The Danger of Shallow Forgiveness an interview with Kaya Oakes

What this episode covers

We’re happy to welcome return guest Kaya Oakes back to the podcast for this episode to talk about her new book, “Not So Sorry: Abusers, False Apologies, and the Limits of Forgiveness.” Kaya Oakes is a journalist and author of six books. Her essays and journalism have appeared in many publications. She is also a faculty member in the College Writing Programs at UC Berkeley, where she teaches creative nonfiction, composition, and research writing. In this conversation, Kaya Oakes discusses her multifaceted identity as a teacher, writer, and cancer survivor, while exploring themes of forgiveness, the writing process, and the complexities of social justice. She delves into the nuances of apologies, the importance of empathy, and the often weaponized nature of forgiveness in queer and trans communities. Kaya also shares insights from her new book, emphasizing the need for specificity in apologies and the interconnectedness of forgiveness, repentance, and reparations. Takeaways Kaya Oakes identifies as a teacher and writer with a focus on gender and health. Her writing is often driven by personal obsessions and societal issues. The writing process for Kaya is spontaneous and research-driven, often starting with a question. Research is woven into the writing process, helping to answer complex questions. Forgiveness can be weaponized, especially in queer and trans communities. A good apology requires specificity and acknowledgment of harm done. Empathy is crucial for genuine forgiveness and understanding. Theological insights reveal that forgiveness is often oversimplified in Christian contexts. Forgiveness, repentance, and reparations are interconnected but often misunderstood. Finding joy in small things, like pets, can be a source of comfort. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background of Kaya Oakes 03:00 Writing Process and Creative Obsessions 05:59 Research and Writing Balance 08:56 Exploring the Theme of Forgiveness 11:58 The Complexity of Forgiveness in Queer and Trans Communities 15:05 Understanding Apologies and Their Impact 17:56 The Role of Empathy in Forgiveness 20:54 Theological Insights on Forgiveness 23:56 Untangling Forgiveness, Repentance, and Reparations 26:54 The Importance of Specificity in Apologies 29:57 Finding Joy in Everyday Life Resources: Previous episodes with Kaya Oakes: The Nones Are All Right: an Interview with Kaya Oakes The Defiant Middle with Kaya Oakes Interview episode with Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg: Growing Up Suburban Jewish and Finding Your Faith Not So Sorry: Abusers, False Apologies, and the Limits of Forgiveness by Kaya Oakes Learn more about Kaya at https://www.oakestown.org/ Join the Sanctuary Collective Community If you want to support the Patreon and help keep the podcast up and running, you can learn more and pledge your support at patreon.com/queertheology PODCAST TRANSCRIPT The post The Danger of Shallow Forgiveness an interview with Kaya Oakes appeared first on Queer Theology.

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