The Theology Pugcast Matthew B. Crawford on "Craftsmanship in the Culture Industry"
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Dec 29, 2025 A thought-provoking discussion unpacks Matthew B. Crawford's exploration of declining craftsmanship in an age of managerialism. The hosts lament Hollywood's reliance on remakes over originality and connect Netflix's acquisition strategies to a broader cultural decline. Personal stories highlight frustrations with mass-produced goods, while debates over artistic integrity versus commercialization reveal the challenges facing creators today. The conversation emphasizes the importance of supporting quality craftsmanship in a world increasingly driven by metrics and profit.
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Alien Ownership Harms Craftsmanship
- Alien ownership breeds indifference toward the product or craft being made.
- Managerial control by people without a history in the craft undermines quality and care.
Technology Can't Replace Embodied Skill
- Silicon Valley's drive to digitize and optimize overlooks crafts that require embodied skill.
- Some valuable arts and practices resist reduction to ones and zeros and need hands-on engagement.
Hollywood's Unoriginal Turn
- Film output shows heavy unoriginality via remakes, sequels, and formulaic content.
- That lack of originality signals a loss of imaginative risk-taking essential to craftsmanship.