Who is a female Thom Hartmann?

[OneGrassRoot]

I love Thom Hartmann. Period/full stop.

I greatly appreciate his 3+ minute commentary from yesterday re: the #BlackLivesMatter|Sanders situation (see below).

Yet what struck me is this: He said what many of us have been saying since last Saturday. Understandably, someone who is known and admired, and has earned a level of trust over the years is heard -- people genuinely LISTEN. And it doesn't matter if the discussion is occurring on a message board, on social media or in person -- the messenger matters.

As is so often the case, it seems as though it often takes a prominent white man to be the messenger before large numbers of people get on the same page or at least open up to civil dialogue about an issue.

On one hand that bothers me; I'm guilty of identity politics to a degree in that I would love for a racial/social/economic justice message be embodied in a black, gay, Muslim woman as the candidate. On the other hand, it is those who have historically held the most power in a society who need to be the ones to actively transform injustices, guided by those who have been oppressed.

Listening to Thom made me wonder which white woman with a platform could have said what he said and received a similar positive response? Perhaps someone has...I don't know...that's why I'm asking.

DU tends to admire Naomi Klein, but her wisdom and expertise seem to lie more in environmental and economic issues. But perhaps she would be a welcome messenger? (And before anyone says it -- yes, yes, yes, all of these issues are all interconnected -- no doubt about that!!!)

Elizabeth Warren is a beloved political figure but, again, her focus is primarily economics.

Perhaps Laura Flanders of GRITtv? I'm going to check out her site, as surely she has been addressing this. Unfortunately, as of now, her following doesn't come close to the others. From what I have seen, I like her a lot and hope that changes and that her platform grows.

Who are today's prominent, beloved, respected white women -- not running for political office -- speaking out in the realm of racial and social justice?

I hope I get tons of replies with names to answer my question because I'm drawing a blank. I know there's the potential for me to be bashed as this being a "duh" question, but I honestly can't think of anyone. I also hope this isn't viewed as divisive in any way, because that is sincerely not my intention at all.

EDIT TO ADD: Amy Goodman is great. Made me think of Rachel Maddow, too. Sally Kohn as well.

Yet these women are viewed as extreme leftists by many moderates (if my interactions with moderates and conservatives are any indication, that is).

Thom is liked by many moderates. He's a very likable guy, with a lot of gravitas and can reach a lot of people across the spectrum.

Is that a white male thing as well, do you feel? In other words, are progressive women viewed with less favor and less gravitas because they're women?

(And thanks to DUer Farmbrook for posting about Thom Hartmann's commentary to begin with:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=7070573 )


EDIT TO ADD: I'm a white woman, btw. I think it's important to point that out in these discussions, as our life experiences and perspectives are influenced by the color of our skin, along with many other factors, of course.

[antiquie]

1. Amy Goodman makes Thom look mainstream,

IMNSHO.

[OneGrassRoot]

2. Ah, yes! See, I knew I was leaving out obvious women. Thanks. :) n/t

[OneGrassRoot]

3. This made me think of something else...

So, yes, Amy Goodman is great. Made me think of Rachel Maddow, too. Sally Kohn as well.

Yet these women are viewed as extreme leftists by many moderates (if my interactions with moderates and conservatives are any indication, that is).

Thom is liked by many moderates. He's a very likable guy, with a lot of gravitas and can reach a lot of people across the spectrum.

Is that a white male thing as well, do you feel? In other words, are progressive women viewed with less favor and less gravitas because they're women?

[Stardust]

11. If we weren't viewed less favorably, it would be a rare field, IMHO. But maybe that's true

only in my experiences.

[NorthCarolina]

4. Katrina vanden Heuvel, Amy Goodman (as mentioned above),

and for more of a lighthearted approach yet still on the same political page would be Stephanie Miller.

[OneGrassRoot]

5. Yes! I especially love Katrina.

And both she and Stephanie do have quite large platforms.

Thanks!

[Stardust]

6. Personally, I like listening to Nicole Sanders who has her own radio show, available all day

and on various platforms. Nicole hosted Air America as did Laura Flanders and Stephanie Miller, and substituted for Randi Rhodes. Nicole has several guests on each day and is a real progressive. I subscribe to her podcasts through iTunes, they're free, but donations are appreciated.

[OneGrassRoot]

9. Thank you...

I don't recall hearing her name before.

[Stardust]

10. You're most welcome! Here's a link to her website:

http://radioornot.com/

[mmonk]

7. Amy.

Also, there are links between economics and loss of AA lives. It first started through slavery. The south was fighting a rebellion based on an economic system of exploitation during the Civil War.

Also, here is an article about linkage today. Have a good one.


How Runaway Economic Inequality and Racism Are Linked to Police Killings

http://www.alternet.org/economy/how-runaway-economic-inequality-and-racism-are-linked-police-killings

[OneGrassRoot]

8. Absolutely...yes sir!

I recognize the historic economic connection and how it manifests today. No doubt!

I only mentioned them separately because people do tend to have areas of expertise that they're known for and tend to stay in that lane: economy, environment, social issues.

But they're all connected for sure!

Sending you more

[tblue37]

12. Maybe Thom is a male Amy Goodman? Why should women be considered female versions

of the standard (male) model of anything?

[OneGrassRoot]

15. You're absolutely right! lolol

It was the only way I could pose the question I wanted to pose and make the point I wanted to make, about it usually being white males who are able to get attention and respect in order to convey an important message.

[Cleita]

13. Rachel Maddow would be my choice, but is the conservative part of the country ready

for a lesbian Rachel and her wife Susan in the White House? I would love it myself. Also, Thom is a DUer and reads posts from here regularly on his show. I think we had an influence.

[OneGrassRoot]

16. Hi there...

Nice to see you again. I love Rachel, too.

[ozone_man]

14. Amy Goodman.

I love them both. Amy is more the journalist I'd say. Thom has more introspection, in that moderate way, a Vermonter.

[OneGrassRoot]

17. That's a good point. Thanks. :) n/t