Episode #2
"When MAGA Invades: Navigating Interpersonal Relationships in Trump's Shadow"
We are often told to not discuss sex, religion, nor politics, but to keep one’s opinion and proclivities to one’s self. But people fail to understand that sex, religion, and politics cannot be silenced nor closeted as natural parts of human life because they never fail to confront us. And for today’s episode of Thought and Opinion, it is politics, or MAGA movement, that we will look eye to eye and push back against. You may not care about politics, or the MAGA movement, but it sure cares about you. If anything, President Trump’s MAGA movement cares so much that it wants to shove its way into corner of our lives. But what happens when that corner is a relationship that is vital to personal or professional life? A loved one? Someone who professes to love you. Your father. An Aunt. A friend that is all but blood. What happens at the office when it is a colleague that you regularly collaborate with and have a good working relationship with? Or your boss; whose, good graces you want to remain in? Bottom line, what happens when some who professes to love you – and has proven it – or an important colleague turns and supports someone that works for your demise? Someone who works towards your oppression? Namely President Donald Trump. What do we do with loved ones or colleagues that we often interact with invade the relationship with pro-Trump intentions? Be it a parent, grandparent, uncle, work colleague that you regularly collaborate with, etc. how do we respond when they begin to invade what has been a loving or pleasant relationship with intentions that advance President Trump. Today on Thought and Opinion, I am joined by 2 black gay men whose level of community activism in Los Angeles, contributions, and intellect are the stuff of high regard. Dr. Leon Maultsby is a leader in the field of behavioral health and he is currently expanding his clinical expertise by pursuing his Master of Social Work thought trauma-informed practice, motivational interviewing, and direct service with individuals impacted by incarceration and behavioral health challenges. His fellow guest is professor Christian D. Green. Professor Green is professor of African American Studies at West Los Angeles College, a past long-time adjunct professor at Pasadena City College where he taught Introduction to Sociology. He is also a published author and foster youth advocate. Gentlemen, welcome to Thought and Opinion.
