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A podcast about music, and politics as told by musicians who sing about politics
Episodes
Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
Tuesday Sep 10, 2024
Lula da Silva's return to office in Brazil marks a critical attempt to undo the conservative rollback of his party's previous progressive reforms. Under Michel Temer and Jair Bolsonaro, Brazil saw an erosion of social programs, environmental protections, and Indigenous rights that the Workers' Party (PT) had championed in the 2000s. Lula’s reinstatement of programs like *Bolsa Família*, designed to address food insecurity for over 33 million Brazilians, and his commitment to halting environmental destruction in the Amazon are core components of his platform. However, the Brazil Lula governs today is far different than the one he left in 2010.
The ideological landscape, both domestically and globally, has shifted dramatically. After Dilma Rousseff's ouster, Brazil became more polarized, with Bolsonaro's right-wing populism galvanizing large swaths of the electorate through nationalist and anti-left rhetoric. This new political environment reflects broader global trends: a backlash against what is often derisively called "wokeness" or "globalism." Right-wing populists, sovereigntists, and national-conservatives have risen in opposition to the neoliberal policies of the past few decades, creating a more fractured political order.
Our guest today, Alex, argues that this shift mirrors larger geopolitical tensions that he terms the "new Cold War." In an upcoming essay, he draws upon thinkers like Frederic Jameson and Slavoj Žižek to examine how these cultural and ideological battles are unfolding. As Alex writes:
"A succession of 'cultural logics' have been identified since Frederic Jameson first wrote about postmodernism as the logic of late capitalism in 1984. In 1997, Slavoj Žižek discoursed about multiculturalism as the cultural logic of multinational capitalism. And if you were so inclined, you could write essays arguing that the past decade has seen wokeness emerge as the cultural logic of late neoliberalism."
This notion of "wokeness" — encompassing progressive values, neoliberal economics, and the curtailment of freedoms by corporate and political interests — serves as the ideological backdrop for much of today's political polarization. Alex posits that unlike the original Cold War, which was a genuine ideological clash between capitalism and socialism, this "new Cold War" is less about systems of governance and more about capitalist competition dressed in thin ideological coatings. Whether framed as "authoritarianism versus democracy" or "stability versus chaos," the deeper struggle appears to be between nationalist forces that reject the perceived excesses of globalization and neoliberalism, and a fragmented liberal order grappling with its own contradictions.
In Brazil, Lula faces these challenges head-on. His efforts to restore progressive policies and repair the damage done by Bolsonaro are emblematic of a broader struggle against right-wing populism and anti-globalist sentiment. How Lula navigates this new political terrain will be a crucial test of whether left-wing governance can effectively counter the growing influence of right-populism and restore faith in a more egalitarian, internationalist approach to governance.
We discuss Lula da Silva's return to office in Brazil as part of a broader global context where progressive reforms face significant pushback and political landscapes have shifted.
Monday Sep 09, 2024
Monday Sep 09, 2024
READ ROB'S BOOK HERE: https://www.haymarketbooks.org/books/2215-mastering-the-universe
Mastering the Universe
Introduction:
When we think of "Masters of the Universe," we may be reminded of He-Man, with his mighty sword, standing guard at Castle Grayskull against Skeletor and his monstrous allies. But in Professor Rob Larson's latest book, "Masters of the Universe: The Obscene Wealth of the Ruling Class, What They Do with Their Money, and Why You Should Hate Them Even More," There are no animated heroes or villains. Instead, Larson presents us with the all-too-real battle between the 1% and the rest of the world, where the obscene wealth of the elite continues to grow unchecked, resulting in deepening inequality, environmental devastation, and an entrenchment of power that threatens democracy itself.
The title may sound exaggerated, but Larson methodically explains how the ruling class wields unimaginable wealth, shaping global economic, political, and environmental outcomes in their favor. As Larson writes, "The system isn’t broken—it’s rigged. For the wealthy, inequality isn’t a bug in the system; it’s the feature." Since the Occupy movement brought the 1% into the national consciousness, this elite class has only fortified its hold over our institutions, exploiting crises like the COVID-19 pandemic to increase their fortunes even further.
Today, we'll delve into the moral, economic, and environmental obscenities of extreme wealth with Rob Larson, exploring how the elites use their fortunes to maintain power and destroy the planet. We’ll also examine what, if anything, can be done to dismantle this concentrated power before it’s too late.
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Thursday Sep 05, 2024
Thursday Sep 05, 2024
We take some calls and go over MORE of the movies of 1989. So many releases!!!
