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A podcast about music, and politics as told by musicians who sing about politics
Episodes
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Jason comments on steroid influencers and annoying streamers and their big Black Bucks
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Thursday Aug 29, 2024
Surveillance in Schools
Introduction
In an era where alienation and loneliness have become almost normalized, the proliferation of surveillance technologies in our daily lives is both alarming, pervasive and sadly, accepted. These technologies are not only prevalent in our streets and workplaces but have also seeped into our educational institutions, raising critical questions about privacy, autonomy, and the very nature of schooling. Surveillance systems in schools claim to enhance safety by identifying potential threats, from school shooters to students exhibiting signs of suicidal ideation. However, the validity and ethical implications of these claims are hotly debated. Are these technologies truly protecting students, or are they contributing to a culture of mistrust and control, much like the predictive policing tactics used by law enforcement?
Today, we are joined by Allison Butler and Nolan Higdon, authors of the insightful book “Surveillance Education: Navigating the Conspicuous Absence of Privacy in Schools”. Their work delves into the complex and often troubling landscape of surveillance in educational settings, exploring how these practices affect not just safety, but the very essence of learning and human development. As Higdon and Butler point out, "In a society increasingly defined by surveillance, schools have become testing grounds for technologies that monitor, predict, and control behavior, often at the expense of students' rights and well-being." We will explore the implications of this surveillance, asking whether it is a necessary precaution or a net negative that deepens the sense of alienation and distrust in an already fragmented society.
Please welcome our guests Allison Butler is a Senior Lecturer and Director of the Media Literacy Certificate Program in the Department of Communication at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, USA. She is also Co-Director of the Mass Media Literacy non-profit organization, where she develops and runs training programs for teachers covering critical media literacy in K–12 schools, Vice President on the Board of the Media Freedom Foundation, and a spokesperson for Project Censored. Her research focuses on critical media literacy and critiques of surveillance technologies in education.
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
Tuesday Aug 27, 2024
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Monday Aug 26, 2024
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Monday Aug 26, 2024
Immigration Under Biden/Harris
Introduction
As the Democratic National Convention concludes tonight in Chicago, the party's platform is crystal clear: preventing the return of Donald Trump at all costs. But as we look toward the future, critical questions remain. What, if anything, will fundamentally change under a potential Kamala Harris administration, especially when compared to another term for Joe Biden? And what has really changed under Biden’s leadership?
Take immigration, for example. The Biden administration halted the construction of Trump's infamous border wall and temporarily ended the "Remain in Mexico" policy, only to restart it again under pressure. In major metropolitan areas like New York and Chicago, immigration has become a potent political weapon used against the Democratic Party—cities that once proudly declared themselves "sanctuary cities" now find themselves overwhelmed by the influx of migrants, a crisis exacerbated by Republican governors like Ron DeSantis, who have strategically relocated thousands of undocumented immigrants to these urban centers. While these political maneuvers play out, a legitimate and significant increase in migration to the U.S. Southern border continues.
Historically, immigration has been a bipartisan issue focused on determining the "right kind of immigrant" who should be allowed to enter. How does the Biden administration's "Build Back Better" immigration policy stack up against Trump’s hardline approach? And what should we expect from Kamala Harris if she becomes president? If Trump returns to office, could we see the largest jobs program since the New Deal, but this time focused on mass deportation?
Tonight, we're joined by lawyer and author of *Borderlines,* Dan Melo, to explore these pressing questions and more.
Sunday Aug 25, 2024
Sunday Aug 25, 2024
Read the New Economic Bill of Rights Comic here: https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/economic-bill-of-rights-comic?fbclid=IwY2xjawEzmsFleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHaVTRIxhpn5QhTzpH0EDfD2UzZ34r7k1mr7NlTTOevkiESD8DPS9M1eGBg_aem_i6TbzKTrWCL1SXtMAG9NJQ
New Economic Bill of Rights
Introduction
In a time when the promises of democracy and economic security seem increasingly out of reach for many, Harvey J. Kaye’s work serves as a crucial reminder of the progressive potential embedded in American history. In his book, *The Four Freedoms: Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Evolution of an American Idea,* Kaye revisits FDR’s 1941 State of the Union address, where Roosevelt articulated the Four Freedoms—freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear. These principles were not merely rhetorical; they laid the groundwork for the New Deal and shaped the social contract between the American government and its citizens.
Now, in collaboration with the Letterhack, Kaye has reimagined this legacy through the comic *The Economic Bill of Rights,* a modern-day call to action that seeks to rekindle the radical spirit of the New Deal era. This vision of economic justice and social democracy is not just a relic of the past but a roadmap for the future—a future where, as Kaye asserts, "the American people might rise up and demand a government that truly represents them."
Today, we delve into Kaye's argument for why these freedoms are more relevant than ever and discuss how the Left can leverage this historical framework to advance a progressive agenda in the 21st century.
Friday Aug 23, 2024
Friday Aug 23, 2024
Welcome to a special birthday edition of This Revolution podcast, hosted by Jason Myles, who celebrates his 47th birthday in style. Joined by the voice of reason, MT, and a host of guests, including the enigmatic "Quinn-turn," the conversation takes unexpected turns, from the peculiarities of breakdancing PhDs to the hilarity of technical difficulties.
Jason and his guests dive into the cultural impact of breakdancing, the authenticity of TikTok influencers, and the societal shift towards instant validation in the internet age. With a mix of humor and insight, the episode explores the commodification of personal lives and the importance of individualism.
Featuring surprise appearances by Frenchie, Dr. Claw, and Toure Reed, this episode is a whirlwind of laughter, reflections, and birthday wishes. Tune in for a rollercoaster of topics, from nostalgic tech memories to the significance of waiting and patience in today's fast-paced world.
Don't miss this lively and unfiltered celebration, where the lines between serious discussions and comedic banter blur, making for an unforgettable birthday special!
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Thursday Aug 22, 2024
Read Christian's work here: https://catalyst-journal.com/2024/06/the-cargo-cult-of-woke
The Cargo Cult of Woke
Introduction:
Eight years ago, the term "woke" was popularized in mainstream culture through Childish Gambino’s hit song, where it signaled an awareness of social injustices, particularly those perpetuated by systemic racism. “Stay woke” meant staying alert to the potential dangers posed by institutional powers. However, in recent years, "woke" has undergone a significant transformation, morphing from a call to consciousness into a shorthand for a new kind of political correctness—one that gives off a radical sheen, but is without true class politics.
In his latest article for *Catalyst Magazine*, "The Cargo Cult of Woke," Christian Parenti examines how this shift in meaning reflects broader cultural and political changes. Parenti argues that what we now call "woke" culture is less about genuine social change and more akin to a "cargo cult"—a symbolic performance of radicalism that ultimately serves to reinforce the status quo rather than challenge it. As Parenti writes, “Woke politics is not the politics of emancipation; it is the politics of submission, disguised as resistance.”
Thank you guys again for taking the time to check this out. We appreciate each and everyone of you. If you have the means, and you feel so inclined,
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Wednesday Aug 21, 2024
Listen to the 1977 playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1gKJPho9NU5BnUjtui5bTE?si=ddccd3dbc8a249ec