Explore the rise of right-wing media grifters, the origins and revival of 'tankie', the transformation of Max Blumenthal, connections and controversies surrounding a former Clinton administration figure, manipulation through Islamophobia and the impact of the Syrian civil war on the left. Discuss the use of propaganda, memes, and misinformation related to the Syrian war, the accusation of sexual assault against a left-wing figure, complexities of national liberation movements, the merging of nationalism and socialism, repression of LGBTQ communities, the rise of Jackson Hinkle and Magna communism, exploitation and hypocrisy in leftist spaces. Delve into the concept of greevability, the dehumanization of migrants at the southern border, issues faced by migrants, the lack of action on immigration, implications of border security funding, and the importance of mutual aid.
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Quick takeaways
Max Blumenthal's pro-Assad stance influenced the left and spread conspiracy theories about Syria.
The Syrian civil war led to cross-pollination between the left and far-right.
Blumenthal faced backlash for accusing a sexual assault victim of being a COINTELPRO operative.
Blumenthal's actions created a divide and highlighted the dangers of embracing far-right or conspiracy-based positions.
Patriotic socialism combines nationalism, homophobia, and support for capitalist economies, but fails to gain traction among the broader left.
Judith Butler's concept of greevability questions whose lives are valued and mourned, reflecting power dynamics and political motivations behind wars.
Deep dives
Max Blumenthal's pivot to pro-Assad stance
Max Blumenthal, a former progressive journalist, took a pro-Assad stance after attending a Russia Today gala in 2015. He founded the media outlet Grey Zone and began spreading misinformation about Syria, claiming that the entire opposition consisted of Islamists and that Assad was the only one who could stop them. His position aligned with right-wing conspiracy theories, and he associated with known fascists like Partisan Girl. This shift in stance influenced much of the left and led to the normalization of pro-Assad narratives and conspiracy theories.
The influence of the Syrian civil war on the left
The Syrian civil war played a significant role in shaping the left's narratives. Many leftists embraced conspiracy theories and denialism about chemical weapons attacks and labeled protests as color revolutions orchestrated by the CIA. The gray zone media outlet, founded by Max Blumenthal, became a platform for promoting these narratives and discrediting opposition groups, including the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities of Ecuador. The Syrian civil war also led to cross-pollination between the left and far-right, as some leftists aligned with white supremacists in supporting Assad.
Accusations against sexual assault victim and involvement in DSA controversy
Max Blumenthal faced controversy when he accused a sexual assault victim of being a COINTELPRO operative and compared her story to the FBI's program to disrupt and discredit political activists during the 1950s and 1960s. This incident occurred within the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) when an elected member, Aral Stevens, was accused of sexual assault. Blumenthal's accusations received backlash, and he faced criticism for his involvement in the controversy.
Conclusion
Max Blumenthal's pivot to a pro-Assad stance and the subsequent influence it had on the left created a divide within progressive circles. His association with right-wing narratives and conspiracy theories about Syria further polarized the left. Additionally, his involvement in controversies surrounding sexual assault accusations within the DSA added to the criticism he faced. Blumenthal's actions highlighted the need for critical examination of narratives and the potential dangers of embracing far-right or conspiracy-based positions.
The Rise of Patriotic Socialism
Patriotic socialism emerges as a combination of nationalism, homophobia, and support for capitalist economies. It flips the direction of nationalisms, promoting a hardline pro-American nationalism. This ideology overlooks war crimes and adopts a pseudo-Marxist stance. However, it fails to gain traction among the broader left due to its inherent flaws and unpopularity.
Inception of Patriotic Socialism
Patriotic socialism garners attention in 2020 as a result of the reactions to the book 'In Defense of Looting' and the events of January 6th. These incidents contribute to the emergence of patriotic socialism, which combines elements of nationalism, homophobia, and support for capitalist economies. However, it does not gain substantial support from the left and is primarily embraced by right-wing individuals.
The Flaws and Limitations of Patriotic Socialism
Patriotic socialism fails to resonate with the broader left due to its flawed ideological foundation and lack of popularity. The movement lacks charisma and its theoretical positioning is often incoherent. As a result, it struggles to convince others of its legitimacy and fails to gain significant traction in left-wing circles.
Greevability and the Value of Life
Judith Butler's concept of greevability raises the question of whose lives are considered valuable and mourned. Greevability means that a life can be mourned because it will end, highlighting the importance of valuing a life while it is still lived. The division of populations into greevable and ungreevable lives is seen in war, where certain lives are regarded as deserving of mourning, while others are not. This division reflects the power dynamics and political motivations behind wars. Public grieving and outrage are often regulated to control public opinion and maintain political authority. Understanding the concept of greevability helps us question why we prioritize certain lives over others, and why some deaths evoke more emotional responses than others.
Regulation of Emotion and Differentiation of Populations
The regulation of emotion plays a significant role in determining whose lives are regarded as valuable and mournable. Wars and acts of violence can be interpreted in ways that elicit different emotional responses from the public. People's emotional reactions are influenced by interpretive frameworks and conditional factors like nationalism. The division of populations into greevable and ungreevable lives is also shaped by narratives and media portrayals that dehumanize certain groups. This differentiation of populations can result in the devaluation of lives perceived as threats to our own existence. Recognizing and questioning this differentiation is essential for fostering empathy, understanding, and for challenging the biases that impact how we perceive and respond to different lives.
Consequences of War and Multilateral Agreements
The podcast episode emphasizes the interdependency of nations and the importance of recognizing our shared vulnerabilities. War, as argued by the speaker, perpetuates a denial of our interconnectedness and need for global agreements based on the acknowledgement of our shared precariousness.
Impact of Immigration Policies on Migrants
The podcast highlights the concerning immigration policies implemented under the Biden administration. The proposal to return to Title 42, which allows border patrol agents to send migrants back to Mexico without an asylum hearing, is criticized for its potential dangers and violation of international law. The discussion also touches on expedited removal and mandatory detention, expressing concerns about how these policies further marginalize and endanger some of the most vulnerable individuals seeking safety and protection in the United States.
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