Keen On America

Cultural critic Jessica Crispin, author of 'What Is Wrong with Men,' examines masculinity through the lens of Michael Douglas films. She argues that modern men are trapped between a dying patriarchy and an unwillingness to adapt, leading to insecurity masked as aggression. Crispin highlights how even the richest men seek validation through physical transformation, revealing deep vulnerabilities. She suggests that men could benefit from creating support systems akin to those women have developed, instead of expecting the world to revolve around them.

Armin Rosen, a staff writer at Tablet magazine specializing in international affairs, takes a hard look at Bill Gates’ $200 billion philanthropic pledge to Africa. He argues that Gates’ top-down approach often disregards local needs, citing instances in Kenya where initiatives like the Alliance for a Green Revolution imposed unwanted agricultural technologies. While acknowledging the successes in health initiatives, Rosen raises critical questions about whether billionaires truly empower local communities or undermine democratic governance.

Rafia Zakaria, a Pakistani-American lawyer and author, discusses her views on the Trump administration's immigration policies, which she claims act as a form of terrorism against communities. She passionately argues that these policies are designed to create fear and pain, leading to the dismantling of democratic values. Zakaria connects domestic immigration tactics to global issues, emphasizing the dehumanization of marginalized groups. She also critiques the erosion of dissent in society and the complexities of racial narratives affecting those in Gaza and Iran.

Political theorist Natasha Piano from UCLA, author of 'Democratic Elitism', reinterprets Italian thinkers like Pareto and Mosca in a groundbreaking discussion. She argues that these elite theorists actually critiqued elite power rather than endorsed it, revealing how equating elections with democracy obscures plutocratic influences. Piano challenges the foundations of American political science, warning against the dangers of demagogic manipulation. Her insights urge a reevaluation of democratic practices amidst today's political landscape.

Jimmy Chen, the founder and CEO of Propel, shares his journey from food insecurity to launching an app that aids over 5 million low-income households in managing government benefits. He discusses how his personal struggles inspired a mission to create technology with social impact, challenging the stereotype of tech entrepreneurs. The conversation touches on the disconnection in Silicon Valley, the urgent need for equitable innovations, and how his app empowers SNAP recipients by modernizing outdated systems, proving that tech can indeed serve the poorest Americans.

Joseph Olshan, a distinguished novelist known for exploring trauma and cultural understanding, dives deep into the life and tragic death of Primo Levi. He discusses the paradox of Levi's survival in Auschwitz contrasted with his later suicide, raising questions about the limits of human understanding. Olshan reflects on personal experiences shaping his literary themes, like witnessing a drowning as a child. The conversation further probes the complexities of suicide, self-knowledge, and how even intimate narratives can leave us unable to fully grasp another's inner world.

Harry Freedman, a historian based in London and author of 'Bob Dylan, Jewish Roots, American Soil,' explores the profound impact of Dylan's Jewish upbringing on his art. He argues against the myth of the artist as a tabula rasa, highlighting Dylan's rich cultural heritage that influenced his songwriting and activism. Freedman analyzes Dylan's early efforts to conceal his identity, the shaping of his protest songs by Jewish values, and his complex relationship with musical legends like Guthrie and Seeger, revealing a multifaceted persona thrumming with cultural resonance.

In this discussion, Jonathan Gould, a writer and former musician, reflects on the legacy of the Talking Heads, the quintessential art school band of the 1970s. He reveals how their agnostic approach reshaped rock music, prioritizing artistic evolution over commercial success. Gould emphasizes the band's unique roots in NYC's vibrant cultural scene and how their minimalist performances and the groundbreaking film 'Stop Making Sense' continue to influence modern artists. He argues that their questioning of norms makes them archetypes of alternative rock.

Elise Loehnen, a writer and editor, dives into the complexities of being a 'good woman,' exposing it as a 'misery trap.' She argues that societal expectations force women to suppress basic instincts, leading to exhaustion. Loehnen highlights how the seven deadly sins reflect harmful conditioning and discusses the toxic commercialization of the wellness industry. She also explores the Enneagram's potential to help women embrace their full selves and calls for breaking free from victim-villain-hero dynamics in personal relationships.

Evan Osnos, a Staff writer at The New Yorker and author of "The Haves and Have-Yachts," shares insights on the ultra-rich in America. He highlights how today's billionaires flaunt their wealth in a way that reshapes societal values. The discussion dives into the psychological complexities driving their behaviors, such as an obsession with immortality. Osnos contrasts past and present billionaires, revealing a stark shift in philanthropy and power, while emphasizing the concentration of wealth among a mere 19 individuals who influence our economy and politics.