The Complicated Case of Shamima Begum; & Why The ‘Tortured Artist’ Debate Should Be Retired

*** PLEASE NOTE: This episode was recorded about 8 hours before it was announced that Shamima Begum had been denied entry back to the UK and was stripped of her British citizenship.***

This week, we discuss the most flammable news story of the week: the return of Shamima Begum, the 19 year old Londoner who fled to the Islamic State 4 years ago and returned to have her 3rd baby in the UK. Home Secretary Sajid Javid wants to deny her entry - but should a humane society seek to rehabilitate? We also discuss the idea that “young women do not know their own minds” and why vulnerability does not negate agency. 

Also this week, we discuss the allegations against singer-songwriter Ryan Adams, and why the ‘tortured artist’ trope is tired and misogynistic. 

Plus, Jenna Coleman’s interview gone viral, creepy finger grapes and Dolly’s favourite new musical.

I Met Fear On A Hill, by Leslie Jamison for The Paris Review https://www.theparisreview.org/letters-essays/7318/i-met-fear-on-the-hill-leslie-jamison

In Search of Equilibrium, by Theresa Lola http://ninearchespress.com/publications/poetry-collections/in%20search%20of%20equilibrium.html

The Sisterhood, by Daisy Buchanan https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-sisterhood/daisy-buchanan/9781472238856

Roma, on Netflix now 

The possibility of redemption is central to a humane society, by Kenan Malik for The Observer https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/feb/17/possibility-of-redemption-is-central-to-a-humane-society-shamima-begum

Shamima doesn’t look like anyone’s victim, by Janice Turner for The Times https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/shamima-doesn-t-look-like-anyone-s-victim-whtkc9qln

Anthony Lloyd discusses Shamima Begum

https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/shamima-begum-isis-bride

Shamima Begum interview with Quentin Somerville for BBC News https://youtu.be/TGAxm6KJTWE

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