Maiden Mother Matriarch with Louise Perry Mr. Bean Authoritarianism
Jan 21, 2026
Ed West, a journalist and commentator, delves into the bizarre world of British governance, coining the term 'Mr. Bean authoritarianism' to describe its absurdities. He critiques the confusing 'Prevent video game' and discusses how the program has shifted from focusing on Islamist threats to scrutinizing right-wing views. The conversation also explores progressive blind spots on immigration, the state’s misreading of the right, and techniques for conservatives to effectively communicate with centre-left audiences.
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State As Sinister Slapstick
- The UK state mixes sinister authoritarianism with farcical incompetence, creating a 'Mr Bean authoritarianism' effect.
- Living inside it feels both threatening and absurd, unlike perceptions from abroad.
Arrested For Facebook, Classrooms Misplaced
- Louise Perry and Ed West recount the image of WPCs arresting people for online posts while classrooms host much older asylum claimants.
- This contrast illustrates how absurd and threatening everyday governance can feel.
Design Reveals Cultural Blindness
- The Prevent video-game 'Pathways' uses a flat progressive art style that fails to engage right-wing archetype-driven online cultures.
- The design mismatch reveals a deeper cultural inability to understand opposing political aesthetics.