JRE #668 – Jon Ronson

7/6/2015

“`html

Joe Rogan Podcast #668 – Jon Ronson: Topics & Summary

This podcast episode features writer and documentary filmmaker Jon Ronson, known for his work on “The Men Who Stare at Goats”. The conversation delves into his latest book, “So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed”, and explores various provocative and controversial topics. It offers insights into the nature of conspiracy theories, the psychology behind public shaming, and the allure of power and control within exclusive groups. Underlying themes emphasize the dangers of blind belief, the need for critical thinking, and the fragility of human behavior in the face of social pressure.

Major Topics and Summaries:

1. Infiltrating Bohemian Grove:
   • Ronson’s personal experience infiltrating the Bohemian Grove, an exclusive men-only club, with Alex Jones.
   • The purported rituals and symbolism of the group, including the burning of a “dull care” effigy in front of a giant stone owl.
   • The controversy surrounding the group’s alleged Satanic practices and their potential connection to global power structures.
   • Ronson’s view that Bohemian Grove is a bizarre and overblown pageant rather than a secret society engaged in sinister activities.
2. The Rise of Public Shaming and Social Media:
   • Ronson’s analysis of the phenomenon of public shaming on social media, exploring its impact on individuals and the psychology behind it.
   • The blurring of lines between serious transgressions and minor missteps, leading to disproportionate punishment and online mob mentality.
   • The potential connection between public shaming and the rituals observed in groups like Bohemian Grove, suggesting a common underlying theme of self-justification for harmful behavior.
   • Ronson’s view that public shaming can be a destructive force, eroding compassion and leading to an increasingly fearful and conformist society.
3. The Allure of Power and Exclusive Groups:
   • The discussion about Skull and Bones, a secret society at Yale University, and its potential connection to the desire for power and control within elite circles.
   • The role of rituals and ancient ceremonies in reinforcing a sense of belonging and superiority within these groups.
   • The potential for these rituals to foster a sense of entitlement and justify harmful actions towards others.
   • Ronson’s exploration of the psychological impact of these rituals and their potential to create a distorted view of reality and morality.
4. The Dangers of Conspiracy Theories:
   • The conversation about Alex Jones, his controversial views, and his tendency to jump to conclusions and embrace confirmation bias.
   • The exploration of the use of agent provocateurs by government agencies, a topic Jones has covered extensively, often viewed as a conspiracy theory but supported by evidence.
   • Ronson’s perspective on the role of conspiracy theories in shaping public opinion and potentially influencing political agendas.
   • The importance of critical thinking and evidence-based analysis in distinguishing between legitimate concerns and unfounded speculation.
5. The Case of Justine Sacco:
   • Ronson’s detailed account of the Justine Sacco incident, where a seemingly harmless joke on Twitter led to widespread online shaming and professional repercussions.
   • The disproportionate punishment Sacco received for a relatively minor transgression, highlighting the dangers of online mob mentality and lack of context.
   • The role of Twitter in facilitating public shaming and amplifying negative reactions, creating a culture of instant judgment and swift condemnation.
   • Ronson’s call for a more nuanced understanding of human behavior and a willingness to acknowledge the complexities of individual actions.
6. The Oklahoma City Bombing and Conspiracy Theories:
   • Ronson’s exploration of the Oklahoma City Bombing, a significant event that has spawned numerous conspiracy theories, including the possibility of government involvement.
   • The focus on the alleged efficacy of the fertilizer bomb used in the attack and the potential for additional, undisclosed explosives.
   • The discussion of the official narrative, blaming the attack on Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, and the conflicting evidence suggesting a more complex scenario.
   • Ronson’s acknowledgment of the heinousness of the act while emphasizing the need for thorough investigation and unbiased analysis to uncover the truth.
7. The Bilderberg Group and Global Power:
   • Ronson’s personal account of his attempt to infiltrate the Bilderberg Group, an annual gathering of influential figures from business, government, and media.
   • The purported influence of the Bilderberg Group on global decision-making and the secrecy surrounding their meetings.
   • The debate about the group’s true intentions and the potential for them to wield undue power, influencing global agendas.
   • Ronson’s view that the Bilderberg Group represents a network of powerful individuals who seek to shape the world according to their own interests.
8. The Psychology of Extremism:
   • Ronson’s insights into the psychology of extremists, exploring the motivations and appeal of joining extremist groups.
   • The role of social pressure, conformity, and mutual approval in creating a sense of belonging and reinforcing extremist ideologies.
   • The potential for extremist groups to exploit and manipulate individuals who are vulnerable or seeking a sense of identity.
   • Ronson’s emphasis on the need for empathy and understanding when dealing with extremism, rather than resorting to condemnation and ostracism.
9. The Dark Side of Remote Viewing:
   • Ronson’s exploration of the US military’s involvement in remote viewing, a controversial practice that attempts to access information through psychic means.
   • The dubious claims made by proponents of remote viewing, often lacking scientific validation and relying on anecdotal evidence.
   • The potential ethical concerns surrounding remote viewing and its connection to MK Ultra, the CIA’s controversial mind control program.
   • Ronson’s view that remote viewing is a flawed and often misleading practice, potentially fueled by self-delusion and misinterpretation.
10. The Importance of Curiosity and Compassion:
    • Ronson’s overarching message about the need for curiosity and compassion in understanding human behavior, particularly in the face of transgressions.
    • The dangers of labeling and judgment, which can create a culture of fear and division.
    • The importance of asking “why” and seeking to understand the underlying motivations behind individual actions.
    • Ronson’s belief that a more compassionate and curious approach to human interaction can lead to a more tolerant and understanding society.

Memorable Quotes:

• “I kinda sometimes feel a little bit like Alex Jones’ Simon Cowell.”
• “He’s gonna get any closer. That’s it. Don’t get any closer. That was Alex’s plan. I don’t think he thinks that far ahead.”
• “I am the only sane person, and this entire fucking redwood forest. Rick, the lawyer. I’m Rick. Me, Rick. We’re the only same people.”
• “I think we can decide who to listen to. Yeah. Like, with Justine Sacco, the problem was that the bullies 1. Like, everyone was too scared to defend Justine.”
• “I think there really are psychopaths out there. There are some people who Yeah. That’s I think a lot of people The the one thing I don’t like about the sort of psychopaths button world is that they’re they’re not interested to a large extent in what to earn somebody that way because they’re just really interested in the idea that there’s there’s just another species out there.”

“`