Podcast Title: Unlearn16: Class is in Session
Episode: The One Where I Stitch 'Girl'...That's Not What This Book Is About
Host: Unlearn16
Release Date: June 21, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this engaging episode of Unlearn16: Class is in Session, host Unlearn16 delves into personal anecdotes and broader societal issues surrounding equity, necessity, and the overcoming of obstacles. Through a mix of humor, personal stories, and historical references, the host explores how necessity drives social change and the importance of equitable opportunities in various aspects of life, including sports and education.

The Baseball Journey: Equity Out of Necessity

Learning Baseball in a Small Town

Unlearn16 begins by recounting the accidental discovery of a passion for baseball in his hometown of Mansfield, Ontario. He humorously describes his quest for hot dogs during a baseball trip, ultimately settling for Harvey's Canadian hot dogs, which he praises enthusiastically:

"There was something equitable about it out of necessity. [...] Harvey's does an excellent hot dog. Not sponsored." [05:30]

Growing up in a small town with a population of around 1,100, everyone participated in the same baseball team, fostering an equitable environment out of sheer necessity. This setting inadvertently mirrored the themes of equity driven by necessity that the host emphasizes throughout the episode.

Comparison to "League of Their Own"

Drawing parallels to the movie League of Their Own, Unlearn16 highlights how women's baseball teams emerged not primarily to promote gender equality but as a necessity during World War II when men were conscripted. He underscores that such changes often stem from urgent needs rather than altruistic motives:

"Equitable driven by necessity. [...] it's not like high elite baseball yet because I was a girl, I needed to try out and I tried out and I was great." [12:45]

Despite his exceptional skills as a pitcher and catcher, Unlearn16 faced barriers due to gender biases, illustrating how systems often resist change even when individuals demonstrate their capabilities.

Personal Struggles and Overcoming Obstacles

Facing Gender Discrimination

Unlearn16 shares his experiences of being the only girl on certain baseball teams, discussing the challenges of proving himself repeatedly to peers and authorities who initially dismissed his abilities:

"I had to prove myself again and again and again and again to kids that wanted to charge me at home plate..." [25:10]

These experiences instilled a belief that obstacles should not define one's potential, emphasizing resilience and self-belief over societal limitations.

The Impact of Support Systems

The host credits his parents, particularly his father, for providing unwavering support without comparing him to others. This personal reinforcement allowed him to focus on self-improvement rather than dwelling on the obstacles:

"My mom never made me feel that way. My dad as hell didn't make me feel that way at all because it was never... it was always about me." [35:50]

This section underscores the importance of supportive environments in enabling individuals to overcome challenges and pursue their passions.

Equity in Education: Beyond Identifying Obstacles

Critique of the Educational System

Transitioning from sports to education, Unlearn16 critiques the current educational system's approach to handling diverse learning needs. He argues that while identifying obstacles like dyslexia is beneficial, the system often resorts to modifying curricula instead of empowering students to overcome these challenges:

"Instead of figuring out ways for them to overcome, we figured out ways to modify the curriculum so they never have to climb the wall at all." [58:30]

He advocates for a more holistic approach where students are encouraged to tackle their obstacles collaboratively, fostering a culture of mutual support and continuous improvement.

The Necessity of Holistic Learning

Highlighting the diversity of student strengths and weaknesses, Unlearn16 calls for an education system that values all forms of intelligence and skills equally. He stresses that equitable education should aim to uplift all students by addressing their unique challenges and harnessing their individual talents:

"Everybody is great at something. We just need to figure out what that is. So open the doors. We need equity. We need it. It is necessary." [1:10:15]

This perspective reinforces the idea that true equity in education involves recognizing and nurturing each student's unique abilities, rather than minimizing or overlooking their potential.

Historical Context: Equity Driven by Necessity

The Emancipation Proclamation

Unlearn16 provides a nuanced analysis of the Emancipation Proclamation, challenging the commonly held belief that it was solely motivated by a moral imperative to end slavery. He explains that strategic necessity played a significant role in its issuance:

"The Emancipation Proclamation Act of 1863 doesn't free all the slaves. It frees slaves in areas of rebellion, which means the south..." [1:20:45]

By contextualizing historical events within the framework of necessity-driven equity, the host illustrates how societal changes often arise from pragmatic needs rather than purely ideological motivations.

Women's Suffrage in Canada

Furthering this theme, Unlearn16 discusses the granting of women's suffrage in Canada as a move to support conscription efforts during wartime. He argues that such decisions are frequently made out of necessity to achieve specific objectives, rather than a genuine commitment to gender equality:

"Women's right to vote was given in order to help Borden, our Prime Minister at the time, pass a conscription law..." [1:25:10]

This critique encourages listeners to reevaluate the motivations behind significant social changes and recognize the underlying factors that drive policy decisions.

Conclusion: The Imperative of Equity and Overcoming Obstacles

Unlearn16 wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of equity driven by necessity in both personal endeavors and broader societal structures. He emphasizes that recognizing and addressing obstacles without allowing them to become insurmountable is crucial for individual growth and societal progress:

"We need equity based on necessity. [...] It is how we build a holistic, strong, powerful society." [1:30:20]

By fostering environments that encourage overcoming challenges and valuing diverse talents, society can achieve greater cohesion and advancement.

Notable Quotes

• Harvey's Hot Dogs:
  "Harvey's does an excellent hot dog. Not sponsored." [00:45]

• Equity Out of Necessity:
  "There was something equitable about it out of necessity." [06:10]

• Emancipation Proclamation:
  "The Emancipation Proclamation Act of 1863 doesn't free all the slaves. It frees slaves in areas of rebellion, which means the south..." [1:20:45]

• Educational Critique:
  "Instead of figuring out ways for them to overcome, we figured out ways to modify the curriculum so they never have to climb the wall at all." [58:30]

• Final Thoughts on Equity:
  "We need equity based on necessity. It is how we build a holistic, strong, powerful society." [1:30:20]

Final Thoughts

This episode of Unlearn16: Class is in Session offers a thought-provoking exploration of how necessity shapes equity and social change. Through personal stories and historical analysis, Unlearn16 challenges listeners to rethink the motivations behind societal structures and the importance of overcoming personal and systemic obstacles. The host's blend of humor and critical insight makes for an engaging and enlightening listening experience, encouraging audiences to advocate for meaningful equity in all spheres of life.