Vera Drew, director and star of The People's Joker, shares her journey as a trans person navigating online communities like Tumblr. They explore the conspiracy theory that claims Tumblr influenced a generation's gender identity, dissecting how misinformation shapes perceptions. The conversation dives into the evolution of digital spaces for queer youth, touching on both their empowering aspects and the challenges of modern identity politics. Drew also reflects on generational gaps in understanding youth trends and the complexities of authenticity in today’s online culture.
The podcast critiques the conspiracy theory that Tumblr turned kids trans, emphasizing the importance of context in understanding gender identity evolution.
Vera Drew discusses her experiences as a trans person and how online communities have historically provided crucial support for marginalized identities.
The conversation highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining authentic queer expressions in today's political climate and sanitized online spaces.
Deep dives
Alien Franchise Ranking
The speaker passionately defends their controversial ranking of the Alien franchise, placing 'Aliens' at the top and 'Alien Resurrection' as a close second. They express a strong belief that critics of 'Alien Resurrection' are misjudging the film, describing it as an unforgettable cinematic experience, particularly praising its stylistic choices reminiscent of anime. The discussion highlights how personal nostalgia and childhood impressions can significantly shape one's perception of movies, demonstrating how taste in film is often subjective yet sometimes divisive among fans. Their views reflect a larger conversation about the nature of fandom and the varied opinions that arise over beloved franchises.
Impact of Tumblr as a Social Space
The conversation shifts to the controversial idea that Tumblr may have influenced a generation's understanding of gender identity. The speaker emphasizes how Tumblr allowed individuals to explore and express their identities more freely, countering the notion that queerness and trans identities only emerged with the platform. They reference the historical context of queer communities online, arguing that these identities have existed long before Tumblr's rise. This perspective highlights the importance of recognizing the ongoing evolution of queer representation and the complexities of social media's role in identity formation.
Queer Digital Communities in the '90s
The discussion delves into the vibrant history of queer online spaces that predate Tumblr, with specific reference to early platforms such as AOL chat rooms and LiveJournal. Examples like The Gazebo illustrate how these spaces provided essential community support, especially for marginalized identities, and address the early struggles faced by queer individuals in the digital realm. The host reflects on how the internet has always served as an escape and a means of connection, emphasizing the significance of such communities in shaping personal and collective identities. This highlights the ongoing need for inclusive platforms that support diverse voices in the online space.
Cultural Shifts and Social Contagion Theories
Throughout the podcast, there is a critical examination of the notion that social media, particularly Tumblr, creates trends like gender identity shifts among youth. The speakers critique this idea as a reductionist view that oversimplifies the complex interplay between culture, identity, and technology. They explore how these theories have been weaponized by right-wing narratives, suggesting that such misconceptions stem from a broader misunderstanding of queer experiences and expressions. Engaging with this topic reveals how societal fears about change often manifest in scapegoating marginalized groups rather than addressing the underlying causes.
Navigating the Modern Internet Landscape
The last segment of the podcast discusses the current climate of internet communities and the push for more sanitized spaces that some argue limits authentic expressions of queerness. The speakers reflect on the challenges and fears around self-expression within today's polarized political environment, noting the impact of algorithmic filtering and increased scrutiny from various segments of society. They share personal stories of navigating their identities through moments of online backlash and the need to find safe spaces amidst rising authoritarianism. This discussion underscores the importance of maintaining earnestness and authenticity in artistic expressions while recognizing the shifting cultural landscape surrounding queer identities.
Part of the reason Republicans ran away with the 2024 election is because they used misinformation to make millions of people think that the government was trying to forcibly transition their kids. So, this week we’re investigating some of the origins of that scaremongering by looking at the conspiracy theory that Tumblr turned an entire generation trans. How did this theory spread? And what did Tumblr actually do to our brains? Vera Drew joins us to speak to her experience navigating the internet as a trans person, and the impact online communities like Tumblr had and continue to have on young queer folks.
Our guest Vera Drew is the director and star of The People’s Joker. You can look for screenings or purchase the film (plus merch!) at https://www.thepeoplesjoker.com/.
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