Unlearn16 Podcast Summary
Podcast Title: Unlearn16: Class is in Session
Host: Joanna (Unlearn16)
Episode Title: The One Where I'm Orange...That's Not What This Book Is About
Release Date: June 28, 2025
Introduction: Setting the Stage
In the episode titled "The One Where I'm Orange...That's Not What This Book Is About," Joanna, the host of Unlearn16, delves into a deeply personal and socially relevant discussion. She begins by referencing her upcoming book, emphasizing that the podcast serves as an extended dialogue for readers who engage with specific chapters via QR codes. Joanna introduces the metaphor of being "orange," symbolizing her childhood experiences and the broader themes of identity and innocence.
Childhood Innocence and Early Awareness of Difference
Joanna shares a poignant childhood memory involving her orange snowsuit, which became a lens through which she perceived and rationalized racial differences.
"When I was very young... I was wearing an orange snowsuit, I was orange." [02:30]
She highlights the purity of noticing differences without prejudice, emphasizing that recognizing diversity is a natural, non-judgmental act inherent in children.
"Noticing difference isn't judgment, isn't stereotype, isn't prejudicial. It's just a physical or a physiological, a sensory capacity to compare." [04:15]
Impact of Early Development on Perceptions
Joanna discusses the profound influence of early childhood on shaping subconscious beliefs and biases. Citing psychological insights, she notes that up to 75% of a person's intrinsic makeup is formed by the age of five.
"Psychologists say that 75% of who you're going to be... is formed by five." [06:50]
She underscores the role of parental influence, stating that children absorb emotions and tones more than specific words, which significantly impacts their worldview.
"They're really not absorbing your words, they're absorbing your feeling." [09:20]
Educational Environment and Curriculum Censorship
A significant portion of the episode critiques the current educational policies that allow opt-outs from discussing LGBTQ+ topics and other inclusive curricula. Joanna argues that such actions not only erase essential subjects but also send harmful messages to students who remain in the classroom.
"What you have is a classroom where some kids can opt out, what is that saying to the other kids?" [15:45]
She contends that banning or limiting discussions on diversity and inclusion only exacerbates ignorance and fosters a hostile environment for marginalized students.
"The point of that legislation isn't just somebody to opt out of something. The point of that legislation is to erase the subject from school." [18:10]
The Power of Language and Its Role in Social Dynamics
Joanna delves into the significance of language in shaping societal perceptions and biases. She critiques postmodernist views that prioritize linguistic constructs over tangible equality measures, illustrating how language can perpetuate stereotypes and dehumanization.
"The way we talk about people matter. Stages of dehumanization in order to oppress, control, marginalize, and eventually exterminate altogether. Words are the premise of that." [27:35]
She warns against the cyclical nature of censorship, where prohibiting certain words merely leads to the creation of coded language or dog whistles that maintain oppressive dynamics.
"If you can't use word A, I'm going to think of an expression or a term or a whole other word." [31:20]
Challenges in Facilitating Open Conversations
Joanna emphasizes the complexities teachers face in addressing sensitive topics. She advocates for transparency and openness, encouraging educators to foster environments where students feel safe to ask questions and explore diverse perspectives without fear of condemnation or censorship.
"I think that we never went wrong by saying everybody should be respected included. We never went wrong by sitting down and identifying differences." [22:50]
She also highlights the practical difficulties in handling opt-outs and the logistical challenges they pose to maintaining inclusive and comprehensive curricula.
"What happens if, out of these five kids, two of them don't like the second book I chose... Do I create a whole other lesson?" [20:40]
Conclusion: Advocating for Inclusive Education
In concluding the episode, Joanna reiterates her commitment to inclusive education and the importance of addressing uncomfortable but necessary topics. She criticizes movements and ideologies that seek to rollback civil rights advancements and stifle meaningful discussions in educational settings.
"We owe [kids] a safe, secure environment to have big discussions, ask all the questions, and at the very least, feel safe in that space in doing so, for who they are and who they want to be." [45:15]
Joanna calls for active parental involvement and transparency in education, asserting that collaboration between educators and parents is crucial in fostering a nurturing and informed environment for children.
"Active parents who are a part of their kids' lives, who are a part of their education, who take that role seriously... those parents never have a problem ever." [38:05]
Notable Quotes
- "Noticing difference isn't judgment, isn't stereotype, isn't prejudicial. It's just a physical or a physiological, a sensory capacity to compare." – Joanna [04:15]
- "Psychologists say that 75% of who you're going to be... is formed by five." – Joanna [06:50]
- "The point of that legislation isn't just somebody to opt out of something. The point of that legislation is to erase the subject from school." – Joanna [18:10]
- "The way we talk about people matter. Stages of dehumanization in order to oppress, control, marginalize, and eventually exterminate altogether. Words are the premise of that." – Joanna [27:35]
- "We owe [kids] a safe, secure environment to have big discussions, ask all the questions, and at the very least, feel safe in that space in doing so, for who they are and who they want to be." – Joanna [45:15]
Joanna's episode is a compelling exploration of how early experiences shape our understanding of identity and difference. She passionately defends the necessity of inclusive education and the power of language in either perpetuating or dismantling systemic biases. By advocating for open conversations and resisting censorship, Joanna emphasizes the critical role educators and parents play in nurturing a generation that values diversity and inclusion.