Jonathan Blitzer on the Battle over Immigration; and Olivia Rodrigo Talks with David Remnick
Feb 2, 2024
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Jonathan Blitzer, an expert on immigration, discusses the political battle over immigration and the challenges faced by the Biden Administration. He argues that the conversation is dominated by the border crisis, obscuring the broader complexities of the immigration system. Olivia Rodrigo, a rising pop singer, talks about her songwriting process and navigating fame.
Both Democrats and Republicans are facing challenges in addressing the immigration crisis at the US-Mexico border due to a convergence of global migration and limited resources.
Olivia Rodrigo grapples with the pressure of being a role model while staying true to herself and expressing her authentic experiences in her music.
The pandemic has influenced Olivia Rodrigo's songwriting process, providing an outlet for emotional exploration and connecting with listeners through relatable themes of heartbreak and self-discovery.
Deep dives
The Crisis at the Border
The podcast episode discusses the ongoing immigration crisis at the US-Mexico border. It highlights the tremendous number of people seeking asylum and the challenges faced by the immigration system in processing them. The episode explores the factors driving mass migration, such as economic collapse, repressive governments, and climate change. It also delves into the political dynamics surrounding immigration reform and the difficulties in finding bipartisan solutions. The episode emphasizes the need for systemic reforms and a comprehensive approach to address the complex issues at the border.
The Pressure of Being a Role Model
The podcast episode delves into the pressure on Olivia Rodrigo, a young singer-songwriter, to be a role model due to her early success and visibility in the public eye. It explores the challenges of balancing personal experiences, making mistakes, and being an influential figure for young listeners. The episode touches on how Rodrigo grapples with this pressure and how she aims to express herself authentically in her music despite societal expectations.
The Influence of the Pandemic on Creativity
The podcast episode highlights the impact of the pandemic on Olivia Rodrigo's songwriting process. It discusses her challenge of writing a second album after the unexpected success of her first album during a time of isolation and uncertainty. Rodrigo shares her experience of using songwriting as an outlet during the pandemic and how it helped her explore and express her emotions. The episode also mentions the relatability of her music during the pandemic, as many listeners connected with the themes of heartbreak and self-discovery.
The Evolution of Olivia Rodrigo as an Artist
The podcast episode explores Olivia Rodrigo's growth and evolution as an artist. It emphasizes her transition from her early experiences in TV acting to pursuing her passion for songwriting and music. The episode discusses how Rodrigo's songwriting craft has developed, requiring more discipline and deeper introspection. It also touches on her exploration of different musical styles and influences, including 90s alternative rock and female singer-songwriters, and how she incorporates these influences into her own sound.
Navigating Social Media and Fame
The podcast episode delves into the challenges of navigating social media and fame for Olivia Rodrigo. It discusses the pressure to maintain a certain image and the impact of social media on her personal life and relationships. Rodrigo shares her experience of finding a balance between using social media as a platform for connection and expression, while also being aware of its potential drawbacks. The episode reflects on the loneliness and isolation that can come with fame, as well as the importance of staying true to oneself amidst external expectations.
In the shadow of another election year, Democrats and Republicans are at a bitter crossroads over immigration, as the system becomes increasingly unmanageable. With as many as twelve thousand migrants arriving at the border per day, and resistance to asylum seekers growing—even among Democrats—the Biden Administration is in a political bind. “You have a global moment of mass migration converging on the border at a time when resources are down. Congress is refusing to give the president the money that he needs for basic operations—it’s a perfect storm,” The New Yorker’s Jonathan Blitzer tells David Remnick. Blitzer has covered immigration for years, and his new book, “Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here,” takes a long and deep look at U.S. policy and the forces that drive migrants to undertake enormous risks. According to Blitzer, both sides are obscuring the actual problem. “There’s always been an assumption that the case for immigration makes itself—that the moral high ground makes sense to everyone, that we should be welcoming, that people showing up in need obviously should seek protection,” Blitzer says. “I don’t think defenders of immigration have squared the high ideals with some of the practical realities. And sadly the border, which is a tiny sliver of what the immigration system is as a whole, ends up dominating the conversation.”
Plus, the pop singer and songwriter Olivia Rodrigo’s rise to fame has been meteoric. She talks with David Remnick about her models for songwriting, dealing with social media as a young celebrity, and how it feels to be branded the voice of Generation Z.
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