Historian Sven Beckert and author Alice Hasters discuss systemic history and social narratives

Historian Sven Beckert discusses the evolution of capitalism in his work, "Capitalism: A World History." Beckert traces the system's origins back to the 11th century in Aden, noting that while the system shows remarkable adaptability, its history is inextricably linked to violence. He emphasizes that understanding capitalism is essential to understanding modern life, as it structures both global connections and intimate aspects of existence.

Author Alice Hasters examines the societal shift in the perception of the term "victim." She addresses the recurring cultural trope of the "crazy ex-girlfriend" used to discredit women reporting sexualized or domestic violence. Hasters highlights the origins of the #MeToo movement, noting its roots with activist Tarana Burke in 2006 and its broader public emergence in 2017 via Alyssa Milano. The discussion specifically points to the unique challenges and secondary victimization faced by Black women and girls when coming forward.