JRE #416 – Ana Kasparian

This episode of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast features Ana Kasparian, co-host of “The Young Turks” and a journalism instructor at Cal State Northridge. They delve into the dynamic world of new media, exploring its impact on traditional media, political discourse, and even individual perspectives on issues like sexuality and societal norms.

Major Topics

• The Rise of New Media

  • Ana Kasparian’s shift from establishment media (CBS Radio) to new media (The Young Turks) and the reasons behind it.
  • The Young Turks’ success in capturing an audience disengaged with traditional media.
  • The power of online platforms (YouTube) for uncensored and raw commentary.
  • The free market and audience feedback shaping the new media landscape.

• The Upskirt Photography Case: A First Amendment Debate

  • A case in Massachusetts involving a man taking upskirt pictures and the defense arguing for his First Amendment rights.
  • Ana’s outrage at the defense’s argument, highlighting the absurdity of claiming no reasonable expectation of privacy in public spaces.
  • The division in audience opinion on the case, revealing the complexities of navigating legal arguments and personal values.
  • The impact of online trolls on discussions of sensitive issues and how to handle negative feedback.

• The Legalization of Prostitution and its Implications

  • Ana Kasparian’s evolving stance on prostitution, moving from opposition to advocating for legalization and regulation.
  • The hypocrisy surrounding the porn industry being legal while consensual sex work is not.
  • The societal pressure and double standards faced by women who openly enjoy sex.
  • The potential for legalization to create safer environments and address issues like STD’s and trafficking.

• The Influence of Porn on Society and Female Aesthetics

  • The impact of porn on the brain and its potential to desensitize viewers to certain sexual content.
  • The erosion of the “bush” and the widespread adoption of hairless genitalia, driven by pornographic aesthetics.
  • The pressure on women to conform to these unrealistic standards, leading to harmful practices like bleaching and waxing.
  • The cultural disconnect between the vast porn industry and the lack of political support for its financial well-being.

• Money in Politics and the Need for Reform

  • The role of corporate influence in shaping political decisions and the lack of accountability for big banks.
  • The Citizens United Supreme Court ruling and its impact on campaign donations.
  • Ana Kasparian’s advocacy for a constitutional amendment to remove money from politics.
  • The growing awareness of wealth inequality and the need for political activism to address these issues.

• The Future of Democracy and Societal Collapse

  • The potential for societal collapse due to systemic issues like wealth inequality and lack of political engagement.
  • The role of new media in exposing these issues and its potential to empower citizens.
  • The impact of declining public services and the rise of crime in cities like Camden, New Jersey, as a result of budget cuts.
  • The need to confront the complexities of political and economic challenges instead of resorting to distractions.

• The Impact of Materialism on Society

  • The constant drive for technological innovation and its connection to consumerism and materialism.
  • The pressure to acquire the latest gadgets and designer goods as a status symbol.
  • The detrimental effects of this materialism on self-worth and career choices.
  • Ana Kasparian’s personal struggle with materialism and her desire for a more values-driven society.

• Ana’s Guilty Pleasure: Handcrafted Pool Cues

  • Ana’s passion for pool and the art of handcrafted pool cues.
  • The intricate details and high value of these cues, highlighting the intersection of functional art and craftsmanship.
  • The moral dilemma associated with using ivory inlays, reflecting the ethical considerations of using materials from endangered species.
  • Ana’s appreciation for the passion and dedication of artisans who create these unique objects.

• The Role of Online Anonymity in Bullying and Injustice

  • The Steubenville rape case and the widespread online bullying of the victim, showcasing the dark side of anonymity.
  • The importance of holding perpetrators accountable and preventing future injustices.
  • Ana’s frustration with the lack of empathy and the tendency to blame victims, highlighting the need for societal change.
  • The potential for online communities to be a force for good, rallying around victims and demanding justice.

• The Importance of Honest Journalism and the Case of Michael Hastings

  • The tragic death of investigative journalist Michael Hastings and the lingering questions surrounding the circumstances.
  • Ana Kasparian’s personal connection to Hastings and her investigation into his car accident.
  • The chilling impact of government surveillance on journalism and the potential for intimidation.
  • The need for fearless journalists like Hastings and Glenn Greenwald to expose government wrongdoing.

