Ep 171. Eve L. Ewing

The Daily Show with Trevor Noah season 2018 episode 171 features special guest Eve L. Ewing, a writer, sociologist, and educator, who engages in a conversation with Trevor Noah about her latest book, "Ghosts in the Schoolyard: Racism and School Closings on Chicago's South Side". The episode begins with Trevor Noah introducing Ewing and discussing the significance of her work, especially in the context of raising awareness about the social and racial injustices in America's education system.

The interview with Ewing is divided into two segments, with the first half focusing on her book and the second half touching on her personal journey as a writer and an activist. Noah starts by asking Ewing about the inspiration behind her book and the real-life incidents that motivated her to explore the impact of school closings on marginalized communities. Ewing shares her experiences of growing up on the South Side of Chicago and witnessing the devastating effects of these closings on both students and educators. She also talks about the racial implications of these decisions, where predominantly Black and Brown neighborhoods are more likely to lose their schools than their white counterparts.

As the conversation delves deeper, Ewing highlights the role of policymakers and educational leaders in perpetuating these systemic issues. She stresses the need for a more equitable and community-centered approach to education, where the voices of students, parents, and teachers are prioritized over bureaucratic decisions made by distant stakeholders. Ewing also talks about her research as a sociologist and how it informs her writing, especially in terms of understanding the social dynamics and power structures that shape our institutions.

In the second half of the interview, Noah asks Ewing about her personal motivations for becoming a writer and how her identity as a Black woman informs her craft. Ewing shares her childhood memories of writing poetry and how she sees writing as a form of activism, a way to give voice to the underrepresented and marginalized. She also talks about the challenges of navigating the publishing industry and the importance of building a supportive community of fellow writers and activists.

Throughout the episode, Ewing's intelligence, passion, and wit shine through, as she inspires viewers to take action against the injustices in our society. Her insights and experiences offer a powerful reminder of the intersectionality of race, class, and power when it comes to education, and how we can work towards a more just and equitable future.

Overall, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah season 2018 episode 171 is a thought-provoking and engaging conversation with Eve L. Ewing, a brilliant writer and scholar whose work highlights the urgent need for reform in America's education system. Noah's interview with Ewing is a testament to The Daily Show's commitment to showcasing voices that challenge the status quo and offer new perspectives on the issues that matter most.