Philosophy For Our Times Has the world gone to Hell? | Slavoj Žižek on fascism, shame, and dirty jokes
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Aug 5, 2025 
In this engaging discussion, Slavoj Žižek, a world-renowned philosopher and cultural critic, takes on pressing contemporary issues. He argues that while the world seems bleak, hope is not lost. Žižek analyzes Trump’s impact on leftist perspectives, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the dangerous role of shame in authoritarianism. He emphasizes the importance of political identity and suggests that humor and literary interpretation can unveil deeper societal truths. Expect a mix of seriousness and wit as Žižek navigates the absurdities of our times.
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Trump Redefines Leftist Aspirations
- Trump reshaped political realities by achieving what the left only dreamed of, disrupting global neoliberalism and seizing power directly.
- The left must rethink its approach, embracing common decency and rejecting old provocations as effective strategies.
Paradox of Censorship and Tolerance
- The supposed libertarian backlash against political correctness paradoxically fuels intense new forms of oppression and censorship.
- Modern censorship punishes minor slips while permitting racist and obscene speech, creating a contradictory societal dynamic.
Shamelessness Breeds Worse Masters
- Lack of shame among 1968 rebels was predicted to lead to masters even more shameless, a prophecy fulfilled by today’s political shamelessness.
- This escalation shows that shamelessness in protest invites authoritarian regimes marked by even greater shamelessness.
