Theory & Philosophy

Alexandre Baril, an Associate Professor of Social Work at the University of Ottawa and an author focused on critical suicidology and systemic oppression, dives deep into his powerful book, Undoing Suicidism. He redefines the conversation around suicide, urging society to reevaluate stigma and systemic biases that impact individuals facing suicidal thoughts. Baril advocates for a supportive, dignity-focused approach to suicide care, challenging existing narratives and emphasizing self-determination and the need for compassionate, informed conversations.

Alexandre Baril, a Professor of Social Work at the University of Ottawa and author of 'Défaire le Suicidisme,' engages in a profound discussion on suicide, self-harm, and systemic oppression. He critiques conventional narratives around suicidality, emphasizing its impact on marginalized communities. The conversation promotes a compassionate rethinking of suicide prevention, advocating for affirmative approaches that empower individuals. Baril also sheds light on the complexities of language in translating mental health terms, showcasing how words shape identity and understanding around these sensitive issues.

Delve into Marx's '18th Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte' as it highlights the cyclical nature of history and revolution. Discover how capitalism perpetuates inequality and influences power dynamics through political manipulation. Explore the relationship between class consciousness and contemporary media, critiquing its role in capitalist oppression. The discussion urges a re-evaluation of labor's value and the connection between historical events and modern struggles. Get ready to rethink political representation and economic realities.

Delve into the haunting implications of the Abu Ghraib abuses, revealing media narratives and their impact on U.S. military aggression. Discover how racial dynamics shaped the landmark Lawrence v. Texas case on consensual sodomy. Explore the constraints of societal norms on LGBTQ+ rights and the complex realities of policing marginalized groups. Gain insight into the discrimination faced by Sikh men post-9/11, challenging stereotypes and advocating for a nuanced understanding of identity. Engage with these profound themes that intertwine sexuality, race, and cultural identity.

Dive into the provocative concept of homonationalism, where gay liberation is intertwined with imperial agendas. Discover how Western nations leverage LGBTQ+ rights rhetoric to obscure their violent actions in the Middle East. The discussion critiques mainstream queer movements for promoting white supremacy while shaping narratives about terrorism. It reveals the irony of progressive identities that often ignore or perpetuate discrimination against marginalized communities, sparking a critical examination of queerness within global politics.

Delve into the intriguing concept of 'Terrorist Assemblages,' where intergenerational trauma meets American imperialism. Explore how narratives of gay liberation are co-opted to justify violence, scrutinizing the oversimplification of Middle Eastern identities. The discussion on feminism and queer politics in the post-9/11 landscape reveals marginalized voices and complex identities. Additionally, the podcast critiques Western media's portrayal of Muslims and the manipulative narratives surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, questioning the authenticity of alliances within the community.

Dive into the role of media amid the Watergate scandal, contrasting it with its silence on marginalized voices. Explore how the Vietnam War was framed, emphasizing American casualties over broader consequences. Discover the desensitization from scrolling through violence on social media, especially regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Examine biased media narratives that shaped public perception of violence, linking them to contemporary conflicts and U.S. foreign policy. Finally, unveil the challenges of navigating information in the digital age, urging critical awareness against propaganda.

Deep dives into media biases reveal how marginalized voices often go unheard. The discussion contrasts the coverage of anti-communist figures with the neglect of Latin American leaders. Historical motivations for iconic events like JFK's assassination are scrutinized through Cold War ideologies. Misinformation and echo chambers are examined, showcasing the media's impact on political narratives. Lastly, the use of atrocity propaganda to justify military actions is critiqued, highlighting the emotional manipulation of public opinion in the face of real-world consequences.

The discussion dives into Chomsky and Herman's propaganda model, revealing how mass media aligns with American interests. It scrutinizes media commentary on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and exposes biases shaping public perception. The impact of mainstream publications on political narratives is examined, highlighting systemic biases and the marginalization of dissenting voices. Media ownership's role in sensationalism and the skewed representation of landlord-tenant dynamics in Canada also come into focus, showcasing the complexities of media influence in shaping political realities.

In this episode, I cover the second half of Rosemary Salomone's "The Rise of English" Please consider donating to one of the following organizations: Palestinian Children's Relief Fund: https://pcrf1.app.neoncrm.com/forms/general United Nations Relief and Works Agency: https://donate.unrwa.org/gaza/~my-donation Middle East Children's Alliance: https://secure.everyaction.com/1_w5egiGB0u0BAfbJMsEfw2 Twitter: @DavidGuignion IG: @theory_and_philosophy