Citations Needed

Taya Graham and Stephen Janis, award-winning investigative reporters from The Real News Network, dive into the legacy of Freddie Gray's death and its implications for Baltimore. They discuss their documentary, emphasizing the ongoing struggles for police accountability and reform ten years later. The duo critiques the media's role in perpetuating negative narratives about the city and highlights the importance of community activism in shaping a more just landscape. Their insights reveal both the challenges and the hopeful strides in the fight against systemic racism and over-policing.

"American Extremists Aiding Radicals Across Border," trumpeted the Detroit Free Press in 1919. "707 Illegal Aliens Arrested in Checkpoint Crackdown," reported the Los Angeles Times in 1987. "87 Bronx gang members responsible for nine years of murders and drug-dealing charged in largest takedown in NYC history," announced the New York Daily News in 2016. "'Top secret' Hamas documents show that terrorists intentionally targeted elementary schools and a youth center," claimed NBC News in 2023. Each of these headlines includes a label for a certain type of Bad Guy. Whether it’s the "Extremist," the "Illegal Alien," the "Gang Member," or the "Terrorist," these terms—and their cousins—seek to exceptionalize the alleged transgressions of their targets, separate them from both the law and history and dehumanize them, all while priming media audiences for crueler laws, harsher policing, longer incarceration and sometimes even extrajudicial punishment. The terms, of course, don’t have clear, universally accepted definitions—nor are they supposed to—their use is often heavily racialized and, by their very nature, subject to the whims and ideologies of the Security State and the media doing its bidding. What effects, then, do these Bad Guy Labels have on public perceptions? How do they serve to foreclose critical thinking about who is deemed inside the bounds of due process and humanization and who is categorically an other in urgent need of disappearing and punishment? On this episode, we examine four thought-terminating Bad Guy labels, analyze their origins, why they rose to prominence and explain how they are selectively evoked in order to turn off people’s brains and open up space for quick and cruel state violence. Our guest is attorney and author Alec Karakatsanis.

Beatrice Adler-Bolton, co-host of the Death Panel podcast and co-author of 'Health Communism', discusses the long-standing narrative of 'waste, fraud, and abuse' in government spending. She critiques how these terms, often racialized, have been weaponized to justify cuts to social welfare programs. The conversation exposes the hypocrisy in political rhetoric around social safety nets versus military spending and emphasizes the need for solidarity over individualism. Adler-Bolton argues for a reevaluation of the purpose of government, advocating for community support and collective action.

Joining the discussion is Greg Grandin, a Yale historian and author known for his insightful analysis of American history. He delves into the age-old tactic of rallying around a 'common enemy'—specifically China—and how this narrative is shaping progressive policies. They explore the militarization of climate change responses, critique anti-China rhetoric, and question the necessity of competition over collaboration. Grandin urges a reevaluation of narratives that prioritize unity over division, advocating for a focus on improving lives rather than defeating an adversary.

The podcast dives into the alarming suppression of free speech faced by protesters against genocide. It critiques media and Democratic leaders for their muted responses to the revocation of student visas and the silencing of dissent. The discussion highlights the hypocrisy in the liberal free speech movement while emphasizing the moral duty of leaders to oppose far-right policies. Urgent calls for solidarity and advocacy against political repression reveal the troubling complacency among elite institutions in the face of systemic injustices.

In this discussion, Steven Renderos, Executive Director of MediaJustice and co-host of the Bring Receipts podcast, tackles the troubling trend of blaming AI for systemic failures in society. He explains how powerful entities use AI as a scapegoat to evade accountability for their actions, whether in healthcare or warfare. Renderos emphasizes the ethical dilemmas of AI in military contexts, particularly in Gaza, and the potential dangers of dehumanizing decision-making. He also highlights ongoing legal challenges against tech firms concerning privacy rights, advocating for a closer link between technology and activism.

Eric Blanc, an assistant professor of labor studies at Rutgers University and expert in labor movements, dives into the importance of unions in today's political landscape. He critiques the hollow populism of figures like Trump and Musk while advocating for a robust labor movement as a counterforce. Blanc highlights the need for increased union density to tackle inequality and discusses innovative strategies that empower the working class. The conversation also addresses the rising approval of unions, particularly among younger generations, as a means for real social change.

This discussion dives into the escalating violence in Gaza, uncovering the media's portrayal of Israel as a reluctant party in a supposed quest for peace. It critically analyzes the term 'ceasefire' in light of current events and highlights discrepancies in media coverage, particularly regarding Palestinian resistance. The podcast also explores the moral pitfalls of negotiation tactics in the Israel-Palestine conflict, calling for better accountability and a more nuanced understanding of the tragic human toll.

This discussion dives into the controversial arrest of Mahmoud Khalil, revealing how media narratives can distort the reality of free speech. It dissects the fine line between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism on campuses, highlighting major oversimplifications in public discourse. The critique extends to the response of universities to allegations of anti-Semitism, questioning their sincerity and inclusivity. Finally, it explores how political discourse conflates anti-Semitism with anti-Arab racism, stifling meaningful criticism of Israel and complicity in systemic oppression.

In this engaging discussion, Julie Hollar, a senior analyst at Fairness and Accuracy In Reporting (FAIR), shares her expertise on the role of Sunday morning news shows. She critiques their historical evolution and how they often favor established voices while neglecting dissenting perspectives, particularly on critical issues like climate change. Hollar highlights the corporate media bias that shapes public discourse and examines the performative nature of these shows, raising important questions about their relevance in today's media landscape.