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Power, People and PlanetAuthor: Kumi Naidoo
Feeling at all freaked out by the state of the world at the moment? Wondering what you can do about it? Join Kumi Naidoo, the veteran social and environmental justice campaigner, to tackle some of the biggest issues of our time. In each episode Kumi is joined by activists, artists and community leaders who are dismantling our broken system - and building something better in its place. Hear their stories. Learn what has kept them fighting. Find out how we all can make a difference. Learn more about the podcast by visiting: powerpeopleplanet.org Language: en-us Genres: Business, Non-Profit, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it Trailer: |
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“The Constitution Was Eaten by the Donkey” — Reem Turkmani on Power, Media & Cultural Resistance
Episode 12
Tuesday, 21 April, 2026
In this powerful episode of Power, People and Planet, Kumi Naidoo sits down with Syrian writer and cultural activist Reem Turkmani to explore how power operates beyond force — shaping minds, narratives, and imagination.Reem reflects on growing up under authoritarian rule, where education, media, and even art were used to control thought and normalize injustice. Together, they unpack how climate stress exposed governance failures in Syria, how propaganda systems shape public consciousness, and why the real battleground is often cultural, not just political.From the enduring phrase “the constitution was eaten by the donkey” to the role of storytelling in resistance, this conversation reveals how art can either reinforce silence or inspire action. Reem also shares the story of a 100-year-old Iraqi protest song — a powerful example of how culture can carry coded resistance, build solidarity, and offer healing in times of struggle.This episode is a reminder that resistance is not only about confronting power — it is about reclaiming truth, memory, and imagination.In this episode, we discuss: ✅Growing up in Syria under patriarchy and authoritarian control✅Why the 2010–2011 uprising happened — beyond the “Arab Spring” narrative✅How climate stress exposed governance failures and deepened grievances✅The role of education, media, and culture in shaping public consciousness✅How propaganda normalizes injustice — including the phrase “the constitution was eaten by the donkey”✅The power of arts and culture in both reinforcing and resisting authoritarianism✅Reem’s work with 1+1 Show, using media to build civic awareness across divided societies✅The overlooked contributions of Arab and Muslim civilizations to modern science✅A 100-year-old Iraqi protest song — and how art carries coded resistance, solidarity, and healingSONGChal Chal by The Famous Arabic Crossover Musician Ilham Al Madfai @ilhamalmadfai (https://www.instagram.com/ilhamalmadfai/ ) @m.madafai (https://www.instagram.com/m.madfai/ )RESOURCESFollow Reem on Social Media - https://www.instagram.com/rimturkmani/1+1 Show : https://www.youtube.com/@1plus1showSubcribe to Kumi Naidoo's Power People and Project for more updates and episodes! https://www.powerpeopleplanet.org/
