The Culture We Deserve

In a lively discussion, the hosts dissect the evolving narrative of DEI and its attempts to reinvent itself amidst criticism. They delve into Bari Weiss's controversial role as a DEI hire, exploring identity politics' impact on class issues. As they compare DEI's chaotic surge to the 2020 monument debates, they argue for the need to reunify class politics over fragmented identities. Alongside personal anecdotes and cultural recommendations, they challenge listeners to rethink the relevance of identity in today's socio-political landscape.

Nico was in Colombia when the United States abducted Venezuelan president Maduro, and he has some thoughts on what people in the United States commonly get wrong about South American politics. But also: predictions for 2026: the USA will do some feminist regime change in Iran, just like in Afghanistan! Serbia will be liberated from the heavy yoke of Trump Family influence! Mr. Beast will be charged with crimes against humanity! And more in politics, culture, and art. Let us know your own predictions and see shownotes here: http://theculturewedeserve.substack.com

Nico and Jessa dive deep into the best and worst cultural moments of the year. They tackle everything from a masculinity crisis to AI’s encroachment on culture. Their discussion covers the overproduction of content, the commodification of bodies, and the challenges facing museums. As they dissect films and books, they highlight standout works like 'One Fight' and Jessa's path-breaking book on masculinity. Tune in for sharp critiques and hopeful artistic reflections that promise better cultural futures ahead!

A very special Christmas treat for our listeners. Joseph and Jessa discuss George Eliot's Felix Holt: The Radical, which asks the very important question: is the socialist's primary task to yell at people and tell them they are wrong about everything? Set in the 1830s after political reform has granted voting rights to new -- but still very limited -- populations, a small English market town deals with the tumult that follows. A powerfully rich heir returns to stand for public office as "a radical," a young man decides to devote himself to the bettering of the working classes by telling them they are all ignorant drunks, and a young woman must decide which one of these weirdos to marry. But there is also a strange paternity case and a power struggle over an estate, a satirical storyline about the foolishness of patriarchal lineage, and a few good jokes about atheists. Join the discussion: http://theculturewedeserve.substack.com

For the last five years, museums around the world have been struggling to answer the question of, who owns cultural heritage? Certain objects, from the Elgin Marbles to the Benin Bronzes, have been fought over as multiple entities, institutions, and nations claim true ownership. Now that the Benin Bronzes have started to return to Nigeria, only to be shoved in storage unseen by anyone except the one man who claims they belong only to him, Jessa and Nico discuss whether anything has been learned from the Decolonize movement. Shownotes and references: http://theculturewedeserve.substack.com

Jessa and Nico return from their visit to Ireland. All along the way, the subject of whether or not Ireland should be united kept coming up. But beyond the slogans and the bad ideas, there are very real issues at work, tedious and boring but also tremendously consequential. Nico reflects on the influence the Northern Ireland peace agreement had on Colombian politics, Jessa discusses how social media creates a false sense of consensus, and they both worry about our decreased ability to manage complexity in political issues. Shownotes and references: http://theculturewedeserve.substack.com

The hosts dive deep into the absence of genuine darkness in contemporary pop culture. They explore the stark contrasts between Tom Cruise’s thrilling menace and Glen Powell’s overly polished persona. Discussions unfold around the pitfalls of modern filmmaking, the decline of mid-budget films, and the impact of streaming economics. They critique prestige horror for its lack of true fear and ponder where darkness can still be found today. Internet radicalization and sanitized true crime narratives also spark lively debate on the cultural landscape.

A young man's return home ignites chaos as his radical political ideas clash with familial traditions, leading to shouting matches and a duel. Turgenev’s exploration of nihilism in pre-revolutionary Russia reveals the tensions between youth and their elders. The hosts dissect Bazarov's emotional vacancy, contrasting him with Arkady's more humane outlook on love. They delve into the limits of nihilism, the power of literature, and the poignant moments of familial loss. Ultimately, Bazarov's choices lead to his tragic demise, highlighting the complexities of life and ideology.

Can women truly be blamed for ruining the workplace? Jessa and Nico dive into this controversial debate, tackling topics like the rise of wokeness and its ties to a religious impulse. They challenge the notion that women's presence leads to institutional dysfunction, instead pointing to structural issues like deregulation. The conversation shifts to viral TikToks versus serious workplace harassment cases, revealing how media distorts public focus. With humor and insight, the hosts argue for collaborative repair over simplistic scapegoating.

The podcast explores the resurgence of pro-military narratives, highlighting PBS's controversial scheduling of a documentary on troops in Fallujah. Jessa and Nico dive into the glorification of police and military in media, criticizing the rise of copaganda and the upcoming Call of Duty film. They also shed light on violent urban realities, including Brazil's policing and child sex trafficking in LA, while questioning the romanticization of force in culture. The discussion connects these themes to broader societal implications and political influences.