This #FreedomRoadPodcast was already scheduled to tape on the same day Senate Judiciary Committee ordered the FBI Background Check into allegations brought against then Judge Brett Kavanaugh in the process of discerning how the Senate would Advise and offer Consent for the President to confirm his nomination. The pre-determined theme for our conversation was “The Pain of Patriarchy.” When we began the taping, the Judiciary Committee was in discussion about whether they would move the vote to the floor. As we wrapped our taping session we received word that Senator Jeff Flake had recommended the FBI Background Check.
All three women in this taping are survivors of gender based violence and abuse. We make no secret of how we feel about the process. At the point of our conversation the FBI investigation had not even begun. Now, we know the results. Brett Kavanaugh is now Associate Justice Brett Kavanaugh. According to the facts, the FBI investigation was not complete–limited to 9 witnesses that were not the key witnesses. Neither Kavanaugh, nor Christine Blasey Ford were interviewed, nor were more than 40 other witnesses who stepped forward to corroborate Ms. Ford’s and Ms. Ramirez’s claims. Still, 50 Senators voted yes, including Senator Susan Collins.
The process that our nation has endured begs us to dig deeper to understand patriarchy, how it works, what it is used to produce in the world, and how and why women still choose to assent to it.
This conversation centers the voices of two survivors so that we might understand on a deeper level the cost of patriarchy to our souls, our families, our churches and our faith. Two compelling guests. Two powerful stories. They are not wrapped up in a bow for easy consumption. Some things will be difficult to hear–especially for leaders in church contexts. But these women are brave in their honesty. They speak truth that is rarely spoken. They deserve to be heard. And what they say deserves to be considered.
Join us as Lisa Sharon Harper digs deep into the Pain of Patriarchy with Susan Sharkey (visual artist, #metoo /church abuse survivor) and Emily Joy (poet and co-creator of #Churchtoo).
Artwork by Susan Sharkey
The panels featured here were painted by our guest, Susan Sharkey, for the Pain of Patriarchy podcast. The original paintings are being sold for $200/each ($1000 for the full set). All proceeds will go to help women leaders participate in this year’s #RubyWooPilgrimage18, a journey through the intersectional story of women’s struggles for equality in the United States. To purchase please contact us at info@freedomroad.us
Episode 9 Social Media Memes
Hello, is there an written transcript of this podcast? There is SOOOO much in it. I would love a copy.