Diet Soap - a podcast

Chris Cutrone and Douglas Lain discuss an essay from Cutrone's book "Marxism and Politics." The article is entitled "Chinoiserie: A Critique of the Revolutionary Communist Party, USA’s 'New Synthesis.'" In this episode of the Cutrone Zone Chris explains just why the 2010 "communist turn" was a repeat of the failure of the New Left even as it was a regression from the New Left into counterrevolutionary reaction.Purchase Marxism and Politics https://sublationmedia.com/product/marxism-and-politics-essays-on-critical-theory-and-the-party-2006-2024/Support Sublation Media on Patreonhttps://patreon.com/dietsoap

KJ Noh and Douglas Lain discuss the prospects for socialism. Is the Chinese state leading the way? Can there be any prospect for socialism without an independent working class movement? This week's Patreon content is a short Critical Cuts video entitled: The USA is Beyond BrainwashingSupport Us on Patreonhttps://patreon.com/dietsoap

Ashley Frawley and Douglas Lain discuss the notion of "radical rest" and ask whether, given the recent defeats of the pro-Palestinian movement, it's time that the kids in the street take a nap. Join Us for a Second Hour https://www.patreon.com/posts/parrots-need-113614411Support Sublation Media on Patreonhttps://patreon.com/dietsoap

What does it mean that JD Vance did or did not make love to a couch? Is Kamala Harris mentally impaired? Will Donald Trump be an American dictator? Are the pets of Springfield safe? David Shields, author of "How We Got Here," evaluates the US presidential election.Purchase "How We Got Here" https://sublationmedia.com/product/how-we-got-here-melville-plus-nietzsche-divided-by-the-square-root-of-allan-bloom-times-zizek-squared-equals-bannon-by-david-shields/(discount code: howwegotherediscount)Support Us on Patreonhttps://patreon.com/dietsoap

Eric Russell is the editor and reader in charge of Sublation's new Historical Socialism audiobook line. In September, we released the first title: "Frederick Lessner-Sixty Years in the Social-Democratic Movement." In this special edition of Diet Soap, Eric and Doug discuss the contemporary left/socialist movement in juxtaposition to the socialist movement that Lessner helped to build.Support Sublation Mediahttps://patreon.com/dietsoap

Douglas Lain and Fabio Vighi explore Slavoj Žižek's influence on the left, the concept of emergency politics, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. Fabio offers a critical perspective on Žižek’s controversial support for NATO, arguing that Žižek misunderstands the true functioning of capitalism. Together, they delve into the contradictions and complexities of Žižek’s stance, questioning the role of intellectuals in shaping leftist politics amidst global crises. This conversation challenges mainstream narratives and digs deep into the philosophical and political underpinnings of our time.Support Sublation Media on Patreonhttps://patreon.com/dietsoap

In this Cutronezone, Chris Cutrone to explores the Russian Revolution and the broader concept of revolution in Marxist thought. Cutrone breaks down the historical significance of the Russian Revolution, its lessons for today, and delves into the three types of revolution: mass, democratic, and socialist.  

Ashley and Doug discuss the self-destruction of the Democrats, the crisis around Keir Starmer, and the legacy of Fredric Jameson. What is the cultural logic dictating world politics in 2024? Join In for the Second Hourhttps://www.patreon.com/posts/112689820Support Sublation Media https://patreon.com/dietsoap

Douglas Lain, a political commentator, and Ashley Frawley, an analyst on political implications, dive into the bizarre world of political assassinations today. They explore whether the Deep State is targeting Trump amid a backdrop of societal chaos. The conversation critiques current political rhetoric and accountability, examines conspiracy theories within public perception, and discusses the discontent sparked by neoliberalism. They also shed light on the immigration-labor dynamics at Amazon plants, urging a deeper understanding of these complex issues.

In this discussion, philosopher Chris Cutrone, known for his insights on Hegel and Marx, tackles the philosophical implications of capitalism and labor. He explores whether abstract labor time establishes a historical ontology and critiques the ethical dimensions of capitalism, emphasizing the importance of collective action among workers. Cutrone also navigates contemporary social movements and the complexities of freedom within capitalist frameworks, urging a deeper understanding of labor's role in enacting real change.