What I Get Wrong: Intimidation & Interpretation
From Waywords Studio Full Slate by Steve Chisnell
May 22, 2026 · 39 min
About this episode
The episode explores the intersection of literary theory and civic engagement, addressing intimidation in education and the importance of accountability.
Is our intellectual exercise just an expensive lifestyle brand that keeps our hands clean? In this raw, self-interrogating mailbag episode, we turn the lens inward for a vulnerability audit of our own political battles and pedagogical failures. Let’s try and bridge the gap between literary theory and civic praxis , how public school teachers, students, and lifelong readers can navigate the intimidation of administrative bureaucracy, fight censorship, and reclaim accountability. Let’s get past passive book consumption and embrace “Writing Back” to structurally alter our local communities. Episode 6.36 – What I Get Wrong: Intimidation & Interpretation Readings & Resources: Freire, Paulo. Pedagogy of the Oppressed , 1970. Giroux, Henry A. Theory and Resistance in Education: A Pedagogy for the Opposition , 1983. Listener’s Guide Reflection Questions When we use academic language or literary analysis to describe a social injustice, does that lead to eventual action or as insulation or safety from responsibility to act? Why are we so obsessed with making every book or public issue “relatable” to our own personal lives? How might…
People in this episode
Host: Steve Chisnell
Topics covered
- intimidation
- literary theory
- civic praxis
- censorship
- accountability
- education
- community engagement
Keywords
- intellectual exercise
- political battles
- pedagogical failures
- public school teachers
- administrative bureaucracy
- passive book consumption
- Writing Back
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Theory and Resistance in Education: A Pedagogy for the Opposition
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