The Gist Rachel McCarthy James on Axe Murder, Salad Spinners, and the Hat-Brim Line
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Dec 3, 2025 Rachel McCarthy James, a true crime historian and author of "Whack Job: A History of Axe Murder," dives into the fascinating relationship between axes and human history. She explores the axe's dual role as both a tool and a weapon, compelling stories from ancient cultures, and the forensic insights gained from studying skull fractures. James also critiques the cultural appropriation seen in modern representations, such as the tomahawk chop, all while blending humor with the dark subject of murder. It's a captivating mix of history, ethics, and cultural commentary.
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Algorithms Favor Polarizing Spokespeople
- Algorithms elevate spokespeople who provoke the opposing side, making them central symbols of culture-war causes.
- Mike Pesca argues platforms select figures who are loathed by opponents, intensifying polarization.
Personhood Shapes Cause Credibility
- A spokesperson's personal credibility becomes inseparable from their cause once algorithms elevate them as symbolic figures.
- Mike Pesca notes this makes evaluating arguments about issues harder because audiences reject 'the person' not just the message.
Why The Axe Endures
- The axe endures because it is ubiquitous and multi-purpose across history and cultures.
- Rachel McCarthy James argues its constant presence makes it both tool and weapon in intimate, domestic, and ritual violence.
