Episode 84: Identity — Where Almost Everything’s Made Up & the Points Don’t Matter with Teva Johnstone

In this episode, psychotherapist, social worker, and parent coach Teva Johnstone and I...

• question the identity points system, particularly as it appears online, and how neoliberal identitarianism values identity and identity points when deciding if someone is allowed to speak or not
• discuss why people are so attracted to labels and identity markers, particularly after the disconnection from community and belonging so many people experienced in 2020 and beyond
• discuss the labels and identities we hold dear, such as woman and mother
• share Teva's experience with her Instagram account being suddenly deleted without notification after she made a post that went against far left social justice culture
• revist the Chris Rock/Will Smith incident and discuss neurodivergence, violence, and race
• talk about the problem with grouping identities together as if they are a monolith
• talk about colorism and white supremacy
• discuss privilege: when it matters and when it's weaponized to silence people
• discuss class disparity and why that's where we can make the most impact in social justice

I'm teaching Nervous System 101 again on Tuesday, September 13 at 6pm CDT. This is a live Zoom workshop all about the role of the autonomic nervous system, how it's impaired by trauma, the role of brain inflammation in chronic and mysterious symptoms, and what to do about it to start healing. Cost is $55, but financial aid is available, no questions asked. Get on the waitlist to be notified when tickets are on sale again!

Nervous System 101 Waitlist

Follow Teva on Instagram

Teva's website

Teva's Substack