Parallax Views w/ J.G. Michael

On this edition of Parallax Views, a previously unpublished conversation with filmmaker Cevin Soling on his fascinating documentary The Gilligan Manifesto, which argues that Gilligan's Island acts as a depiction, inadvertently or otherwise, of Karl Marx's communist ideals. What's perhaps most interesting about Soling's documentary is that is neither a left-wing or right-wing polemic. Instead, The Gilligan Manifesto seeks to deal with philosophical issues related to utopianism, cooperation, and more through the lens of Gilligan's Island and the writings of Karl Marx. Cevin deftly argues that Gilligan's Island, despite it's reputation as a low-brow sitcom in it's time, is actually an extremely radical and subversive show and that it has a great deal to say about social relations built on a cooperative, as opposed to competitive, foundation. In the course of our conversation we cover the myriad of reasons that Gilligan's Island proves to be a subversive sitcom that challenges many of our ideas about capitalism, communism, and the concept of paradise. But will we get to the biggest question of them all? Namely, Ginger or Mary Ann? You'll have to listen to find out! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... PARALLAX VIEWS THE WEEK THAT WAS CURRENT EVENTS PROGRAM

On this edition of Parallax Views, what could possibly be scarier to America's Christian Right than a stripper, alternative model, and dominatrix who self-identifies as a Satanist and a feminist? Answer: A stripper, alternative model, and dominatrix who self-identifies as a Satanist and a feminist that also happens to be a huge supporter of Bernie Sanders! Our guest on this edition of the program, Venita Estella, checks all those boxes. Don't let the admittedly provocative title of this episode fool you, however. The conversation Venita and I have is not a Howard Stern-esque hour of shock jockery. Instead, we delve into a number of topics seriously while also having a bit of fun. Venita begins by explaining what Satanism, specifically what she calls "modern romantic Satanism", means to her as a member of the now Satanic Temple (whose prankster-infused activism fighting for the firm separation of Church and State has gained widespread media attention in recent years) and how it is different from both devil worship and the form of Satanism espoused by Anton LaVey's Church of Satan. From there we delve into Venita's experiences as a stripper, alternative model, and dominatrix. Additionally, Venita and I discuss sexuality as it relates to her spirituality, the changing dynamics of gender relations in 21st century America, internalized misogyny, and masculinity. Finally, we delve into how Venita became a Bernie supporter, how it changed her life, and why she is hopeful for a future in which people of all genders, sexual orientations, and races can be more free, equal, and prosperous. Artwork for this episode kindly provided by James Curcio, author of MASKS: Bowie and Artists of Artifice This Episode is Dedicated To CULT MOVIE ACTOR SID HAIG RIP (1939-2019) SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... PARALLAX VIEWS THE WEEK THAT WAS CURRENT EVENTS PROGRAM

On this edition of Parallax Views, the mythology of 20th century counterculture, that zeitgeist in which rebellious youths experimented radically with sexuality and psychedelic drugs, began and ended in the 1960s. Scholar of esoteric Erik Davis, however, excavates the countercultural moment of the 1970s in his new book High Weirdness: Drugs, Esoterica, and Visionary Experience in the Seventies (MIT Press) through the figures of sci-fi author Philip K. Dick, philosopher Robert Anton Wilson, and psychedelic explorer Terence McKenna. In this conversation Erik and I discuss the possible pitfalls of counterculture in the 60s/70s as well as how Erik came to take on the project of examining 70s counterculture. We particularly hone in on the work of Robert Anton Wilson and its similarities to the ideas of postmodernism that gained ground in continental philosophy around the same period Davis writes about in High Weirdness. Additionally, Erik and I delve into the concept of the Chapel Perilous, an experience which cause one to question his/her reality, in relation to Wilson, Dick, and McKenna and how we, as a society, may be experiencing a collective moment of High Weirdness and the Chapel Perilous in the 21st century. HIGH WEIRDNESS: DRUGS, ESOTERICA, AND VISIONARY EXPERIENCE IN THE SEVENTIES BY ERIK DAVIS AVAILABLE NOW FROM MIT Press SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... PARALLAX VIEWS THE WEEK THAT WAS CURRENT EVENTS PROGRAM

