Behind the Bastards Part One: John Wayne: A Dude Who Sucked
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Apr 26, 2022 
Francesca Fiorentini joins the discussion to dissect the complex legacy of John Wayne, revealing the darker sides of his larger-than-life persona. They humorously navigate Wayne's intense embodiment of hyper masculinity and its lasting influence on American culture. The conversation peels back the layers of Wayne’s childhood and familial struggles, exploring themes of villainy and nostalgia. They also reflect on the evolution of masculinity, shedding light on the romanticized American ideals and the often troubling realities behind them.
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Francesca's John Wayne Knowledge
- Francesca has never seen a John Wayne film.
- She only knows the possibly false anecdote about 50 pounds of undigested beef in his bowels when he died.
John Wayne's Lasting Impact
- John Wayne's image transcends his films, becoming a meme of white Christian masculinity.
- This ideal persists in US culture, making him recognizable even to those unfamiliar with his work.
Wayne's Influence on American Ideals
- John Wayne's lengthy Western career, longer than the actual Western era, shaped American ideals.
- This contributed to a romanticized, right-wing vision of America's founding.