In this episode of Cults and the Culting of America, hosts Scot Loyd and Daniela Mestyanek Young engage in a profound conversation with Amanda Gross about the intersections of race, privilege, and healing. Amanda discusses her book, 'White Women Get Ready,' which explores the concept of Post-Traumatic Mistress Syndrome and the role of white women in anti-racist movements. The conversation delves into personal histories, the current climate of racism, the importance of community, and the challenges of navigating white privilege. They also touch on the impact of cancel culture and the role of arts in fostering healing and understanding. Throughout the discussion, the hosts emphasize the need for self-reflection, accountability, and the interconnectedness of liberation and healing.

Amanda's Links: 

Book: White Women Get Ready 

Recommended paired reading: Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Dr. Joy Degruy

Intagram: @MistressSyndrome

TikTok: @MistressSyndrome 

Patreon: @MistressSyndromeBook

Daniella's Links:

You can read all about my story in my book, Uncultured-- buy signed copies here. https://bit.ly/SignedUncultured

For more info on me:

Patreon: https://bit.ly/YTPLanding

Cult book Clubs (Advanced AND Memoirs) Annual Membership: https://bit.ly/YTPLanding

Get an autographed copy of my book, Uncultured: https://bit.ly/SignedUncultured

Get my book, Uncultured, from Bookshop.org: https://bit.ly/4g1Ufw8

Daniella’s Tiktok: https://bit.ly/3V6GK6k / KnittingCultLady

Instagram:  https://bit.ly/4ePAOFK / daniellamyoung_ 

Unamerican video book (on Patreon): https://bit.ly/YTVideoBook

Secret Practice video book (on Patreon): https://bit.ly/3ZswGY8

Other Podcasts

Daniella's other podcast: Hey White Women

Takeaways

• White women have a crucial role in anti-racist work.
• Healing is essential for transformative change.
• Understanding personal history is key to addressing privilege.
• Community connection is vital for healing and support.
• Cancel culture often replicates state violence and lacks relationality.
• Perfectionism can be a form of self-hatred and harm to others.
• The arts can facilitate difficult conversations and healing.
• Accountability in relationships is necessary for growth.
• Racism and white supremacy harm everyone, including white people.
• Liberation is interconnected and requires collective effort.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Cults and Anti-Racism
03:26 Understanding Post-Traumatic Mistress Syndrome
06:19 The Importance of Healing in Anti-Racist Work
09:26 Personal Histories and Their Impact on Activism
12:31 The Current Climate of White Supremacy
15:21 Surprising Discoveries in Personal Ancestry
18:27 The Role of Storytelling in Healing
21:22 The Disconnect of Whiteness and Community
24:37 Backlash Against Diversity and Equity Initiatives
30:20 The Power of Perspective: Learning from Black Women
32:17 Community and Spirituality: Resilience Among Black Women
33:14 Navigating Conversations: White Privilege and Listening
34:56 Courage in Relationships: Honesty and Emotional Safety
38:36 Shame and Growth: Deconstructing Cult Mentalities
40:36 Cancel Culture: Trauma, Accountability, and Community
43:19 Performative Regulation: The Dangers of Policing Each Other
45:31 Intent vs. Impact: The Importance of Acknowledgment
47:43 Building Community: The Role of White Women's Affinity Spaces
51:58 Art as a Medium: Conflict, Healing, and Connection

Produced by Haley Phillips