The New Culture of the Right: Vital, Masculine and Intentionally Offensive
May 1, 2025
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Jonathan Keeperman, founder of Passage Press and known online as Lomez, dives into the rise of right-wing counterculture. He discusses how a new wave of masculinity and transgression is shaping American politics and art. Keeperman examines the 'longhouse' concept, critiquing societal feminization and its impact on traditional values. The conversation also touches on the intersection of vitalism and Christianity, and how figures like Trump serve as modern cultural icons amidst this ideological shift.
The rise of right-wing counterculture reflects a reaction against leftist ideologies, characterized by a rebellion aimed at reshaping American political narratives.
Passage Press plays a crucial role in reviving conservative art and literature, providing a platform for voices often marginalized in mainstream culture.
Vitalism is emphasized as a philosophy that champions individuality and strength, critiquing modernity's focus on equality and advocating for a cultural renaissance.
Deep dives
Introduction to Wordle Archive
The episode begins with a discussion about Wordle and the exciting launch of the Wordle Archive, allowing players to access every Wordle puzzle created. The archive houses around a thousand puzzles, enabling users to play missed games and engage with the complete history of Wordle. This feature is especially beneficial for New York Times game subscribers, who can explore the entirety of Wordle's offerings through the designated website. The enthusiasm surrounding Wordle underscores its integration into daily routines for many players.
Shift in American Political Culture
The conversation shifts towards the evolving landscape of American political culture, particularly under the influence of right-wing counterculture. This new dynamic, seen as a response to leftist ideologies, is characterized by a sense of rebellion against the status quo. Notably, figures like Jonathan Kieberman exemplify this change, representing a movement that challenges traditional political narratives. This transition is contextualized within historical cycles of leftist dominance followed by the emergence of a conservative counterculture.
The Role of Passage Press
Passage Press is highlighted as a key player in promoting a new right-wing cultural and intellectual agenda through unique publications. The focus is on reviving conservative art and literature, offering a voice to works and authors often sidelined in mainstream discourse. Titles published include radical philosophy and historical works that champion a right-wing perspective, aiming to establish a viable counterweight to contemporary leftist narratives. This approach reflects a desire to create a new cultural legacy rather than relying on past conservative frameworks.
Concept of Vitalism in Right-Wing Thought
Vitalism emerges as a recurring theme in the episode, embodying a philosophy that celebrates individuality and strength while critiquing the levelling forces of modernity. This perspective posits that contemporary society, influenced heavily by a focus on equality and inclusivity, often suppresses individual greatness and vitality. The discussion explores the importance of embracing this energetic essence as a means of revitalizing cultural norms and attracting disenfranchised youth. This approach aims to establish a cultural renaissance that emphasizes competition, hierarchy, and the inherent worth of individuality.
Controversial Topics and Culture Wars
The dialogue also navigates the complex and often contentious issues surrounding race and identity within the current cultural discourse. Various views on systemic racism and historical injustices are examined, highlighting the criticisms of contemporary narratives that place blame solely on white individuals for societal disparities. The discussion suggests that a more honest and open conversation regarding race is necessary to address underlying causes of inequality. This segment underscores the balance between preserving historical awareness and promoting a society capable of addressing its flaws without succumbing to divisive tribalism.
The Trump era is ushering in a new age of right wing counterculture, one defined by masculinity and transgression. In this episode of Interesting Times, Ross speaks with Jonathan Keeperman, the founder of Passage Press, about the influence of an edgy, reactionary, right-wing “vibe shift” on American politics and culture.
2:09 - Jonathan Keeperman’s Lomez days
5:25 - 2014: An inflection point in American culture?
7:40 - The emergence of a “conservative counter elite”
9:41 - The creation of a right wing counterweight to the dominant left
12:32 - What makes something “conservative art”?
15:18 - Are David Lynch films right wing art? Is Girls?
18:11 - Is there such a thing as good left wing art?
19:32 - Right wing counterculture’s obsession with “vitalism”
22:56 - Longhouse culture: Is the “over feminization” of society making America weaker?
27:55 - Is the longhouse argument just a “long male whine”?
30:41 - Is right wing counterculture anti-Christian?
35:48 - Trump as mythic hero
43:31 - What is the function of racism in right wing counterculture?
53:50 - Are racist means transgressive or just racist?
1:05:43 - Will the rightward vibe shift show up in pop culture?
1:07:37 - Why every high school senior should read “Moby Dick” and watch “No Country for Old Men”
(A full transcript of this episode is available on the Times website.)
Thoughts? Email us at interestingtimes@nytimes.com.
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