Lex Fridman Podcast

#278 – Skye Fitzgerald: Hunger, War, and Human Suffering

28 snips
Apr 20, 2022
Skye Fitzgerald, a two-time Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker, discusses the devastating impact of war on human suffering, particularly in Yemen and Syria. He highlights the alarming crisis of starvation affecting millions and the role of political decisions in exacerbating these challenges. Fitzgerald also explores the ethics of storytelling in documentary filmmaking, balancing emotional narratives with the responsibility to portray truth. His insights reveal the power of film as a tool for social change and a means to foster empathy in the face of adversity.
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INSIGHT

World Hunger as a Weapon

  • Skye Fitzgerald finds it disturbing that global hunger persists despite sufficient resources.
  • He believes starvation is often used as a weapon of war, violating international law.
ANECDOTE

Asila's Story

  • In Yemen, Fitzgerald witnessed a 70-pound mother give birth to a starving child named Asila.
  • He blames leaders like MBS for using starvation as a weapon, leading to Asila's death.
INSIGHT

Asymmetrical Warfare and Suffering

  • The Saudi-led coalition wages an asymmetrical war in Yemen, using superior firepower.
  • Fitzgerald considers MBS, Assad, and Putin responsible for immense global suffering.
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