Conspirituality

Bonus Sample: Antifascist Woodshed 3.1: The Kids are Alright

Apr 7, 2025

The discussion delves into how classic narratives like 'The Sound of Music' obscure the harsh realities of nationalism. It reflects on Sophie Scholl and the Edelweiss Pirates, highlighting the importance of trusting youth amid rising fascism. Highlighted are thoughts from Emma Goldman and Janusz Korczak on engaged parenting that challenges the status quo. The conversation urges a move beyond mere compliance, advocating for proactive antifascism to empower the next generation against exploitation and resentment fueled by figures like Jordan Peterson and Andrew Tate.

06:05

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Quick takeaways

The podcast critiques the sanitized portrayal of nationalism in 'The Sound of Music,' revealing how it oversimplifies complex socio-political motivations behind characters like the Von Trapps.

It discusses the importance of critical engagement with historical narratives, particularly how young people can be influenced by popular media and ideologies during tumultuous times.

Deep dives

The Influence of Nationalism in 'The Sound of Music'

The discussion highlights the complex themes of nationalism portrayed in 'The Sound of Music,' exploring how characters reflect different aspects of nationalist ideologies. It contrasts the moral differences between the Von Trapps and figures like Rolf, emphasizing that the narrative does not focus on morality but rather on the type of nationalism presented as authentic and wholesome. Rolf’s character is examined as someone influenced by authority and popularity, ultimately becoming a conformist rather than demonstrating true moral insight. This perspective raises questions about the portrayal of historical events and figures, suggesting a sanitized view of the Von Trapps that overlooks their socio-political motivations.

Exploring Nationalism through Musical Nostalgia

6min

Part Two: Matthew remembers the snow job of “The Sound of Music.” Also: more on Sophie Scholl, introducing the Edelweiss Pirates, the “adult gaze”, what trusting kids means, notes from Emma Goldman and Janusz Korczak, and excerpts from a poem by Aku Päiviö, father of Jules, who traveled from Northern Ontario to Spain in 1937 to volunteer in the International Brigade.

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When fascism rises, and some young people are drawn into its orbit, because everyone from Jordan Peterson to Andrew Tate has figured out how to exploit resentment at the failures of capitalism, we have an opportunity to give our kids a lot more than moralistic calls for a return to normalcy, compliance, warnings about screen time, striving to be better students, doing more sports, and not making too much of a ruckus.

The kind of parenting that limits itself to restoring the status quo for younger people in an age of fascism is not engaged parenting.

It’s not enough to be a good boy or girl. Antifascism takes more than that.