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The New Yorker Radio Hour

Naomi Klein Speaks with Jia Tolentino about “Doppelganger”

Sep 19, 2023
Naomi Klein discusses her new book 'Doppelganger' with Jia Tolentino, delving into the confusion between herself and Naomi Wolf. They explore the concept of doppelgangers in politics and the denialism surrounding climate change along with various conspiracy theories. They also discuss the relationship between the far right and the left during COVID-19 and our responsibility to confront reality.
20:49

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The left and the right have become doppelgangers of one another, with denialism and conspiracy theories permeating both sides of the political spectrum.
  • Examining the concept of doppelgangers allows for a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between individuals and the systemic issues they contribute to, emphasizing the need to confront uncomfortable truths and complicity.

Deep dives

The Doppelganger Situation and Political Uncanniness

Naomi Klein's book 'Doppelganger' explores the confusion between her and Naomi Wolf, which led to online identity mix-ups. Klein uses this doppelganger situation to delve into the collective vertigo and political uncanniness of the current era. She discusses how political movements, like climate change denial and conspiracy theories, can feel like doppelgangers of themselves, providing a means of understanding difficult and unaddressed issues. Klein argues that the left needs to reclaim neglected political territory and address issues like profiteering, power concentration, and vaccine apartheid, instead of dismissing them as conspiracy theories.

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