From Derogation to Reclamation: The Power Of Reclaiming ‘Racist’ Slurs with Simon Tam

Should We Be Able to Reclaim a Racist Slur – as a Registered Trademark?  In this special State Bar of Texas podcast, host Rocky Dihr welcomes Simon Tam, a musician, author, activist, and entrepreneur, whose efforts to trademark his band name “The Slants” prompted a nearly 10-year long legal battle that eventually wound up in the U.S. Supreme Court. Rocky and Simon discuss:
 

The Power of Reclaiming Culturally Controversial and Derogatory Terms

What it’s like to bring a Lawsuit Before the U.S. Supreme Court

The State of Free Speech

The Landmark Supreme Court Ruling in Tam’s Favor

The Relationship between Arts and Activism, and How to Create Positive Change with Lasting Impacts

 
Simon Tam is the the founder and bassist of “The Slants”, the world’s first and only all-Asian American dance rock band. Simon is also an author, activist, TEDx speaker and podcaster, who is passionate about changing the world with relentless optimism and compassion.