White Women, Feminism, and Voting: Breaking Down Political Misogyny

Messy Liberation: Feminist Conversations about Politics and Pop Culture

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In this episode of Messy Liberation, Becky, Taina, and guest Dee Frayne dive deep into the complexities behind white women's voting patterns, particularly the significant number who have supported Donald Trump. The conversation explores the role of patriarchy, internalized misogyny, and white supremacy in shaping these decisions, while also examining whether centering white women as 'the problem' is productive or counterproductive.

The discussion emphasizes the systemic nature of these issues, as well as the emotional labor involved in trying to change deeply embedded voting behaviors. With an honest and messy conversation, the hosts consider whether it's worth calling out or calling in fellow white women, and how those conversations should unfold in a way that invites real change, without placing undue burden on those harmed by these voting behaviors.

Discussed in This Episode:

• Why white women vote for Trump and the role of patriarchy
• The problem of internalized misogyny and white supremacy in voting patterns
• The tension between calling out versus calling in white women
• Voting against one's own interests and the prioritization of whiteness
• How fear and safety influence conservative voting behaviors
• The failures of centrist Democratic policies in appealing to conservative white women
• The importance of radical policies like universal childcare and healthcare in appealing to white women voters
• Challenges in building solidarity between white women and women of color
• The role of systemic issues like the Electoral College in perpetuating these dynamics

Resources Mentioned:

• They Were Her Property: White Women as Slave Owners in the American South by Stephanie E. Jones-Rogers
• White Feminism by Koa Beck
• The Social Change Ecosystem Framework by Deepa Iyer
• Working Families Party
• Socialist Party Presidential Ticket
• The White Woman Whisperer on TikTok
  
  

Connect with Dee Frayne: Website | Instagram

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LEARN MORE:

• Taina Brown WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS
• Becky Mollenkamp WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | THREADS | FEMINIST FOUNDERS