Naomi Klein on Conspiracy Culture and “the Mirror World”
Sep 15, 2023
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Naomi Klein explores the world of conspiracy theories and the right's ability to sow confusion. They discuss the impact of right-wing media, YouTube's role in promoting conspiracy content, and censorship by tech giants. They reflect on the challenges of the progressive left, the role of a writer in a data-driven world, and the importance of education and kindness during COVID-19. Advertisements for All Bird's shoes, Starfield video game, and Kroger brand products are also included.
Reclaiming issues co-opted by the right is crucial in countering dangerous narratives and regaining the potency of objective truth.
Our fear of confronting uncomfortable truths and dismantling partisan lenses hinders progress and open dialogue.
Writers have the power to combat disinformation by telling success stories, spreading narratives of positive change, and embracing non-attachment.
Deep dives
Examining the Mirror World
Naomi Klein explores the mirror world in her new book, Doppelganger, and delves into the concept of doppelgangers, which she refers to as the second bodies we all possess. She addresses the importance of self-reflection and the need to examine our own role in societal shifts towards the right. Klein encourages us to reclaim our voices and confidence amidst disorienting times by acknowledging our complicity in sowing discord and abandoning principles of corporate greed, censorship, and mass surveillance that were once part of the left's domain.
Reclaiming Issues from the Right
Klein highlights the significance of reclaiming issues that have been co-opted by the right. By doing so, we can counter their dangerous narratives and regain the potency of objective truth. She emphasizes the need to address these issues, such as big pharma, distrust of mainline media, and skepticism towards the military-industrial complex. Klein argues that by reclaiming these topics and reframing the conversation around them, we can diffuse the power of misinformation and work towards collective action.
Facing Our Own Doppelgangers
Klein explores the fear of the mirror world and the impact it has on our approach to truth and politics. She points out that our fear of facing our own doppelgangers and the uncomfortable truths they represent leads to an avoidance of crucial discussions. Whether it's engaging with the origins of COVID-19 or addressing potential vaccine complications, the fear of dismantling our partisan lenses prevents open dialogue and hinders progress. Klein urges us to break free from this fear in order to confront the connections between our actions, systemic issues, and global problems.
The Role of a Writer
Klein contemplates the role of a writer in a world where human history is commodified and manipulated by powerful entities. She encourages writers and researchers to tell success stories and spread narratives of positive change. By focusing on real-world examples of progress and highlighting collective efforts, writers can combat disinformation and inspire others to take action. Klein also encourages writers to embrace non-attachment and accept that their ideas may be misused or interpreted in unexpected ways beyond their control.
Embracing Unselfing
Klein discusses the concept of unselfing, which involves decentering oneself and expanding our sense of connection to other life forms and collective efforts. By acknowledging our interconnectedness and embracing a collective approach to survival, we can break free from self-centered thinking. She highlights the importance of acknowledging our second bodies and confronting the trouble and mortality present in our lives and the world. Klein suggests that by unselfing and pursuing life-centered goals, we can work towards a more just and sustainable future.
Naomi Klein, author, professor, journalist, and contributing editor at The Intercept, has ventured into the far-right “mirror world,” exploring the movements and figures promoting conspiracy theories, misinformation, and its hold on large segments of society. This week on Deconstructed, we bring you a live conversation between Ryan Grim and Klein at the George Washington University Amphitheater, organized by Politics and Prose. Klein and Grim discuss Klein’s newest book, “Doppelganger: A Trip Into the Mirror World.” They discuss the labyrinthine world of conspiracy theories and how the right has effectively sowed confusion and capitalized on issues abandoned by the left.
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