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.
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insights INSIGHT
Experimental Reactionary Consciousness
The alt-right's counter-cultural fascism is not a mere resurgence of 1930s fascism.
It thrives in today's digital, atomized conditions, fostering an experimental, reactionary consciousness.
insights INSIGHT
The Psychedelic and Experimental Aspects of Fascism
Contemporary fascism, spread through new media, opens up new forms of experimentation.
Fashwave, a right-wing interpretation of vaporwave, exemplifies this melancholic, self-aware nostalgia.
insights INSIGHT
Connecting Fascist Typologies
Different fascist typologies, from the classical to the alienationist, converge in today's political landscape.
Understanding this interconnectedness is crucial for analyzing how these seemingly disparate groups mobilize.
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Mark Fisher's "The Weird and the Eerie" is a collection of essays exploring the unsettling and uncanny aspects of contemporary culture. Fisher examines the ways in which the weird and the eerie manifest in art, film, and everyday life. He delves into the psychological and philosophical implications of these phenomena. The book is a compelling exploration of the anxieties and uncertainties of modern existence. Fisher's insightful analysis offers a unique perspective on the cultural landscape.
Capitalist Realism
Is There No Alternative?
Mark Fisher
Capitalism and Desire
Capitalism and Desire
Todd McGowan
A World Without Work
A World Without Work
Daniel Susskind
Dialectic of Enlightenment
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Theodor Adorno
Max Horkheimer
Max Horkheimer and Theodor Adorno's "Dialectic of Enlightenment" is a complex and influential work of critical theory, exploring the relationship between reason, myth, and domination. The authors argue that the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason has paradoxically led to new forms of domination and control. They trace the development of instrumental reason, which reduces everything to means-ends calculations, and its role in shaping modern society. The book explores the interplay between reason and myth, arguing that myth is not simply irrational but can also be a source of critical insight. "Dialectic of Enlightenment" remains a challenging but rewarding read, offering profound insights into the complexities of modernity and the dangers of unchecked rationality.
Acid Communism
Acid Communism
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Mark Fisher
Mark Fisher's "Acid Communism" delves into the 1960s counterculture, exploring its potential for radical social change. Fisher challenges the common dismissal of this era as naive or irrelevant, highlighting its experimental spirit and its critique of capitalist consumerism. He examines the psychedelic experience and its capacity to disrupt conventional ways of thinking, suggesting that it could be harnessed for revolutionary purposes. The essay is a call for a re-evaluation of the 1960s, recognizing its complexities and its enduring relevance to contemporary struggles. It is a significant contribution to the ongoing debate about the relationship between culture, politics, and social transformation.
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?
Acid Horizon 
