Episode 246: Age of Doppelgangers feat Naomi Klein
Sep 10, 2023
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Naomi Klein, author of 'The Shock Doctrine' and the upcoming 'Doppelganger: A Trip Into Mirror World', talks about QAnon, diagonalist politics, and the confusion with Naomi Wolf. They explore doppelgangers in art reflecting societal fears and the rise of shapeshifters in politics. The podcast also discusses collective action against debts and the importance of organizing social movements to combat right-wing extremism.
Doppelganger politics combines left and right ideologies, attracting individuals and movements that defy traditional political boundaries.
Elite impunity fuels frustration and conspiracy theories, demanding the left to articulate a vision of accountability beyond mere condemnation.
The left must challenge diagonalist politics and conspiracy theories by offering concrete solutions for climate change, racial inequality, and economic injustice.
Deep dives
The Rise of Doppelganger Politics
Doppelganger politics refers to the convergence of left and right ideologies, with individuals and movements crossing traditional political boundaries. This phenomenon often attracts entrepreneurs, grifters, and those seeking to claim a post-partisan identity. While it claims to be new and transformative, diagonalism is typically a right-leaning ideology that incorporates elements of both new age wellness and far-right sentiments. The appeal of diagonalism lies in its rejection of traditional institutions and its promise to disrupt the status quo. However, its politics veer towards the hard right, undermining true leftist agendas.
The Maelstrom of Elite Impunity
Elite impunity, the belief that powerful individuals can evade accountability for their actions, is a pervasive issue that contributes to societal frustration and disillusionment. Fueled by a sense of injustice, this sentiment can lead to the rise of conspiracy theories and alternative narratives. While the concept of justice is hijacked by conspiracy theorists, it is important for the left to articulate a vision for accountability that goes beyond mere condemnation. Building robust social movements is crucial for effecting meaningful change and combating the elite impunity that undermines democracy.
The Quest for Justice in a Diagonalist World
In a world where diagonalist politics and conspiracy theories thrive, the left must provide a counter-narrative centered around justice and collective action. Challenging the prevailing power structures requires concrete solutions that address intersectional issues such as climate change, racial inequality, and economic injustice. By suing big oil, nationalizing corporations, and championing reparations, the left can offer visions of justice that resonate with and mobilize a broad base of supporters. It is through social movements and collective efforts that true systemic change can be achieved.
The Fatigue of Political Disillusionment
The experience of political disillusionment and fatigue is widespread, especially among those who have been actively engaged in leftist movements. Highs, such as the Bernie Sanders campaign and the Black Lives Matter protests, are quickly followed by crushing lows, leaving individuals feeling helpless and isolated. The sudden shift to online interactions exacerbates divisions and leads to infighting, further eroding collective organizing. However, it is important to remember that the energy and desire for change still exist within these disillusioned individuals, and harnessing this energy through robust left radical movements offers hope for a brighter future.
The Fantasy of Elite Impunity
The fantasy of elite impunity resonates within conspiracy theories and fringe movements, which often perceive the powerful as both evil and untouchable. While these perceptions may hold some truth about systemic injustices, conspiracy theories present fantastical and often baseless solutions. It is crucial for the left to differentiate between acknowledging systemic issues and promoting far-fetched narratives. By providing alternative visions of justice and accountability, rooted in concrete policy proposals and collective organizing, the left can counterbalance and challenge the allure of conspiracy theories.
Naomi Klein, author of 'The Shock Doctrine' and the upcoming 'Doppelganger: A Trip Into Mirror World', joins us to talk about QAnon, "diagonalist politics", and why people keep confusing her with Naomi Wolf online.
Subscribe for $5 a month to get an extra episode of QAA every week + access to ongoing series like Manclan, Trickle Down and The Spectral Voyager: www.patreon.com/QAnonAnonymous
Naomi Klein: https://twitter.com/NaomiAKlein / https://linktr.ee/naomiklein
Music by Pontus Berghe. Editing by Corey Klotz.
http://qanonanonymous.com
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