Our conversation delves into the power of words to illuminate complex social issues, with Dr. Hall sharing insights from both his medical background and his artistic pursuits. We discuss how economic structures can perpetuate violence in subtle yet profound ways, and how poetry can help bring these issues to light.

Dr. Hall's personal experiences of facing racism even after becoming a successful surgeon add a poignant layer to our discussion, highlighting the deeply ingrained nature of systemic racism and the need for economic strategies to combat it.

As is tradition on the Luka Lesson Podcast, I close the episode with a performance of a new poem I've written, inspired by our conversation. Titled 'Economic Violence', this piece reflects on the themes discussed, attempting to capture the essence of our dialogue through poetic expression.

My people, this episode offers a unique blend of scientific precision and artistic expression, all focused on understanding and addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time. Whether you're interested in poetry, social justice, or the intersection of art and activism, Dr. Neal Hall's insights provide food for thought and inspiration for action.

Tune in to expand your understanding of economic violence, the power of poetry as a tool for change, and to hear two poets grapple with complex societal issues through the medium of words.

E C O N O M I C   V I O L E N C E 

I know I’m a product of the times
because I still buy the same products 

I don’t want to be held accountable 
       but I believe cops must face their misconduct 

So I buy clothes made from slave labour 
      but I protest the history

I posted a black square 

      so I know my voice lacks consistency 

I mostly do the bare minimum
       so I don’t rock the boat
       when I talk to my old folks 
       on how to vote 
    I pretend that I wouldn’t know 

Even though
      I understand the Black Lives Matter argument
           and I know we’re the ones they’re targeting 
           what’s the point of me speaking out 
               if it is never heard inside the Parliament?  

So when people are being racist
      I just don’t say shit
      I just stick to my own lane 
      my hashtags 
    my selfie stick 

It’s not my fault
      I was raised on a diet of apathy 
         self-important audacity
             and an ethical incapacity 

Look
     I would never stick my knee in a man’s neck 
        but I know I reap the benefits 
          in a system so violent and malevolent 
      being complicit is completely effortless

That’s when smiling and being nice
      becomes something venomous 
        the violence of ignorance
   as society balances on a precipice 

I still buy products that I know 
     make other people suffer
          brands that stutter 
       when it comes 
to standing up for one another 

I still buy shit I don’t need 
        just to fill the gap
        between what I think I need
and what I truly lack

If only I knew 
that the way I spend every dollar
is the best way to tighten my grip on a white collar

The best way to send a message to the police 
       is to tell the systems that fund them 
             our money isn’t coming to their streets 

The best way to vote
      to do what’s right
      to be heard
      is to only spend my money on businesses

               that deserve it 

To use my morality as a lock around my wallet
      and hold companies accountable 
      before reaching into my pocket 
           to give them some more profit

Then we’d see them switch
      all of a sudden they’d consider the options
         when the bottom line is threatened 
             every business finds its conscience 

It’s not the only way
    to end this conspiracy of silence 
          but I’m going to begin to end my compliance 

by using
               economic violence.  

-Luka Lesson