Nostalgia Trap - Episode 319: Cringe Nation w/ Adam Kotsko
Mar 21, 2022
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Theologian Adam Kotsko discusses how TV shows like The Office, Mad Men, and Breaking Bad reflect societal attitudes under neoliberalism. Topics include awkwardness, portrayal of morally ambiguous characters, and societal perceptions of success and evil.
Rising Pedestrian Deaths in America Due to SUVs and Hit-and-Run Incidents
Pedestrians in America face increasing danger due to the lack of visibility from large SUVs and trucks, leading to a rise in fatal accidents, particularly in crosswalks and intersections. Factors contributing to these accidents include distracted driving, such as texting or scrolling through social media, drunk driving, fatigue, and anger among drivers. The hit-and-run aspect has exponentially increased, indicating a lack of accountability and care for accident victims.
Pop Culture Analysis: Sociopathic Characters in Television
The podcast delves into the portrayal of sociopathic characters in early 21st-century television, focusing on shows like 'Mad Men,' 'The Sopranos,' and 'Breaking Bad.' Scholar Adam Kotzko explores how these characters reflect deeper themes related to neoliberalism and capitalism. He analyzes how these characters, considered anti-heroes, resonated during a time when complex and morally ambiguous protagonists dominated TV screens.
Exploring Awkwardness in Pop Culture and Social Interactions
The discussion transitions to the concept of awkwardness, drawing parallels between cringe comedy shows like 'The Office' and the societal discomfort felt in modern interactions. The analysis highlights the discomfort arising from the violation of social norms and changing expectations in social environments. The evolution of awkwardness is linked to factors like the influence of social media, surveillance culture, and the impact of COVID-19 on public interactions and communication.
Reflections on Education and Social Dynamics in Online Platforms
The conversation extends to social media dynamics and their influence on societal behaviors, especially in educational settings. The relationship between academic practices and online communication patterns is scrutinized, emphasizing the challenges of engagement and expression in face-to-face and virtual interactions. The discourse navigates the complexities of social media voyeurism, shame, and the blurred boundaries between personal and academic identities.
The Evolution of Higher Education in the 60s and its Impact on College's Purpose
The podcast delves into the evolution of higher education in the 1960s, highlighting the democratization and expansion of access it brought. The discussion addresses the shift in college's purpose from cultural enrichment to job training, leading to a right-wing backlash. The episode explores how the 1960s left questions about college's role unanswered, sparking debates about its significance and relevance in 2022.
Challenges in Diversifying Academia and Cultural Canon
The podcast examines challenges in diversifying academia and the cultural canon, particularly in literature. It reflects on missed opportunities in the 60s and 70s to create a more inclusive and global canon. The episode criticizes the resistance towards incorporating diverse voices and perspectives, citing a reluctance to engage with new ideas and make necessary changes in educational curricula.
Adam Kotsko is a theologian and culture writer who has written a number of books and essays about American pop culture. In this conversation, we discuss his books Awkwardness (2010) and Why We Love Sociopaths (2012), as we explore how shows like The Office, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Mad Men, Breaking Bad, and The Sopranos reflect the disturbed social politics of 21st century neoliberalism. Check out our bonus content here: patreon.com/nostalgiatrap
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