This week my sister Emma joined me to discuss Brady Corbet’s latest film Vox Lux, which tells the story of a young girl Celeste surviving a school shooting and becoming a pop star. We started by discussing the film itself and it’s interesting narrative structure. We also touched on some of the flaws in the film. We then moved onto the main plot points and themes in the film. Emma and I discussed the role that pop music plays in our lives and how trauma and tragedy connects to it. We touched on 9/11 which plays a role throughout the film. We talked about the emptiness that personifies a lot of pop music, and the toll that takes on Celeste throughout her life. Emma talked about the “character” that a pop star has to play in public and the absence of a private self. Later we discussed the lack of a message in the movie and why this is actually a good thing. We focused on the need for many audience members to be told exactly what to think when watching a film. We touched on the phenomenon of mass shootings which often times lacks a message or meaning. Emma and I also discussed the idea that this film takes place in an alternate reality where Celeste and the school shooting exists, thus altering the course of music history. We ended by breaking down the final reveal of the film.
My sister Emma Redmond is my guest this week. We started off the first hour by discussing the rise of involuntary celibates, commonly known as incels. We talked about their belief system and world view, as well as their insular community online. Emma and I addressed incels intense misogyny and vilification of the “Stacys” and “Beckys” of the world. Later we touched on Jordan Peterson and our theory that he is an incel that made it out of the community. We also talked about the disturbing trend of suicide within the incel community. Emma and I also explored the idea that incels are a modern day death cult.
In the second hour Emma and I covered a wide variety of topics and current news stories. We started off with the latest developments within the #MeToo movement. Emma gave her own perspective on the movement and the attention placed on Hollywood. We briefly touched on Sean Penn’s recent comments on #MeToo and his history of domestic violence against Madonna. Later we talked about Colin Kaepernick’s new deal with the Nike and the outrage it has caused. We talked about Nike’s abhorrent human rights record and use of sweat shops. We ended the show by discussing the murder of Botham Jean in his home by Dallas police officer Amber Guyger.
On today’s show my sister Emma joins me for a raucous review of Star Wars The Last Jedi. We kick off the show by discussing our general take of the film, mainly focusing on how much we didn’t like it. We then expand on this in our “trashing section” discussing all our major grievances. Emma and I touch on the force abilities of young slave boys, Luke’s strange “milking scene”, the existence of god, and the age old question: can you drop a bomb in zero gravity? We also talk about some of the hits and misses that director Rian Johnson introduced into the Star Wars universe.
In the second hour Emma and I discuss whether we are pro or anti-porg. We also touch on the idiotic belief that the porg storyline is some sort of vegetarian propaganda. Later Emma and I discuss the racist and misogynistic tendencies of some in the Star Wars community. We talk about why this is a pervasive problem with in the nerd fandom. Emma and I also talk about the backlash over new characters like Rose and Holdo, and how this is an overblown story that follow the typical liberal Hollywood narrative. I also talk about Fin as a classic black actor Hollywood troupe. We round out the Star Wars discussion by talking about the problems of commodifying the series under Disney. Emma and I touch on how Disney will most likely turn Star Wars into the next Fast and Furious series, and how this is the real reason people are upset with the film. We finish off by talking about our new favorite TV series Riverdale, and offer some predictions for 2018.
My sister Emma Redmond joins me today to discuss one of our favorite televisions shows, Orphan Black. We begin by giving an overview of the series which deals with a shadowy transhumanist organization called Neolution which is conducting large scale human cloning. We then move onto the basics: our favorite clones, our thoughts on the final season, and some of the overarching themes presented in the show. Emma and I then discuss Orphan Black as a feminist masterpiece. We talk about how the show deals with feminism in way that no other TV show has ever attempted before. We discuss how issues such as a woman’s right to choose, medical rights, and basic human freedoms are handled in a beautifully subtle way. Emma compares this to hit shows such as The Handmaidens Tale. We then move onto the subject of transhumanism which is at the core of much of the show. We explore how Orphan Black deals with the dangers of this topic while still upholding the necessity of science. Emma and I touch on the fact that Orphan Black has never strayed away from the connection between transhumanism and eugenics, unlike most other entertainment dealing with this subject matter. We also touch on themes such as designer baby companies and eradication of diseases through sterilization and abortion.
In the second hour we explore several of the archetypal transhumanist characters. We look at PT Westmoreland, an aging cult leader, who manipulates the women around him into helping him attain godhood. We discuss his charismatic nature and how he represents the most pure evil of the movement. Emma and I also discuss the characters of Susan Duncan and Virginia Coady who represent the benevolent and unquestioning elements within the Neolution movement. We then move onto the clone Rachel and explore how she is in many ways the end result of this agenda. We discuss how Rachel’s upbringing as a corporate clone has damaged her immensely. We explore how Rachel continues to strive to be free in a world where she is viewed as nothing more than patented property, and her long journey to finding her humanity. We also explore the idea of nature vs. nurture which is continually referenced through out the whole series. Emma and I round out the conversation by discussing our favorite moments, relationships, and characters in the series. We also ask the big question on everyone’s mind: Does Donnie have a Prince Albert?
Today I am joined by my sister Emma to discuss and dissect season 20 of South Park. We begin by explaining what transpired this season: Mr. Garrison becoming President, Cartman falling love, gender wars, and the dangers of internet trolling. We begin by talking about the “Member Berries” and their devious plot to use the power of nostalgia to elect the Trump like Mr. Garrison. Emma and I discuss the power that nostalgia can have on ones psyche, and how we are constantly manipulated into following certain trends because of it. We then move onto the the issue of trolling which features prominently through out this whole season. We talk about Gerald’s trolling and explore the idea over whether it is in fact ok or funny to troll. Next we talk about the the gender wars that ensue through out South Park and the world at large. We talk about Butters transformation as a men’s rights activist and how this is mirroring society at large. Emma and I also touch on how Butters is schooled in all of this with the help of Bill Clinton.
In the second hour we break down South Park’s portrayal of Trump as Mr. Garrison. We talk about why Matt Stone and Trey Parker decided to use Garrison as a stand in for the president-elect, and if it worked as a statement and as a comic device. We round out the episode by discussing the genius of South Park as a show. We talk about how the series, and this season in particular, manages to show that the true enemy among us is society and ourselves. Emma and I also have a candid discussion on the dangers of horse porn.
I know it has been awhile since the last PPR Political Cartoon but we are back! If you enjoy the PPR Political Cartoon please check out Porkins Policy Review contributor Emma Redmond’s art at Red House.
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