Radio Reversal is a show that subjects aspects of everyday life to historico-political, theoretical, cheeky, irreverent, high brow, low brow, eye brow, warm-hearted analysis. Our aim is to see the world more clearly, think about what we'd like it to become, and how we can make that happen. We think that discussing these sorts of ideas is one way to lessen the alienation that affects many of us trying to make sense of a world that so often makes no sense of us. We also play loads of awesome music (sometimes thematic!) with great enthusiasm for requests and an emphasis on supporting local artists. It's fun!
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In this episode, join Anna and Jonno as they reverse the radio on fascism in the colony. We dig into the idea of colonial fascism - the specific ways that fascism exists in the DNA of colonial states - and talk about why this concept is so helpful in understanding what's going on in the world at the moment. We talk a bit about the media reporting on the torture and harassment of participants in the Global Sumud Flotilla (including our dear friend and comrade Sam Woripa Watson) and how western states have tried to exceptionalise the actions of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and completely erase the context of these actions in the context of an ongoing genocide and occupation of Gaza. We then turn to the rise of hard-right electoral movements - from Trump in the US, to Reform in the UK and One Nation here in so-called australia. We reflect on the value of colonial fascism as a way of understanding that these movements aren't an aberration or a departure from business as usual in the colony - they're just moments where the liberal mask of colonialism slips and its underlying logics are laid bare.
A big, juicy, chatty show today and as always, we'd love to hear your thoughts! What do you think about colonial fascism in this moment? Do you think the concept is useful in thinking about this political moment?
If this week's discussion makes you curious to learn more, come along to our monthly community event "No Phones, No Phascists" tomorrow (Friday 29 May!) to hear Aunty Dr. Mary Graham talking about colonial fascism in person! Details below!