Ep. 51: Interview w/ Ellie Moon on Unionizing Starbucks, Trans Issues, plus Local Issues and Palestine Update

We start our show with an article from WOODTV 8 that covers a lawsuit filed by a former worker at Deja Vu, alleging the company is shorting dancers by classifying them as "independent contractors" and engaging in other nefarious tactics to push down their effective wages. In the shadow of recent moves by folks on the west coast to successfully unionize, could this lead to similar organizing of sex workers here in Kalamazoo?

 

We then give you updates on the siege on Gaza in the wake of Hamas' attack. We look at a story from the east side of the state that shows the very real and dangerous consequences of one-sided media propaganda that paints Palestinians as "violent animals" deserving of collective punishment. We talk about the lack of context and boggling ignorance on display from many in the west on this tragedy, and look a little deeper into Hamas. In recent days some have pointed out the peculiar historical relationship between Hamas and the Israeli government, which can draw on some parallels with how the U.S. helped fund the Taliban in the 1980s. By trying to marginalize leftist, class-based liberation organizations in Palestine with more geopolitically divisive "Islamist" groups, the Israeli government helped plant the seeds for the most recent violence.

 

Media Cypher co-host Norah then interviews Ellie Moon, a Starbucks union organizer from St. Louis. They also spend time discussing the state of trans issues in the state of Missouri.

 

1:00- 6:45 Strippers of Kalamazoo Unite! Deja Vu Bosses Engage in Wage Theft

 

6:45- 9:00 Michigan Man Threatens to "Hunt Palestinians" in Dearborn

 

9:00- 29:00 Update on Gaza: Media Coverage, Hamas

 

29:30- 59:55 Interview w/ Ellie Moon

 

SOURCES/ FURTHER READING

 

Kalamazoo strip clubs accused of denying workers minimum wage 
https://www.woodtv.com/news/kalamazoo-county/kzoo-strip-clubs-accused-of-denying-workers-fair-wages/

 

Amid Gaza war, Dearborn police arrest man for threat to 'hunt Palestinians'
https://www.bridgemi.com/michigan-government/amid-gaza-war-dearborn-police-arrest-man-threat-hunt-palestinians

 

How Israel Helped Create Hamas
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2014/07/30/how-israel-helped-create-hamas/

 

Does Supporting Palestinian Resistance Mean Supporting the Strategy and Methods of Hamas?

https://www.leftvoice.org/does-supporting-palestinian-resistance-mean-supporting-the-strategy-and-methods-of-hamas/