Miriam Elder, a former Moscow correspondent for The Guardian and opinion writer, discusses the pitfalls of internal exile in today's political climate. She offers insights on resisting apathy and the importance of staying engaged despite temptations to withdraw. The conversation delves into the emotional toll of American politics, strategies for reclaiming agency, and the significance of community activism. Elder's reflections challenge listeners to rethink their role in confronting social injustices while highlighting the resilience required to navigate turbulent times.
The podcast discusses Australia's resentment toward the U.S. due to American political events dominating their media, creating a global disconnect.
Miriam Elder highlights the dangers of internal exile as a response to political dysfunction, suggesting it leads to quiet resignation instead of proactive resistance.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of joy as a resilient response to oppressive politics, promoting community bonds and artistic expression as forms of resistance.
Deep dives
Perceptions of America from Abroad
Discussions revolve around how international perspectives, particularly from Australia and New Zealand, are influenced by America's political landscape. There is a sense of resentment among Australians toward the U.S., as American news dominates their media cycles, leading to feelings of being 'wagged like a dog's tail.' This dynamic creates a disconnect, as people in far-flung regions try to comprehend the importance of American political events while grappling with their own national issues. The dialogue highlights a growing frustration with the political climate in the U.S. and its perceived impact on global news narratives.
The Nature of Political Anger and Anti-Incumbency
The podcast discusses the cycles of anti-incumbency as a reaction to widespread political dissatisfaction, underscoring a lack of political will to address systemic issues such as inequality. It examines how leaders often represent the 'super ego' of society, becoming targets of rebellion when citizens feel discontented with the status quo. The conversation touches upon the wave of nihilism and skepticism toward political figures, marking a shift away from traditional engagement with governance. Instead of constructive change, the focus shifts to who can capitalize on public outrage.
Internal Exile as a Political Response
The concept of internal exile emerges as an emotional and psychological reaction to political upheaval, reflecting a sense of hopelessness among citizens following significant electoral outcomes. Miriam Elder's reflections highlight how, post-Trump’s victory, many chose to disengage from the political circus, which she describes as a form of quiet resignation rather than active resistance. This internal exile represents a strategy to preserve one’s mental well-being when faced with overwhelming political dysfunction and societal chaos. The dialogue urges listeners to reconsider the option of internal exile and its ramifications in the quest for meaningful resistance.
Comparing Authoritarian Practices in the U.S. and Russia
The similarities between authoritarian practices in both the U.S. and Russia are analyzed, particularly concerning how leaders manipulate public sentiment. The conversation highlights Vladimir Putin’s strategies, such as targeting vulnerable groups to foster societal division, akin to the way current U.S. political rhetoric targets marginalized communities. This comparison raises alarm over how denouncements and public shaming can undermine civil liberties and instill fear within populations. Understanding these dynamics is vital in recognizing the broader implications for civil society in both nations.
Finding Joy and Resistance Amidst Oppression
The discussion turns toward the importance of joy as a form of resistance against oppressive political climates, suggesting that fostering community bonds and embracing life can counteract despair. The reinvention of political engagement through celebration, creativity, and self-care is highlighted as a potent response to a pervasive atmosphere of fear and control. Examples are given of artistic expressions and community actions that promote solidarity and individual empowerment, moving away from merely reacting to political events. This conversation emphasizes that joy can serve as a powerful tool for resilience and transformation in challenging times.
Today on What Rough Beast we talk to the great Miriam Elder, whose NY Times op-ed “Don’t Let Donald Trump Drive You Into Internal Exile,” got Stephen and Virginia dreaming of how to check out and skip T2 entirely. When they weren’t having nightmares about Jack Smith’s extinction, that is.
And while Elder acknowledges the powerful seductions of internal exile—she counsels us against it. And gives Stephen and Virginia ideas of what to do. Dammit: why we always gotta stay in the fight?
What Rough Beast is a labor of love and venom. The podcast aims to bring imagination, gallows humor, and fun, relatable despair to the T2 years. The founding principle is simple: Humans make the world and we can remake it anytime. We’re so glad it’s landing for so many of you.Interviews with PRK on the IRA and Luigi, Liz Weil on annoying activists, Peter Shamshiri on the jacked Supreme Court—the response has been tremendous. Next up is the great Miriam Elder on internal exile, meaning complete under-weighted-blanket denial.One recent reviewer said, “Clear fresh water in a desert. Deeply and respectfully affirming. IMO this is essential for anyone who thinks, and feels, and cares.” <3
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You can do this in the form of a paid subscription to this newsletter (also giftable to those in your life who are not yet subscribers), which will also let you access comments and the whole Magic + Loss newsletter including advice about political action and powerful men who risk it all for their infatuations with other powerful men and the spray-tanned MAGA youth who drive them.For those who don’t celebrate Substack, you can Venmo a donation to @vpheffernan. Those donations will go directly to our crew, who are making this show happen for no cash (and with all heart). Please also consider one of the big $150 donations in the form of a charter membership. Yes—it’s a lot! But holy smokes it helps! You charter beasts will have a chance to call in with questions or jokes, as well as receive swag in the spirit of the French 68ers.Those hot free-love 68ers in their cool clothes—like all of you—are our inspiration. La lutte continue. We live how we want!With fear for our democracy,Virginia
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