HOW NOT TO SAVE THE WORLD: Interview with Anthea Lawson about saviorism complexes within activism
About this episode
The episode discusses saviorism complexes in activism, particularly from a middle-class perspective.
This episode addresses saviorism complexes within activism, particularly when it is organised or oriented towards middle-class standpoints.When middle-class people engage in activism, it often stems from a revelation or realisation about how the world works, followed by a desire to change it, rather than from collective action born of an issue affecting a community. In this way, activists can see themselves as both separate from the issue at hand and tasked with "saving the world" from the problem by protesting and convincing others to come on board.Many parts of climate activism have been dominated by and oriented towards the middle class, in the same way that environmental choices such as buying an EV, switching to solar power or shopping at an organic, refill shop are tailored towards those with the means, money and privilege to do so. While caring for the environment and nature transcends class, race and cultural boundaries, much of how climate activism presents itself today is dominated by the middle class, which is why it is important to interrogate how that influences the movement and our own capacity to build collective momentum.Shae's guest, Anthea Lawson, has done a lot…
More episodes of Climate Action Show
- Activating your activism - how to get back into it
- What Children Think About Climate Change, and the Intersection of Welfare and Climate Change w/ Breadline
- SANTA MARTA - MOMENTUM
- Radiothon Silly Times!!!
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Climate Action Show podcast page.