Explore the intriguing ideas of Gilles Deleuze, whose philosophy has permeated various facets of culture, from academia to the military. Delve into Andrew Culp's concept of 'Dark Deleuze,' which challenges the prevailing push for constant happiness in neoliberal societies. Culp argues for a channeling of righteous anger to confront global injustices. This conversation invites listeners to rethink joy and explore the power of a more complex emotional response in the face of today's challenges.

On this edition of Parallax Views, America's #1 War Tax Resister Larry Bassett, the subject of the recent award-winning independent documentary The Pacifist, joins us to discuss his life and times. War tax resistance is a radical subset of the peace movement that refuses to pay the IRS, but not for selfish reasons. Rather war tax resisters like Larry do not want their tax dollar going to the funding of America war abroad. Given that a hefty portion of income taxes go to the defense budget, war tax resisters often redirect their money that would go to the IRS into charitable organizations. Larry's story is particularly unique in that he's been a war tax protesters for decades and, since then, has inherite $1 million dollars after the passing of his father. Larry owes over $200k to the IRS, but, interestingly, has exceeded that amount in his donations to charitable causes locally and globally. One thing that is striking about Larry is that he lives a relatively inexpensive life that resists not only the war tax but also hedonism. And in doing so he seems all the happier for it as Larry, in the opinion of this podcaster, is one of the most upbeat personalities to have graced this program. This is an extremely fascinating and touching episode of Parallax Views that you're can't possibly miss. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... PARALLAX VIEWS THE WEEK THAT WAS CURRENT EVENTS PROGRAM

 On this edition of the Parallax Views, comparative mythologist and media theorist John David Ebert returns to discuss his book, co-authored with Brian Francis Culkin, Hypermodernity and the End of the World. Along with John, poet Michael Kamins, who provides the preface for the book, also joins us to turn this episode into a roundtable discussion on the current zeitgeist and the apocalyptic anxieties that accompany it. Given the jam-packed nature of this over two-hour juggernaut of an auditory adventure for mind, it may be best to list some of the topics covered in bullet points: - What is hypermodernity? - The strange synchronicities of Ingersoll Lockwood's Baron Trump novels and The Last President - The history of media from stone tablets to the Gutenberg press and finally the digital age - An analysis of David Cronenberg's Videodrome and it's relations to the ideas of media theorist Marshall McLuhan - Conspiracy theories, semiotic excess, and pattern recognition - 9/11 as a "Hyksos event"; a catastrophe presaging a new epoch - Neoliberalism and Silicon Valley capitalism; the commodification of human relations - Trump phenomenon as the return of Caesarism; immanentizing the eschaton; the internet as Terence McKenna's transcendental object at the end of time - The philosophical problem of transhumanism; catastrophic climate change - Reality television politics and the Truman Show; the Truman Show Syndrome, the Mandela Effect, the Berenstain Bears Conspiracy

On this edition of Parallax Views, a roundtable discussion with foreign policy analyst Sameera Khan, Media Roots' Robbie Martin, and freelance journalism Marlon Ettinger on American hegemony and the antiwar/anti-imperialist movement. Sameera, Robbie, Marlon, and I begin by discussing the field of Democratic Presidential candidates in regards to their views on foreign policy. Although I myself am supportive of the Sanders campaign, our guests offer a more critical view of all of the candidates. From there we delve into a number of different topics including and especially the state of the antiwar movement. In particular we note the ways in which the paleoconservative, anti-interventionist right seems to have captured the antiwar movement. Sameera offers her critique of Tulsi Gabbard as well as discussing matters related to Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran, India, and China. Robbie gives insights into the role neoconservatism has played in paving the current tumultuous course of American foreign policy. Marlon chimes in with his usual astute observations about matters related to the politics of the current zeitgeist as they relate to America's foreign adventures. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... PARALLAX VIEWS THE WEEK THAT WAS CURRENT EVENTS PROGRAM

