Episode 97: Breaking My Silence: Body Liberation, Politics, and Humanity

In this solo episode, BBB Host Christine DeFilippis dives into the intersection of body liberation and politics, exploring how policies and cultural rhetoric impact our bodies, rights, and lives. Christine shares her reasons for not talking about politics and why she felt the need to address the topic with the 2024 election.

Tune In To Learn:

• Why body liberation is inseparable from political discourse.
• How harmful political rhetoric shapes societal attitudes and policies.
• What it means to be an ally in today’s political landscape.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Shift in Political Climate and Body Liberation:
  We reflect on the changes in political discourse, noting the increased divisiveness and harmful rhetoric that has emerged in recent years. And how discussing politics is no longer optional when it comes to body liberation and human rights.
• A Personal History with Politics:
  Voting in her first election in 1996, Christine recounts a time when political disagreements didn’t fracture relationships. She contrasts this with today’s reality, where issues like reproductive rights have become matters of life and death.
• The Importance of Voting and Accountability:
  With personal anecdotes and references to pop culture, including a scene from Lost, Christine draws parallels between political choices and moral responsibilities. She challenges listeners to consider the far-reaching impacts of voting decisions on human rights and well-being.
• Economic Policy and the Cost of Privilege:
  By examining topics like tariffs, taxes, and healthcare policies, this episode underscores the hidden financial and social costs that impact marginalized communities the most. Learn how these policies shape our lives in ways that go beyond dollars and cents.
• Historical and Current Political Rhetoric:
  Exploring controversial statements from public figures, Christine discusses the ways in which certain rhetoric has fueled division, fear, and hostility. Learn how discriminatory language affects both individual and collective body image and self-worth.
• The Realities of Project 2025:
  With Project 2025 in focus, Christine highlights the influence of think tanks like the Heritage Foundation in shaping conservative policies that threaten the progress made in reproductive rights, healthcare access, and civil rights.
• Rethinking Fiscal Conservatism with Social Liberalism:
  In a nuanced reflection, I share the challenges of aligning fiscal conservatism with socially liberal values, explaining why the two ideologies often clash and how this contradiction impacts real-world policy.

Join Christine in this candid conversation as she addresses the vital intersection of politics, body image, and humanity, advocating for informed voting and social responsibility as pathways to a more inclusive future.

Resources
The Dobbs Decision
The Status of Reproductive Rights
Trumps Tariffs - an abstract from the Economic Journal
The False Promise of Protectionism - Douglas A. Irwin, Professor of Economics, Dartmouth College
Trumps Most Misunderstood Policy Propopal
Republicans and economists skeptical of Trump expanded tariffs plan - Washington Examiner
Immigration and the 2016 Election