Night Crew Custodian Transitioning to his late teens, Mosley describes his role as a nightly custodian for the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Alongside a group of young black men, he performed various maintenance tasks at schools. A significant incident involved a colleague named Eddie, who ominously declared at [06:00]:

"If somebody offered me $2,200 to kill you, you'd be dead."

Mosley initially dismissed Eddie's threat with laughter, questioning the motive behind such a statement. However, this interaction marked a profound moment of introspection about the underlying tensions and the weight of racial history carried by individuals.

A Defining Moment in New York City Fast forward 37 years, Mosley narrates an encounter in New York City's West Village. While observing a young white man promoting a gay rave, Mosley notices a young black man interacting with him using derogatory language. At [09:45], the black man bluntly asks:

"Any bitches up in here?"

Despite expecting conflict reminiscent of his past experiences, Mosley witnesses a moment of understanding and release. The black man and the white man conclude their exchange peacefully, prompting Mosley to realize the possibility of letting go of historical burdens:

"You got to let that load go."

Conclusion: Letting Go of Historical Weights Mosley concludes his story by acknowledging the difficulty of shedding the heavy historical burdens that have been ingrained over generations. He likens himself to the woman in the daguerreotype, burdened by a "400-year-old sack," and expresses fear about the personal impact of releasing this weight:

"I was left there feeling I would like to, but it's grafted to my skin and that I'm afraid that if I let it go, it might kill me."

Reflections and Insights Through his narrative, Mosley explores the complexities of racial identity and the lingering effects of historical injustices. His story underscores the importance of recognizing and addressing the invisible burdens that individuals carry, advocating for a collective effort to release these weights for personal and societal healing.

Awards and Accomplishments Walter Mosley is a prolific author with over 40 books, including the bestselling Easy Rawlins mystery series. His accolades include an O. Henry Award, a Grammy, and PEN America's Lifetime Achievement Award. Mosley resides in Brooklyn, New York.

Upcoming Events The Moth Main Stage is scheduled to return to Chicago on Thursday, March 28, and to the Boston area on Thursday, April 11, presented by WBUR. For more information and ticketing details, visit themoth.org and WBUR.org.

Closing Remarks Dan Kennedy wraps up the episode by thanking Walter Mosley and the audience, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own stories and the weights they carry. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling in fostering understanding and empathy.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Walter Mosley [02:29]:

  "The older you are, the more you live in the past."

• Walter Mosley [04:00]:

  "This is part of my history, this is who I am and who I was and where I'm coming from."

• Eddie [06:00]:

  "If somebody offered me $2,200 to kill you, you'd be dead."

• Walter Mosley [09:45]:

  "Any bitches up in here?"

• Walter Mosley [12:25]:

  "You got to let that load go."

Final Thoughts Walter Mosley's "Let That Weight Go" is a compelling exploration of how historical prejudices and personal experiences shape our present interactions. Through vivid storytelling, Mosley invites listeners to examine their own burdens and consider the liberation that comes with releasing outdated weights.