Christopher Scalia, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and author of "13 Novels Conservatives Will Love, but Probably Haven't Read," joins to discuss the literary landscape through a conservative lens. They explore the importance of expanding the conservative canon and highlight overlooked authors. The conversation delves into George Eliot's views on nationalism and critiques modern storytelling in popular culture, while also reflecting on the complex interplay between literature and contemporary conservatism.
The podcast highlights the importance of expanding conservative literature to include lesser-known authors who represent diverse conservative values.
Literature and film often reflect universal human truths, illustrating the complex moral dilemmas faced by characters that resonate with real-life experiences.
The discussion emphasizes the need to differentiate between benign and harmful nationalism, promoting community while critiquing exclusionary practices within society.
Deep dives
The Value of Data Protection
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Exploring Conservative Literature
The conversation highlights a new book that broadens the spectrum of conservative literature by introducing titles that may not be widely recognized among conservative readers. It discusses the tendency among conservatives to gravitate towards a limited selection of classic novels, often overlooking other significant works that engage with conservative themes. The book aims to enrich the conservative literary canon by showcasing lesser-known authors and narratives that provide thoughtful representations of conservative values. This expansion of the literary landscape encourages readers to explore diverse perspectives within conservative thought while challenging the conventional focus on well-known titles.
Cinematic Representations of Human Nature
The podcast delves into the portrayal of complex characters in literature and film, emphasizing how narratives address the unchanging aspects of human nature. Examples like the characters from 'Breaking Bad' and their moral dilemmas illustrate the idea that great literature often reflects universal human truths, regardless of the setting. Additionally, the discussion touches upon how the characters' actions can lead to unintended consequences, demonstrating the intricate relationship between individual choices and larger societal impacts. This examination invites listeners to consider the deeper implications of storytelling and the ways in which they resonate with real-life experiences.
The Challenges of Political Ideology in Stories
A central theme of the discussion is the interplay between political ideology and storytelling, particularly regarding how literature can convey conservative or progressive ideals. The speakers acknowledge that while narratives can reflect ideological perspectives, they should avoid overt propagandizing to maintain their artistic integrity. The conversation critiques the tendency for some works to lose direction, ultimately resulting in unsatisfactory conclusions, similar to issues seen in popular shows like 'Lost.' By providing nuanced and complex character arcs, literature can explore significant themes without falling prey to overt ideology.
The Impact of Nationalism in American Context
The discussion addresses the nuances of nationalism and patriotism, particularly how these concepts manifest differently in the American context. It emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between benign nationalism, which can foster community and identity, versus harmful forms that can lead to exclusion and division. Conversations surrounding figures like Stringer Bell from 'The Wire' highlight how even narratives rooted in progressive thought can inadvertently critique the structures of modern society, such as government bureaucracy. Overall, the exploration of nationalism suggests a careful examination of how these identities shape cultural narratives and individual experiences within a diverse society.
Christopher Scalia, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, stops by the show to drop some culture on one Jonah Goldberg. The two discuss all things literature and what great books could give the conservative movement.
Plus: George Eliot’s conception of nationalism and Jonah’s thoughts on the new season of Severance.
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