Jon Shelton, a professor of democracy and justice studies at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and author of "The Education Myth," joins the hosts to dive into the iconic film 'Back to the Future.' They critique the film's portrayal of hyper-individualism and its implications for economic mobility. Shelton sheds light on the problematic gender dynamics and the flawed depiction of Doc Brown's character. The conversation challenges nostalgia by exploring the film’s deeper social and political themes, advocating for a more inclusive narrative.
The podcast critiques the hyper-individualism portrayed in 'Back to the Future,' connecting it to broader themes of economic mobility.
Drew Barrymore's controversial decision to continue her show without writers highlights the disconnect between celebrity privilege and labor rights.
The hosts emphasize their anti-capitalist values by promoting community support for independent media, challenging traditional funding models.
Deep dives
The Role of Music in Cultural Identity
The podcast opens with a discussion on the significance of music in shaping cultural experiences, particularly emphasizing the hosts' recent trip to Europe. They reflect on the ubiquity of house music in various settings throughout Sicily, leading to a conversation on how such modern musical trends often overshadow traditional cultural expressions. The hosts express their discontent with the prevalence of contemporary genres in places rich with historical music, highlighting a disconnect between modernity and cultural heritage. This feeling of musical dissonance serves as a backdrop for their exploration of broader societal themes in the episode.
Insights into the WGA Strike
A significant portion of the episode addresses the ongoing negotiations between the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and major studios. The hosts share updates, indicating a renewed sense of hope among writers as talks resume after previous tensions. They discuss the backlash faced by celebrities like Drew Barrymore and Bill Maher, who opted to continue their shows without writers, leading to public outrage. This situation illustrates the complicated dynamic between labor rights and celebrity culture, showcasing how public opinion can influence industry practices.
The Complexity of Celebrity Apologies
The discussion highlights the perception of Drew Barrymore's apology following her controversial decision to bring her show back without writers. The hosts critique her response as insincere and out of touch with the realities that her decision inflicted upon struggling writers. They note the backlash against her and how it reflects a broader societal frustration with celebrities who fail to recognize their privileged positions. The episode examines the myth of celebrity responsibility versus individualism, delving deeper into the implications of such public figures ignoring worker grievances.
Bill Maher's Out of Touch Politics
The hosts take aim at Bill Maher, condemning his dismissive attitude towards the writers' strike and his perceived elitism. They unpack his wealth and privilege, contrasting it with the struggles of ordinary writers, while critiquing his philosophy that undermines the value of creative labor. His comments about the strike being poorly timed further exemplify a lack of understanding regarding the realities of labor economics. The hosts highlight how Maher's rhetoric represents a broader indifference to systemic inequalities, providing a critical look at how media figures navigate labor strikes.
Community Support in Anti-Capitalist Values
The episode concludes with the hosts discussing their commitment to anti-capitalist values through their own podcasting efforts. They emphasize the importance of community support over advertisements, reflecting their desire to maintain independent media free from corporate influence. The hosts encourage listeners to contribute to their Patreon as a means of sustaining the show, showcasing a model where grassroots support replaces traditional funding sources. This commitment to community-driven content exemplifies the larger themes of solidarity and cooperation that resonate throughout the episode.
Rivka and Frank are joined by Jon Shelton, professor of democracy and justice studies at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, for a conversation about the 1985 classic sci-fi comedy classic, Back to the Future. They explore the film’s focus on hyper-individualism as it relates to economic mobility, and critique the character of Doc Brown for his Silicon Valley style scientific approach, and the flawed sexual politics ascribed to the movie's only female character.
MVC donates its ad space to progressive or leftist causes and organizations. If you’re interested in promoting your work, email us at moviesvscapitalism@gmail.com.
