12:00 PM Pacific Time: Mondays - Wednesdays
Acclaimed program of ideas, in-depth analysis, and commentary on a variety of matters—political, economic, social, and cultural—important to progressive and radical thinking and activism. Against the Grain is produced and hosted by Sasha Lilley.
Ayn Rand’s novels The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged have been called gateway drugs to rightwing ideas for so many Americans. And while the works of the writer and philosopher have seen a resurgence since the global economic crisis, her influence has been undeniably huge and sustained since those books were originally published in mid-century. Historian … Continued
What is anarchism? Many have discovered that it’s not about breaking windows or planting bombs, but what are anarchism’s core tenets, and what has anarchism looked like in practice? Dana Ward considers anarchist theory, history, and practice. Anarchy Archives, an online research center Dana Ward and Paul Messersmith-Glavin, “Why Anarchism is Dangerous” Agency The Institute … Continued
Scottish anarchist Stuart Christie, who died August 15, 2020, lived a life deeply committed to the power of radical ideas and actions. And his life in many ways reflects the fortunes of classical anarchism, from the Spanish Revolution to the New Left. Anarchist publisher Ramsey Kanaan discusses Stuart Christie’s life and times. Resources: Duncan Campbell, … Continued
How did the sixties unfold in Europe? Was it primarily a set of political rebellions? How did revolutionary movements in Western Europe compare with those in the Eastern bloc? Timothy Scott Brown talks about the desires, inclinations, and innovations of sixties radicals. Timothy Scott Brown, Sixties Europe Cambridge University Press, 2020 Timothy Scott Brown, West Germany and the Global Sixties: … Continued
The middle of the 19th century — between the abolition of slavery in much of the British Empire and the end of slavery in the United States — is often seen as an age of emancipation. But historian Zach Sell argues that it would be better known as an age of capitalist crisis, upheaval, and … Continued
How does colorism differ from anti-Black racism? What happens when a person of color’s skin shade doesn’t match ethnic or racial stereotypes? In what ways do women experience skin-color bias differently than men? Nikki Khanna discusses the nature and impact of skin-color discrimination and privilege, both globally and as experienced by Asian American women. Nikki Khanna, ed., Whiter: … Continued
KPFA spawned the model of listener-sponsored radio and changed the world. As the station celebrates 72 years, we look back at the origins of KPFA Radio. Historian Iain Boal discusses the anarchist and pacifist politics of KPFA’s founders, many interned as conscientious objectors during WW2 and involved in the left libertarian circle around poet Kenneth … Continued
KPFA turns 72 this week. We commemorate that achievement by presenting some gems from the station’s archives, about civil rights and labor struggles, nuclear radiation hazards, encounters with a shaman, and more.
Donald Trump infamously targeted immigrants — and many rejoiced when he left office. But, as historian Elliott Young points out, the criminalization of immigrants has been a bipartisan affair, going back 140 years. He discusses the intersection of mass incarceration and the detention of immigrants. Resources: Elliott Young, Forever Prisoners: How the United States Made … Continued
Can an intensely private emotion like shame – for who one is, or what one has done – serve as an impetus for political engagement? Drawing on Hannah Arendt’s writings on Jewish politics, Manu Samnotra ascribes a political role to shame; he argues that shame can motivate people to create political spaces and engage in political action. … Continued
