Mothers of Massive Resistance: Chapter 1

Send us a textMandy Griffin and Katy Swalwell discuss the concluding chapter of Elizabeth Gillespie McRae's book, 'Mothers of Massive Resistance.' They explore the roles that white women in Northern and Southern United States played in maintaining segregationist policies and resisting racial integration from the 1920s to the 1970s. The chapter ties historical segregation efforts to contemporary issues and how these women evolved their strategies to appear race-neutral while upholding systemic racism. The discussion includes historical instances of organized resistance, connections between Northern and Southern segregationist women, and the critique of historians' portrayal of these efforts. The episode also highlights the importance of understanding systemic racism and addressing the actual root causes rather than superficial symptoms.

Send us a textIn this podcast episode, Mandy Griffin and Katy Swalwell discuss Chapter 8 of Elizabeth Gillespie McRae's book 'Mothers of Massive Resistance.' They reflect on the ruthless persistence of white supremacist tactics used by women in the mid-20th century to counter desegregation and civil rights movements. The chapter covers a range of topics, including the Little Rock Nine integration crisis, the role of media in these events, the spread of private and charter schools, essay contests promoting racist ideologies, and the alarming interconnection between grassroots conservatism and white supremacy. Mandy and Katy also delve into the strategic co-optation of religious and patriotic narratives and the ongoing implications of these historical currents in today's sociopolitical climate. They highlight the need for a clear, anti-racist vision to counter these persisting ideologies.

Send us a textIn this episode Mandy Griffin and Katty Swalwell explore the complex and troubling history of white women's resistance to school integration following the Brown v. Board of Education decision. The hosts discuss various themes, including the hateful and nefarious tactics employed by white women to maintain racial segregation, the differing reactions to the Supreme Court ruling, and the relentless commitment to white supremacy. They also highlight the use of religion, pseudoscience, and victimhood to justify segregation, drawing parallels to modern-day issues. The episode underscores the role of white women in perpetuating systemic racism and the ongoing struggle for racial justice in the educational system.

Send us a textIn this episode, Mandy Griffin and Katy Swalwell discuss Chapter 6 of their reading, focusing on the role of white women in the historical and political landscape post-World War II. They explore how these women perpetuated white supremacy by opposing concepts like human rights and integration, particularly through their actions at key events like the 1948 Democratic National Convention and their support of the Bricker Amendment. The chapter reveals how white women strategically used issues like anti-communism and anti-globalism to mask their racist agendas, influencing policies and elections. Discussions include the 1952 election where Eisenhower was elected largely due to the support of white southern women, and the grassroots activism that saw these women rally against treaties and educational reforms. The script underscores the importance of understanding history to see how these deeply rooted ideological conflicts have shaped modern political movements like MAGA.

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Send us a textIn this episode, Mandy Griffin and Katy Swalwell delve into Chapter 4 of Elizabeth Gillespie McCray's book 'Mothers of Massive Resistance,' focusing on Jim Crow storytelling. The hosts discuss FDR's New Deal, judicial court packing, and how progressive politics were often used to reinforce white supremacy. They analyze the complex figure of Nell Battle Lewis, a North Carolinian journalist whose advocacy for a less violent, more benevolent form of white supremacy highlights the contradictions of white liberalism. The conversation touches on Lewis's support for segregation, her admiration for certain Black elites within constrained boundaries, and how her eugenic beliefs influenced her work. The hosts also reflect on how modern white progressives must remain vigilant about their complicity in maintaining these systems.

Send us a textDes Moines area locals, Please join Mom’s Against Genocide on August 13th from 10a-12p at the Neal Smith Federal Building. More info on Instagram @momsagainstgenocide. Even if you’re not in Des Moines, please listen for ways you can organize in your community!

Send us a textIn this episode, Mandy Griffin and Katy Swalwell continue their discussion on Elizabeth Gillespie McRae's book, 'Mothers of Massive Resistance.' They delve into the stories of three Southern white women—Florence Sillers Ogden, Mary Dawson Cain, and Cornelia Dabney Tucker—who significantly influenced political activism and white supremacy in the early to mid-20th century. Ogden leveraged local politics and New Deal policies to benefit white elites while maintaining segregation. Cain focused on anti-prohibition and business-friendly policies, also breaking with the Democratic Party due to its evolving racial policies. Tucker campaigned against FDR's court-packing plan and later promoted the Republican Party among Southern whites, emphasizing business interests and states' rights under a white supremacist agenda. The episode underscores the complex roles these women played in shaping the South's political landscape and how their actions still resonate today.

Send us a textIn this episode, the hosts delve into a heated discussion about the deeply entrenched white supremacist narratives in the American education system, sparked by the second chapter of McRae's book, Mother's of Massive Resistance. They recount the persistent work of historical figures like Mildred Lewis Rutherford in influencing school curriculums to perpetuate biased histories. The conversation touches on the frustrations and professional insights of both hosts as they connect these historical trends to current events and policies, highlighting the enduring impact on today's education. They also explore contemporary conservative strategies, such as religious curriculum in Texas, and discuss the potential for progressive inroads. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to support organizations and efforts that promote inclusive and accurate educational narratives.00:00 Introduction and Initial Reactions00:28 The Emotional Impact of the Book02:42 Professional Backgrounds and Personal Stakes06:55 Historical Figures and Their Influence12:00 Dominant Narratives vs. Counter Narratives16:09 Modern Implications and Personal Anecdotes20:24 Rutherford's Legacy and Modern Education33:14 Local Control and Federal Oversight35:15 States' Rights and Progressive Uses35:45 Protecting Children: A Cover for White Supremacy39:28 The Role of Education in Shaping Narratives41:30 Textbook Bias and Historical Erasure44:02 The Impact of Racism in Education52:26 Efforts to Counteract Historical Erasure54:53 Controversial Curriculum Changes in Texas01:08:36 Strategies for Challenging the Status Quo01:12:23 Call to Action and ConclusionLinks:https://www.chalkbeat.org/2025/07/17/texas-bible-bluebonnet-lessons-may-spur-parent-opt-outs-after-mahmoud/https://www.socialstudies.org/sites/default/files/view-article-2020-12/se8406335.pdfhttps://www.zinnedproject.orghttps://rethinkingschools.org

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