In this conversation, Chris Molanphy, a Slate writer and host of the Hit Parade podcast, shares his insights on Lady Gaga's latest album, 'Mayhem,' exploring her musical evolution and powerful comeback. The discussion also dives into Netflix's 'Adolescence,' addressing its unsettling portrayal of incel culture and the societal pressures that lead to youth violence. Additionally, they touch on the political challenges facing higher education under the Trump administration, emphasizing the importance of academic independence amidst external pressures.
The Netflix series 'Adolescence' dives into the complexities of youth, highlighting how social media can intensify mental health struggles and societal pressures.
Owen Cooper's performance as Jamie encapsulates the fragility of adolescence while exploring familial and societal expectations that shape the young protagonist.
The podcast critiques Donald Trump's stance on DEI initiatives, emphasizing the implications of funding threats on public university education and diversity efforts.
Deep dives
The Impact of 'Adolescence' on Contemporary Viewpoints
The Netflix series 'Adolescence' portrays the life of a 13-year-old boy accused of murdering a classmate, providing a gripping examination of youth, social media, and violence. With its unique storytelling format filmed entirely in one continuous take, the series invites viewers to witness the protagonist's experiences without the distraction of traditional edits, creating a powerful sense of immediacy. Critics lauded the show's ability to tackle serious themes such as mental health and the impact of online communities on young lives, transcending mere sensationalism to offer a nuanced exploration of the protagonist's psyche and environment. The series is highlighted for balancing thrilling drama with insightful social commentary, making it a cultural touchpoint for discussions about adolescence in the digital age.
Performance and Character Depth
'Adolescence' features Owen Cooper's remarkable debut performance as Jamie, the young boy at the heart of the narrative, whose innocence and fragility compel viewers to empathize with his character despite the horrific allegations against him. Critics have emphasized the depth of his portrayal, capturing both the vulnerability of youth and the immediate pressure from external expectations, including parental and societal influences. In particular, the engaging dynamic between the character of Jamie and his father, played by Stephen Graham, serves to underline the familial complications that contribute to Jamie's internal struggles. This portrayal has sparked conversations about the pressures placed on young individuals in contemporary society, especially in light of modern technological influences.
Examining the Role of Social Media
'Adolescence' confronts the perils of the digital age, particularly how social media shapes the thoughts and behaviors of young people like Jamie. The narrative suggests that Jamie's actions are influenced by a range of factors, including online radicalization, friendships, and family dynamics, instead of attributing blame solely to one source. Critics note that the series manages to avoid a simplistic interpretation of social media as the singular culprit, instead framing it as part of a broader context that affects many adolescents. This layered depiction opens discussions around parental concerns about their children's interaction with technology, emphasizing the complexity of navigating youth in an ever-connected world.
Avoiding Didacticism Through Elliptical Storytelling
The storytelling approach in 'Adolescence' is noted for its elliptical nature, requiring viewers to commit to the narrative actively and allowing for a deeper engagement with the material. By presenting the story in a manner that emphasizes mystery and discovery, the creators prevent the series from becoming didactic, which could alienate the audience or feel overly prescriptive about its themes. This technique not only enhances the emotional weight of the plot but also encourages viewers to draw their own conclusions about the factors leading to Jamie's situation. The strategic withholding of information reinforces the sense of reality in the series and aligns it with the complex inner lives of its characters.
Cultural Reflections and Wider Implications
The themes explored in 'Adolescence' resonate beyond the screen, reflecting contemporary societal issues surrounding youth violence and the cultural conditions that allow such tragedies to unfold. Critics argue that the show serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of societal neglect towards mental health, youth education, and proper engagement with technology. As a piece of art, it provokes necessary discourse on how communities can better understand and support young people facing growing pressures. Through its impactful narrative, 'Adolescence' provides critical insights into the cultural landscape, making it a significant contribution to conversations about youth, identity, and the future.
On this week’s show, Slate’s Rebecca Onion sits in for Julia. The team discusses Netflix’s current number 1 program Adolescence and what it says about how the descent into incel culture starts young. They then invite Chris Molanphy to talk about Lady Gaga’s new album, MAYHEM. They close out with a discussion on Trump's continued assault against DEI, this time holding funding over the heads of public universities if they don’t end programs that they say advance "racial preferences and stereotypes in education programs and activities."
Endorsements:
Steve: Lauren Theisen’s review of A Streetcar Named Desire
Dana: “That’s Life” on the Lady Gaga album Harlequin