On this edition of Parallax Views, author and radio host joins us to discuss his book, co-authored with RJ Parker, In Chains: The Dangerous World of Human Trafficking in light of the Jeffrey Epstein case. Although human trafficking has previously been dismissed as a myth or the sensational fodder of B-grade horror movie and trashy daytime talk shows, Warren and Parker attempt to provide a sober analysis of and introduction to this dark, unsettling topic. Warren explains how human trafficking is not limited to sexual slavery, but also forced labor and organ harvesting. Additionally, we discuss how alleged human trafficking ties into the current controversies around immigrant detention center vis-à-vis private prison companies like GEO Group. Warren and I also discuss the problems of fake news and phenomena like QAnon, which, he argues, serve to muddy the waters around the topic. Perhaps most strikingly Warren details how the United States contributes to human trafficking through consumption. This is a difficult episode on a difficult topic, but running away from the subject, Warren says, will only lead human trafficking to continue and grow worldwide. LISTEN TO ALAN WARREN'S HOUSE OF MYSTERY on KCAA Radio 1050 AM IN CHAINS: THE DANGEROUS WORLD OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING AVAILABLE NOW FROM RJ PARKER PUBLISHING SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... PARALLAX VIEWS AFTER HOURS! AND NOW PRESENTING... PARALLAX VIEWS THE WEEK THAT WAS CURRENT EVENTS PROGRAM

What is QAnon? Is it an attempt to expose an alleged conspiracy of elite Satanic pedophiles or the ravings of an apocalyptic, millenarian cult in the making? Joining us on this edition of Parallax Views is Travis View, co-host of the QAnon Anonymous podcast, who has been covering the dystopian beat of post-truth America through his reporting on the QAnon phenomenon for outlets like The Washington Post. Travis guides us through the history of the QAnon conspiracy theory and it's many strange contingents, including a faction of the subculture that believes JFK Jr. is still alive. For most, the QAnon conspiracy theory is so outrageous that it doesn't even merit sociological consideration. However, while the theory itself may be sensational, the subculture around it may be worth keeping an eye on in light of a recent FBI memo and the murder of mob boss Frank Cali by a QAnon believer. Additionally Travis and I delve into the topic of Alternate Reality Games as touched upon in the Parallax Views conversation with Joseph Matheny and try to untangle what the broader implications of QAnon as a social phenomenon. SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... PARALLAX VIEWS AFTER HOURS! - THE LATEST FROM PARALLAX VIEWS AFTER HOURS: Matthew Alford on What the Mainstream Media Won't Tell You About Western Foreign Policy

On this edition of Parallax Views, New York hardcore punk legend Paul Cripple (aka Paul Bakija) of Reagan Youth joins us to talk music, politics, and anti-fascism! Reagan Youth is one of the most iconic bands of the 80's New York hardcore punk (NYHC) scene and were known for sticking it to the Reagan administration with fast, catchy anthem of anarchism and antifascism. Paul has a lot to say about how Reagan Youth got formed with lead singer David Insurgent (aka Dave Rubinstein) and the early days of the band. He also GOES OFF on the current political climate in America giving his thoughts on the Obama legacy, current President Donald Trump, and even has some positive thoughts about firecracker Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Additionally, we discuss Reagan Youth's appearances on film and TV soundtracks (Airheads, The Frozen Ground, and Shameless amongst others), what life was like in the Reagan Years, other bands in the punk scene, and more on this edition of Parallax Views! CHECK OUT REAGAN YOUTH @ THEIR OFFICIAL WEBSITE! SUPPORT PARALLAX VIEWS ON PATREON! WHERE YOU CAN HEAR... PARALLAX VIEWS AFTER HOURS! - THE LATEST FROM PARALLAX VIEWS AFTER HOURS: Matthew Alford on What the Mainstream Media Won't Tell You About Western Foreign Policy