The Untold Story Of Lyndie B. Hawkins

This episode of Hidden Brain explores the complex question of who has the right to tell whose story, focusing on issues of cultural appropriation, empathy, and authenticity in art and literature. The narrative centers on writer Gail Shepherd's experience of writing a novel inspired by her friend Camilla's life as a mixed-race child in the South, and her subsequent decision to change the protagonist's race due to concerns about cultural appropriation. The episode features interviews with Camilla, Gail Shepherd, social psychologist Ashley Carter, and philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah, who offer diverse perspectives on the ethics of storytelling, the nature of identity, and the importance of empathy versus the need for authentic representation. The podcast examines the nuances of these debates within the context of the publishing world and broader cultural conversations about power, privilege, and the sharing of experiences.