Thursday Sep 05, 2024
Thursday Sep 05, 2024
Introduction:
When my good friend and fellow podcaster and radio host Kenzo Shibata hit me up and told me that he felt 1989 was the greatest year in film history, I thought that was a bold claim. Sure, I knew the original Michael Keaton *Batman* hit theaters that year, but beyond that, the details were a bit fuzzy. For many of us, especially those who came of age during the rise of home video, the lines between what was in theaters, what went straight to video, and what aired on cable often blur together. 1989 was a pivotal year—a moment when the cinematic landscape was rapidly changing, and the home video market was beginning to dominate how we consumed movies.
The year 1989 revitalized the superhero genre with Batman, saw Patrick Swayze transition from Dirty Dancing to playing the zen-like badass Dalton in Roadhouse, and introduced us to A-list actor Brad Pitt in the indie slasher Cutting Class. Christian Slater stepped into the spotlight as a teenage skateboarding detective in Gleaming the Cube, while Wes Craven tried to franchise another horror icon with Shocker.
Horror and comedy were in full swing that year, with Weekend at Bernie's giving us everyone's favorite dead uncle, and Disney making waves with The Little Mermaid. Robin Williams showcased his dramatic range in Dead Poets Society, while Denzel Washington delivered one of his most iconic scenes in Glory. Many believe that Spike Lee made a powerful statement with Do the Right Thing (I’m still trying to figure out what that “statement” is?), and James Spader broke away from his typical high school villain roles in Sex, Lies, and Videotape. Not to mention, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg brought us the third installment of the Indiana Jones franchise. And that's just scratching the surface!
So, grab your popcorn, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show! We’ll be diving deep into the films of 1989, exploring every genre, every standout performance, and every iconic scene. And don’t forget—we’ll be opening up the phone lines in the Champagne Room for you to chime in with your thoughts. What films did we miss? What’s your favorite from this era?
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Wednesday Sep 04, 2024
Introduction:
The political landscape in the United States has shifted dramatically over the past few years. The ascension of Donald Trump, propelled by a wave of racial animus, faux populism, and a fierce rejection of identity politics, seemed to signal the end of the liberal racial identitarianism that flourished during the Obama years. However, the Democratic Party's recent announcement that Vice President Kamala Harris will be their nominee to face Trump in the upcoming election suggests that identity politics may still play a pivotal role in American politics.
Kamala Harris, the daughter of Indian and Jamaican immigrants, has long embraced both sides of her heritage. Yet, her identity has been a focal point of political attacks, with Trump recently attempting to question her Blackness in a room full of Black reporters—a move that backfired, eliciting boos from the audience. As the Democratic Party once again leans on the "I'm With Her" slogan, reminiscent of Hillary Clinton's campaign, the question arises: Will Harris's identity galvanize the African American intelligentsia, particularly in a post-George Floyd America where the chattering class has been notably quiet?
This episode of THIS IS REVOLUTION>podcast will delve into how the African American intelligentsia might react to a potential Kamala Harris presidency. Will they see her as a beacon of progress, despite her past role in the tough-on-crime policies of the 1990s, or will they reject her as another establishment figure out of touch with the needs of the Black community?
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Tuesday Sep 03, 2024
Monday Sep 02, 2024
Monday Sep 02, 2024
(bring in co-host and panel)
UK Race Riots
Introduction:
In the 2016 presidential race, Donald Trump popularized the term "fake news," a simplistic critique aimed at liberal mainstream media outlets like CNN. This phrase captures the way news can be manipulated, reflecting the political leanings of various stations, much like the concept of "Kayfabe" in professional wrestling—where the audience is kept in the dark about the predetermined nature of the matches.
In the wake of recent riots in the UK, this manipulation of information has come to a head. Following the July 29th brutal stabbing of three young girls attending a Taylor Swift-themed yoga session in Southport, a flurry of misinformation swept across social media. It was initially reported that their attacker was a 17-year-old Muslim immigrant, fueling racial tensions. In reality, the assailant was neither Muslim nor an immigrant; he was born in Wales. However, these facts were quickly overshadowed by a wave of false narratives propagated by far-right influencers like Tommy Robinson and Andrew Tate.
As mainstream media struggled to keep pace with these online gossip networks, the lines between verified news and baseless rumor blurred, creating a dangerous cycle of misinformation. This raises critical questions: Do we trust the media to tell us the truth, or simply what we want to believe? What are the deep-seated roots of racial tensions between newly arriving immigrants and the people of England? How will the UK government respond to the rioters who attacked innocent immigrants and destroyed businesses under the guise of "Save the Children"?
These issues echo the moral panics of the past, such as the Satanic Panic of the 1980s, where children were used as a prop to push draconian legislation. With us today to discuss these pressing matters is Unherd columnist Ralph Leonard.
Sunday Sep 01, 2024
Sunday Sep 01, 2024
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.