10/3/2017
#1018 – Alonzo Bodden
This podcast features comedian Alonzo Bodden discussing the Las Vegas shooting tragedy, gun control, mental health, and the importance of telling the truth about sensitive topics. Bodden’s insightful commentary offers a unique perspective on these issues, prompting reflection and challenging listeners to think critically about their own beliefs and perspectives.
Las Vegas Shooting Tragedy
1. The podcast opens with a somber discussion about the Las Vegas shooting, emphasizing the sheer scale of the tragedy and the disturbing nature of the act.
2. Bodden acknowledges the gun control debate but emphasizes that the shooter used illegal weapons, prompting a discussion about the accessibility of guns in the United States.
3. He highlights the randomness and lack of motive surrounding the shooting, making it even more terrifying and underscoring the importance of understanding mental health.
4. The conversation delves into the lack of mental health resources and the tendency to dismiss mental health issues, posing a crucial question about how to address this critical problem.
Gun Control and the Second Amendment
1. Bodden discusses the complexities of the gun control debate, acknowledging the perspectives of gun owners who seek safety and those who advocate for stricter regulations.
2. He proposes a common-sense approach to gun ownership, suggesting registration, education, and liability insurance as measures to mitigate risks associated with gun violence.
3. He emphasizes the need for responsible gun ownership, highlighting the dangers of unsecured firearms, particularly when children are present, and the potential for tragic accidents.
4. Bodden highlights the political climate and the influence of the NRA, showcasing the challenges faced in enacting meaningful gun control legislation.
Mental Health and Societal Issues
1. The conversation emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health as a significant factor contributing to violence, even in cases where guns are not involved.
2. Bodden explores the potential genetic and psychological factors that might contribute to an individual’s predisposition towards violence, prompting reflection on the complexities of human behavior.
3. The podcast explores the widespread societal neglect of mental health, highlighting the lack of accessible resources and the stigma surrounding seeking help.
4. Bodden touches on the role of psychoactive medications in contributing to violent acts, sparking a conversation about the potential dangers of medication misuse and the need for responsible medical care.
The Role of Media and Public Discourse
1. The podcast discusses the impact of media sensationalism and the tendency for narratives to be driven by emotional responses rather than factual analysis.
2. Bodden emphasizes the importance of telling the truth about sensitive topics, challenging individuals to move beyond partisan divides and engage in constructive dialogue.
3. He criticizes the use of generalizations and stereotypes, urging listeners to recognize the complexity of individuals and groups and avoid sweeping judgments.
4. The conversation explores the impact of social media in fueling polarization and promoting outrage, highlighting the need for responsible digital citizenship.
The NFL and the National Anthem
1. The podcast dives into the controversy surrounding the NFL and the national anthem protests, exploring the motivations behind the protests and the backlash they have generated.
2. Bodden critiques the use of the national anthem as a tool for political control, highlighting the disconnect between the intended message of unity and the reality of polarized opinions.
3. He argues that the protests have become ineffective, having shifted the focus from the underlying issues to the act of kneeling itself, resulting in unproductive and divisive conversations.
4. Bodden emphasizes the need for athletes to be free to express their opinions without fear of reprisal, recognizing their right to engage in peaceful dissent.
Other Interesting Topics
1. The conversation touches upon the cultural significance of the Las Vegas shooting, exploring how the city’s identity as a haven for entertainment and indulgence is now intertwined with tragedy.
2. Bodden shares personal anecdotes about his experiences with drugs, addiction, and the importance of seeking help, highlighting the devastating effects of substance abuse.
3. The podcast discusses the potential dangers of hormone replacement therapy, urging listeners to seek qualified medical advice and avoid shortcuts or sensationalized representations.
4. Bodden shares his love for jazz music, discussing the artistry and skill of musicians, and reflecting on the appeal of musical mastery.
5. The podcast delves into the intriguing world of motorcycles, with Bodden sharing his passion for cruisers and discussing the cultural significance of these machines.
6. The conversation explores the challenges faced by athletes who have reached the pinnacle of their sport, highlighting the need for responsible career management and the dangers of lingering in the spotlight.
7. The podcast examines the role of technology in modern life, discussing the evolving nature of communication, the impact of social media, and the potential for both positive and negative consequences.
Memorable Quotes
“The worst thing about this to me is just the idea, like, you went to a fucking concert. Right. Like, that’s all you did. You went to a concert in Vegas and you’re never coming home. Your families destroyed, everything.” – Bodden emphasizes the senselessness and randomness of the Las Vegas shooting, highlighting the profound impact on the victims and their families.
“I think the solution is in between, and I think this is another one where we get, you know, this is a problem we have. And I can’t even say when it started, when you have the two sides and it’s either or. So it’s either, you know, no gun regulations or or far too many gun regulations. And I think the solution somewhere in between, in my opinion.” – Bodden advocates for a nuanced approach to gun control, suggesting that the solution lies in finding a balance between individual rights and public safety.
“It’s not the time to politicize it.” – Bodden counters the common refrain used to avoid discussing gun control after mass shootings, arguing that this is precisely the time to engage in a meaningful conversation about policy.
“We don’t take care of ourselves. We don’t take care of people. We don’t provide for the mental health, the mental health problem. You look downtown in any city in America… wandering the streets homeless. You got schizophrenics and and all kind of people. And, you know, God forbid, they got weapons.” – Bodden highlights the lack of adequate mental health resources and support systems in the United States, emphasizing the need for greater investment in this area.
“I’m gonna Canada next week, I’m doing a tour. And I had had this joke, like, can you explain it to a Canadian? Like, that should be the test for what’s seen.” – Bodden humorously uses the Canadian perspective as a benchmark for understanding common-sense policies, implying that certain American practices seem illogical or even absurd to outsiders.