CLASSIC: The Disturbing Origins of Generally Good Things
Summary
Hosts Matt and Ben explore the disturbing origins of respected institutions, revealing how gynecology, the Sierra Club, Georgetown University, and Planned Parenthood began with slavery, racism, or eugenics. They discuss James Marion Sims’s unethical experiments on enslaved women, John Muir’s white supremacist views, Georgetown’s sale of 272 enslaved people, and Margaret Sanger’s eugenicist beliefs. Despite these horrific foundations, the episode highlights how these organizations have evolved to do significant good today.
Topics discussed
Intro, sponsors, and show premise
New Year 2021 and body language book recommendation
The disturbing origins of gynecology and J. Marion Sims
The Sierra Club's racist and anti-immigrant history
Georgetown University's sale of enslaved people
Planned Parenthood's eugenics ties and conclusion
Listen ad-free on Castria