Exploring Sex, Power, and Society: A Deep Dive into Sarah Jones' 'Sell/Buy/Date' Documentary (full conversation)

Laura Flanders and Friends: Next Economy, Labor, Intersectional, Climate, LGBTQ, Abortion

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In this episode, Laura explores the unorthodox documentary "Sell By Date" by Tony Award-winning performer and comedian Sarah Jones. We discuss the complex issues of sex, power, race, and our economy through the lens of various characters played by Jones herself. The film features interviews with real people both in and out of the sex industry, offering diverse perspectives on the subject matter. We also dive into the challenges and experiences faced while creating the documentary, the importance of amplifying marginalized voices, and the potential for a healthier understanding of sexuality and power dynamics in society. Join Laura and Sarah Jones as they navigate these thought-provoking topics and more in this insightful conversation.

Guest: Sarah Jones, Tony Award-winning Solo Performer, Writer, Comedian & Activist; Director & Star, Sell/Buy/Date

Full Show Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more to dive deeper.

This podcast includes an endorsement for Best of the Left, with host Jay! Tomlinson. We think you'll dig it too!

Music In the Middle: “Sold Out” by Ultra Naté from her new album Ultra courtesy of Blufire and Peace Biscuit.

Additional Music: "Many Hands & "Steppin" by Podington Bear

Chapters:

(0:00:00) - Sex and Power Dynamics

(0:11:07) - Sex Work and Society

(0:23:22) - Sex, Gender, Marginalization

(0:27:04) - Women in the Workplace

(0:32:28) - Marginalization of Women

(0:41:57) - What About Moonlight?

Chapter Summaries:

(0:00:00) - Sex and Power Dynamics (11 Minutes)

In this episode, we explore the unorthodox documentary by Tony Award-winning performer and comedian Sarah Jones, titled "Sell By Date" The film delves into topics such as sex, power, race, and our economy and examines these complex issues through the lens of various characters played by Jones herself. The documentary also features interviews with real people both in and out of the sex industry, offering diverse perspectives on the subject matter. Alongside Jones, the film includes appearances from celebrities like Rosario Dawson and Bryan Cranston.

(0:11:07) - Sex Work and Society (12 Minutes)

We discuss the challenges and experiences faced while creating the unorthodox documentary "Sell By Date," a film by Tony Award-winning performer and comedian Sarah Jones. The film aims to bring complex conversations about social justice and the sex industry to a wider audience, while also addressing the backlash faced from various groups. We also explore the difficulties encountered while navigating the commercial aspects of the entertainment industry and the importance of amplifying marginalized voices. Finally, we touch on the benefits of healing from stigma, shame, and secrets, and the potential for a healthier understanding of sexuality and power dynamics in society'

(0:23:22) - Sex, Gender, Marginalization (4 Minutes)

We dive into the importance of access to reproductive health and abortion, as well as the need to challenge societal norms around female sexuality. The conversation touches on the double standards that exist and the potential consequences of slut-shaming and stigma. The discussion also includes the perspective of a Bronx taxi driver who joined the journey and highlights the organization A Call to Men, which aims to address the negative effects of toxic masculinity on both men and women. The conversation emphasizes the importance of honest dialogue around these topics and dismantling oppressive hierarchies in the sex industry'

(0:27:04) - Women in the Workplace (5 Minutes)

We explore the idea of expanding the concept of "Sell By Date" into other forms of content, such as podcasts and anthology series, to address various societal issues, including climate change, gun violence, and healthcare. We discuss the potential for future generations to look back on our current moment and see how far we have come in terms of policy and cultural attitudes. Additionally, we touch on the portrayal of women and sex in the media and the importance of honest connection and conversation in the age of social media'

(0:32:28) - Marginalization of Women (9 Minutes)

We explore the portrayal of women on screen and discuss the narrow boxes in which certain women have been placed. The conversation touches upon stereotypes, over sexualization, and the lack of humanity given to women in media. We also discuss the horror virgin dichotomy and the complex nature of women's roles in society today. Furthermore, we examine intersectionality and the impact of marginalization on women's access to choices in a democratic society. Finally, we consider the potential emergence of a COVID-era character and the importance of global conversations about freedom and liberation'

(0:41:57) - What About Moonlight? (1 Minutes)

We delve into the poetic and evocative imagery of moonlight, exploring its symbolism in moments of vulnerability, fear, and desire for freedom. The conversation navigates through the emotional landscape of seeking solace and release, asking the poignant question: what about the moonlight?'

Episode Keywords:

Sarah Jones, Sell By Date, Documentary, Sex Industry, Power Dynamics, Marginalized Voices, Sexuality, Social Justice, Reproductive Health, Toxic Masculinity, Women in Media, Stereotypes, Intersectionality, Honest Dialogue, Cultural Attitudes, Female Sexuality, Double Standards, Stigma, Oppressive Hierarchies, Moonlight Symbolism

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Laura Flanders and Friends Crew: Laura Flanders, along with Sabrina Artel, Jeremiah Cothren, Veronica Delgado, Janet Hernandez, Jeannie Hopper, Sarah Miller, Nat Needham, David Neuman, and Rory O’Conner.

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