Topic: History

A Washington Post narrative traces the N-word's roots to the Latin word for black, noting its use in Jamestown as early as 1619. The segment highlights how British Redcoats used the term to taunt the Revolutionary Army for using black soldiers. Mo Facts emphasizes that the descendants of enslaved Africans are the "purest Americans" because their pre-American history was erased.

The narrative shifts to the late 1980s and the rise of NWA (Niggas Wit Attitudes), which brought the N-word into the mainstream via "Straight Outta Compton." The hosts reflect on how members like Dr. Dre and Ice Cube transitioned from perceived threats to billionaire businessmen and political voices. They also briefly discuss the history of media dissemination via VCRs and bootleg tapes.

The hosts examine the 1867 publication Slave Songs of the United States, which was released two years after the Civil War. Referencing a PBS History Detectives documentary, they discuss the motivation behind collecting these melodies. The segment highlights how spirituals often contained coded meanings and messages of escape for enslaved people.

The hosts reflect on the four-year journey of the podcast and its focus on unpacking the history behind modern discussions of race. They emphasize the goal of creating a timeless document that remains relevant for listeners years into the future. The segment concludes with the spinning of the "Wheel of Topics" to determine the subject of the current episode.

The hosts critique the media for only showing "hateful" imagery of Black Hebrew Israelites standing on street corners. They argue that figures like Ben Shapiro use this "low-hanging fruit" to dismiss the broader concept of Black Jewish identity. The segment highlights the difference between the diverse reality of Jews in Israel and the polarized imagery used in American media.

Kanye West's shift from Egyptian "King" imagery to identifying with the Israelites freed by Moses is discussed. Mo Facts argues that history should be taught in the home rather than in schools, as the scholastic system has been "captured" by political ideologies. He suggests that schools should focus on civics and law to protect the future of the system.

Adam Curry and Mo Facts open episode 75 of the podcast, noting their rapid production schedule. Mo Facts introduces a personal theme for the episode titled "Okay Not to Be Okay," centered on recent major changes in his professional life. The hosts briefly touch upon Black History Month and Kanye West's concept of Black Future Month.

A proposal is made to replace the teaching of narrative-driven history in schools with the study of law and civics. By focusing on case law and constitutional rights, students would gain a more objective understanding of the American system without the influence of shifting political narratives. However, powerful teacher unions and administrative "middle management" are seen as significant barriers to such systemic reform.

A clip from "Boardwalk Empire" depicts J. Edgar Hoover flipping a character named Dr. Narcisse into an informant. The hosts discuss the controversial theory that J. Edgar Hoover had African-American lineage, a fact they claim is suppressed because it complicates the narrative of a white man harassing black leaders like Marcus Garvey and Martin Luther King Jr. They argue that Hoover's primary motivation was often the suppression of perceived "seditious" or communist activities.

Max Kellerman challenges Stephen A. Smith on "First Take" by discussing the intersection of athlete health concerns, anti-vaxxer misinformation, and the history of medical experiments on African Americans. The hosts analyze the dynamic between the two commentators, noting Kellerman's tendency to position himself as more "progressive" or "strident" on racial issues than Smith. This tension eventually leads to Smith requesting Kellerman's removal from the show due to a lack of chemistry.

The hosts open the episode by reflecting on the cultural significance of Bill Cosby and his portrayal of the American family. They discuss the concept of "shared consciousness" in the pre-DVR era, comparing the massive viewership of *The Cosby Show* to modern social media engagement. The conversation establishes Cosby's former status as one of the most powerful and beloved figures in show business before his legal downfall.

The hosts delve into the pharmaceutical history of Quaaludes (methaqualone), noting its origins in India and its eventual ban in the US in the 1980s. They question how Cosby continued to obtain the drug long after it was removed from the market. The discussion touches on the drug's portrayal in pop culture, from *Scarface* to *The Wolf of Wall Street*.

Mo plays a clip from the 1970s sitcom *Good Times* where the family debates the race of Jesus. They contrast this with a 1963 speech by Malcolm X, who argued that Jesus was a revolutionary who would be with the oppressed in America today. They also feature Billy Graham, who famously stated that Jesus was not a white man and belonged to Africa and Asia as much as Europe.

A clip features a rally attendee comparing the current climate to 1861, the start of the American Civil War. The hosts discuss the "trial by combat" rhetoric used by figures like Rudy Giuliani and the symbolic use of pitchforks. They describe the atmosphere as a "powder keg" where human "blowtorches" were used to light the fuse of the crowd.

The discussion focuses on the "mind trap" of internalizing media labels like "white supremacist" or "Nazi." The hosts compare the current treatment of Trump to the historical vilification of Malcolm X as a "hate monger." They urge listeners not to self-censor, as doing so allows the media's narrative to become their internal reality.

The hosts conclude the donation segment, thanking supporters from Rotterdam and Spartanburg. A listener from South Carolina shares materials sent by a "Diversity and Inclusion Officer" for Black History Month that focus on white LGBTQ+ figures and "Unity Month" rather than Black history. The hosts argue this is an example of using Black history to promote unrelated political agendas.

The hosts introduce the episode title "What Do You Have to Lose?" as a central question for the 2020 election. They argue that mainstream media has ignored the insights of podcasters regarding shifting political tides over the last five years. The segment serves as a historical marker to document how the current political climate was established.

The hosts emphasize the importance of documenting the current shift in Black political alignment, comparing it to the realignment of 1964. They note that rappers meeting with Trump is a sign that the Black community is no longer willing to be treated as "the help" by the Democratic Party.

Professor Nancy Eisenberg explains the history of "white trash" and "waste people" in America, tracing the terms back to British colonial efforts to dump the idle poor in the New World. The current political climate is framed as a "White Civil War" between the WASP elite and the "deplorable" lower class. This class-based conflict often uses racial issues as a proxy or "gauntlet" to shame opponents.

A donor from Virginia, "Sir Daddio," defends his pride in Southern lineage and the Confederate flag, pushing back against the "terrorist" label. Moe clarifies that he respects lineage but uses the term "terrorist" based on the political right's own definitions of treason. Another donor, Buford Kocik Jr., receives "relationship Mo Karma" during a personal crisis.