Mark Fisher vs. Peter Thiel: Acid Communism Against the Coming Fascism with Jac Lewis
Jan 11, 2025
auto_awesome
Jac Lewis, a researcher exploring the psychedelic politics of the 1960s and their ties to today’s reactionary movements, joins to discuss the clash between 'acid communism' and what he dubs 'acid fascism.' They delve into the rise of alt-right fascism in the digital age, highlighting its counter-cultural elements and critique of traditional ideologies. The conversation also examines how gender dynamics intertwine with modern politics and the nostalgia that shapes contemporary dissent, urging a reevaluation of anti-fascist strategies.
The podcast critiques the rise of contemporary fascism, uniquely framed as 'acid fascism,' which co-opts psychedelic elements yet promotes paranoia and control.
A significant focus on masculinity reveals how reactionary politics distort male identities through a lens of power, vulnerability, and societal paranoia.
New media platforms are vital in spreading fascist ideologies, as figures like Jordan Peterson utilize digital spaces to influence and radicalize modern political discourse.
Deep dives
Introduction to Fascist Futurism
The podcast discusses the emergence of fascist ideologies in contemporary society, highlighting figures such as Elon Musk and Peter Thiel. It emphasizes how these ideologues, despite their perceived stupidity, have gained significant influence over political and social narratives. The concept of 'acid fascism' is introduced, reflecting a reactionary consciousness that operates within modern digital conditions, distinguishing it from early 20th-century fascism. This modern iteration exemplifies how political life is often atomized and driven by a sense of individual alienation.
The Role of Masculinity
An exploration of masculinity is central to the discussion, particularly its connection to fascist ideologies. The podcast articulates how contemporary fascism often presents a distorted narrative of masculinity, rooted in a desire for national renewal and the rejection of perceived feminization in society. It notes that this notion of masculinity is not merely performative but is intertwined with a deeper sense of paranoia and desire for control. This framing positions the male body as a symbol of power yet simultaneously reveals its vulnerabilities within the digital age.
Psychedelic Elements in Reactionary Politics
The conversation delves into the concept of 'acid fascism,' which draws parallels to psychedelic movements from the 1960s. It suggests that instead of expanding consciousness, modern-day psychedelia within reactionary groups breeds paranoia and a longing for control. This notion is explored through cultural artifacts like 'Fashwave,' illustrating how right-wing aesthetics can co-opt elements of nostalgia and melancholy. Such experimental expressions indicate a fractured identity that both reinforces and critiques contemporary political ideals.
New Media and Experimental Politics
The podcast highlights how new media platforms serve as crucial vehicles for the dissemination of contemporary fascist ideas. Figures such as Jordan Peterson and Andrew Tate are discussed as influencers navigating these digital spaces, shaping a new generation of reactionary politics. There is an emphasis on the tensions between nostalgia for a perceived past and the realities of modern political disillusionment, suggesting that this discontent fuels radicalization. This experimentation with media allows for a reconfiguration of political identities, blurring traditional ideological lines.
Reinventing Anti-Fascism
The need for a re-evaluation of anti-fascist strategies in response to these evolving ideologies is underscored. The podcast argues that both anti-fascism and fascism are trapped in cycles of nostalgia, preventing effective responses to contemporary expressions of fascism. A shift is suggested towards understanding how these movements adapt and change over time, rather than merely relying on rigid historical definitions. This approach aims to discern the ways in which radicalization manifests in today's socio-political landscape, fostering new forms of resistance beyond traditional frameworks.
Join us for 'The Anti-Oedipus Files' and hop in 'The Schizoanaylsis Project' Discord server: https://www.patreon.com/posts/exciting-changes-117794727
In this episode, we are joined by Jac Lewis to explore his reflections on the counter-revolutionary psychedelic politics of the 1960s and early 1970s, and how today's reactionaries pursue similar agendas through what he calls "experimental alienation." The rise of "acid fascism" emerges as a rival to Mark Fisher's concept of "acid communism." How do contemporary trends in online fascist politics converge with the broader reactionary turn shaping today's world?