In a lively conversation, Madeline Pendleton—a socialist business owner and host of the Pick Me Up, I'm Scared podcast—joins to dissect John Woo's 'Face/Off.' They explore its portrayal of the carceral system and the film's extreme misogyny. Madeline highlights the nuances of character dynamics and the cultural implications of male identities within the film. Together, they hilariously contemplate a fictional prequel while unpacking themes of privilege and the struggle for equality, revealing how this action flick mirrors broader societal issues.
The podcast explores the film 'Face/Off,' critiquing its representation of the carceral system and emphasizing the need to humanize incarcerated individuals.
Rivka and Frank discuss the recent tragic act of protest by Aaron Bushnell, highlighting the normalization of violence and the media's role in perpetuating oppression.
Madeline Pendleton shares insights on innovative business practices that align with anti-capitalist values, promoting equitable pay and democratic decision-making among workers.
Deep dives
Podcast Launch and Independence
The hosts announce the launch of their Patreon account, emphasizing its importance for supporting their independent podcast, which is no longer affiliated with The Lever. They express gratitude to their former partners while highlighting their new ability to connect directly with their listeners. The subscription will provide access to premium episodes, bonus content, and community engagement, such as potential Discord chats. This move represents a significant shift towards independence, allowing the hosts to operate under their own values without commercial advertising.
Protest and the Tragedy of Aaron Bushnell
The discussion pivots to the tragic self-immolation of Aaron Bushnell, a U.S. serviceman who protested against the ongoing violence in Gaza. His act of protest sparked a deeper conversation about the normalization of violence and the cultural disconnect within media representations of war. Bushnell's statement that he would no longer be complicit in genocide highlights the urgent need for activism against systemic oppression. The hosts reflect on the profound grief surrounding such events and the societal implications of ignoring human suffering in favor of sensationalism.
Critique of Media Representation
The hosts critique the portrayal of major political and social issues in contemporary media, noting the stark absence of meaningful representation in films and music. They argue that artists in the past, like Bob Dylan, used their platforms to comment on social struggles, unlike today's creators who often overlook pressing societal issues. This shift reflects a broader trend in capitalism where dissenting voices are marginalized, and popular culture fails to engage with reality. The conversation underscores the importance of critiquing how media frames narratives around war and social justice.
Exploration of Anti-Carceral Themes
The hosts delve into the complex dynamics of the protagonist's journey within the film 'Face Off,' discussing the anti-carceral implications present in the narrative. They highlight how the main character, Sean Archer, navigates a criminal world and learns about the humanity of those incarcerated, challenging the traditional view of good and evil. The critique of prison systems and the portrayal of characters within them reveal the arbitrary nature of societal labels and underscore the failures of the carceral state. By humanizing those often deemed 'criminals,' the film provokes thought about the impact of systemic oppression.
Innovative Business Models in Anti-Capitalism
The podcast features a conversation about the innovative approaches to business that align with anti-capitalist values, specifically through a featured guest's worker-centered clothing brand. The brand's model prioritizes equitable pay for all employees, sharing profits among workers and fostering democratic decision-making. This operational design challenges traditional capitalist structures by resisting profit-driven motives and focusing on community well-being. The hosts celebrate such initiatives that illustrate practical applications of anti-capitalist principles, encouraging listeners to explore similar models in their own lives.
Rivka and Frank are joined by author, content creator, socialist business proprietor, and host of the Pick Me Up, I'm Scared podcast,Madeline Pendleton to talk about John Woo’s unhinged magnum opus, Face/Off. They unpack the film’s depiction of the carceral system (magnet boots!), the extreme misogyny that runs through the film, and whether Castor Troy troy had a developed political ideology or was just in it for the LOLs.
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