RPTM Podcast #068: Softball Shenannigans and Land Confetti

Episode #068: Softball Shenanigans and Land Confetti

12/12/2023

In the tangled dance of human history, softball emerges as a rebellious phoenix, rising from the chill of a winter baseball hangover. George Hancock, fueled perhaps by Chicago's icy winds, birthed this alternative sport in 1895, unknowingly hurling a curveball at the status quo. The Women's International Softball Federation, born in 1933, didn't just hit a home run; it shattered the patriarchy. The diamond transformed from a girl's best friend into her stage for rebellion, as women worldwide swung bats, breaking not just glass ceilings but centuries-old traditions. Yet, within this triumphant narrative of progress, the dugout shadows cast unequal opportunities and recognition struggles, creating a complex dance of contradictions—one step forward, two steps back, and a pirouette toward gender equality.

Rewind to the 1887 Dawes Act, a grand illusion of American assimilation. Native Americans, handed a one-way ticket to the melting pot express, saw their lands privatized in a cultural heist masquerading as progress. Forget softball; this was the hardball of cultural erasure. Simultaneously, William Dorsey Swann, in 1891, was turning heads—literally. Arrested for defying gender norms, Swann became the OG drag revolutionary. His "Society for Human Rights" wasn't merely a club; it was a glittery middle finger to the establishment, propelling LGBTQ+ rights into the spotlight. Fast forward to the late 1800s, when Kodak cameras and Edison's Kinetoscope ruled. George Eastman gave the masses the power to freeze moments, while Edison's Kinetoscope made still photos seem as archaic as a typewriter in a texting world. In this whirlwind of history, softball shares the stage with Native American tragedy, LGBTQ+ defiance, and the birth of modern media, creating a kaleidoscope of progress and setbacks, revolutions and contradictions, leaving us to ponder if we're in a utopia or just the punchline to a cosmic joke. Life's game unfolds, and we're playing catch with destiny, hoping for a curveball we can knock out of the park.

Main Topics:

• Softball
• The Dawes Act
• William Dorsey Swann
• Kodak Camera
• The Kinetoscope

SHOW NOTES

Step into the Time Machine: Hit that subscribe button to ensure you never miss an episode! Support our podcast by leaving a review, sharing your favorite episodes with friends, and helping us spread the love for all things history-related. Subscribe, engage, and be part of the RPTM Podcast community today! 

Hosts:
Ryan Lancaster
ARCHIE
HILDY

Producer: Ryan Lancaster
Executive Producer: Ryan Lancaster
Sound Engineer: Ryan Lancaster
Editor: Ryan Lancaster
Theme Music Composer: Craig Riley
Artwork Design: Ryan Lancaster
Recorded at: Ryan Lancaster Studios

Email:
ryan.g.lancaster@gmail.com

Social Media:
Facebook: Ryan Lancaster
Instagram: ryan.g.lancaster
Twitter: @MayorMcSweet
YouTube: RyanGLancaster
Website: www. ryanglancaster.com

LEGAL MUMBO JUMBO:

Content Ownership and Use
All content, including but not limited to audio recordings, text, images, graphics, and any other material available through the Podcast, is protected by copyright law. The Podcast and its content are owned and operated by Professor Lancaster unless otherwise indicated.

Permissions and Fair Use
You may listen to, download, and share episodes of the Podcast for personal, non-commercial use only. Any other use, including but not limited to reproduction, distribution, or public performance, requires the explicit written consent of Professor Lancaster.

Third-Party Content
The Podcast may feature content or materials from third parties, including guest interviews, music, or excerpts from other sources. The rights and permissions for such third-party content are the responsibility of the respective copyright owners, and their use may be subject to separate terms and conditions.

Disclaimers
The Podcast is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed in the Podcast are those of the hosts and guests.

The Podcast does not constitute legal, financial, medical, or professional advice. Listeners should consult with relevant professionals for specific advice related to their circumstances.

Changes to Terms
We reserve the right to modify, amend, or update this Legal and Copyright Information anytime. It is your responsibility to review this document periodically for changes.