Episode 214: Is That A Banana In Your Pocket Or Are You Just Engaging In Settler-Colonialist Genocide?
May 4, 2024
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This podcast discusses ongoing protests at universities nationwide, including divestment strategies, campus activism dynamics, and debates on defunding the police. It also covers bizarre incidents like a banana allergy protest at UCLA and analyzes the impact of past incidents on protesters' perspectives on law enforcement actions during protests. The conversation delves into the challenges and motivations behind university activism, focusing on the Gaza conflict's influence on American politics and complex issues surrounding anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism.
The podcast discusses current campus protests, highlighting clashes, tactics, and media portrayal.
The hosts reveal plans for new podcast elements, including paid subscriptions and guest episodes.
The episode explores the implications of anti-Semitism legislation on college campuses and perceived double standards in handling activism.
Deep dives
Introduction of Refreshes and Changes
The podcast episode introduces a major refresh to its theme song and podcast art after a four-year stint with outdated visuals. The hosts humorously mention their desperation due to the show's failure and bankruptcy, marking the return of one of the hosts after a three-month break.
Evolution in Podcast Format
The hosts discuss plans to incorporate new elements into the show, including solo episodes with guest hosts or guests each month, aiming to infuse new life into the podcast after years of consistent content. They also reveal a shift towards focusing more on paid subscriptions, altering the release structure to include some content behind a paywall, while maintaining free episodes for non-subscribers.
Campus Protests and Student Dynamic
The podcast delves into the current campus protests surrounding Israel's actions in Gaza, highlighting the divide between protesters and the normies (non-protesters) on college campuses. The hosts share insights on the tactics used by protesters, clashes with counter-protesters, and the complexities surrounding activism, safety concerns, and the media's portrayal of events.
Campus Activism Dynamics
The podcast delves into the complex dynamics of campus activism, particularly focusing on the clashes between pro-Israel students and pro-Palestine encampments at UCLA. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by administrators in responding to these incidents, including the reluctance to involve law enforcement and the impact of past incidents on present responses.
Legislation and Double Standards
The episode explores the implications of legislation relating to anti-Semitism on college campuses, including the potential consequences of broadening the definition of anti-Semitism. It also addresses the perceived double standards in handling activism, drawing parallels between different forms of protests and raising concerns about restricting speech under the guise of combating hate speech.