• The Erosion of Privacy in the Digital Age

  • The Edward Snowden revelations and the implications of mass surveillance by the NSA.
  • The growing acceptance of the loss of privacy in a digital world, fueled by social media and data collection.
  • The potential for government abuse of this information to intimidate individuals and suppress political dissent.
  • The need for thoughtful conversations about the future of privacy in an increasingly interconnected world.

• The Challenges of Raising Children in a Digital World

  • The importance of discussing social media with children and educating them about online privacy.
  • The prevalence of oversharing by parents and the consequences for their children’s future.
  • The risks of sharing inappropriate content online and the potential for it to resurface later.
  • Ana Kasparian’s personal approach to parenting and the need to navigate a world of digital footprints.

• The Debate Over Blackface and Cultural Sensitivity

  • The controversy surrounding blackface, its history of racism, and the need for sensitivity.
  • The case of a teacher in Toronto fired for dressing as Mister T for Halloween.
  • Ana Kasparian’s evolving perspective on the issue, recognizing the historical context and potential for offense.
  • The importance of considering the impact of cultural appropriation and the need for empathy in a diverse world.

• The Role of Women in New Media

  • Ana Kasparian’s experiences with sexism and objectification in the media, highlighting the challenges women face.
  • The double standards faced by women with strong opinions and the unique pressures they face as public figures.
  • The importance of challenging misogynistic comments and refusing to be silenced.
  • The need for a more inclusive and respectful environment for women in the media.

• Dating in the Public Eye and the Mediocre Guy Theory

  • Ana Kasparian’s personal experiences with dating and the challenges of being a public figure.
  • Her “mediocre guy theory” and its controversial implications, sparking a discussion about attraction and relationships.
  • The role of social media in shaping perceptions and potentially influencing dating dynamics.
  • The importance of finding a partner who values intellectual and emotional connection over superficial appearances.

• The Future of Relationships and the Rise of Sex Robots

  • The emergence of lifelike sex robots and their potential to change the landscape of relationships.
  • Ana Kasparian’s perspective on the potential impact of these robots on intimacy and emotional connection.
  • The societal implications of these advancements, raising questions about human interaction and the nature of relationships.
  • The enduring need for genuine human connection and the potential for these robots to be both exciting and concerning.

• The War on Drugs and its Disastrous Consequences

  • The failure of the war on drugs, particularly marijuana, and its impact on incarceration rates and societal harm.
  • The hypocrisy of criminalizing marijuana while other drugs are legal, highlighting the political and economic motivations behind these laws.
  • The Schaeffer Report and the Nixon administration’s suppression of evidence regarding marijuana’s effects.
  • The need for comprehensive drug policy reform, including legalization and regulation, to address societal issues.

• Immigration Reform and the Need for a Just System

  • The challenges facing undocumented immigrants and the shortcomings of current immigration policies.
  • The impact of incarceration on undocumented immigrants and the need for humane solutions.
  • Ana Kasparian’s advocacy for the Dream Act and comprehensive immigration reform.
  • The importance of acknowledging America’s history as a nation of immigrants and creating a just system for all.

• The Role of New Media in Political Activism

  • The potential for new media to ignite social movements and demand change.
  • The rise of online activism and its impact on political discourse.
  • Ana Kasparian’s optimism for the future, despite the challenges facing democracy.
  • The importance of political engagement and the need for a more informed and empowered citizenry.

• The Importance of Critical Thinking and Media Literacy

  • Ana Kasparian’s experience teaching journalism and her efforts to foster critical thinking in her students.
  • The need to question traditional media narratives and challenge misinformation.
  • The importance of developing media literacy skills in a world saturated with information.
  • The hope for a new generation of journalists who are both informed and engaged.

• The Importance of Honest and Principled Leadership

  • The role of honest and principled politicians in navigating a corrupt system.
  • Ana Kasparian’s admiration for figures like Elizabeth Warren and her stance on corruption.
  • The need for politicians who are accountable to the people, not special interests.
  • The potential for a new wave of ethical leadership to emerge from the current political landscape.

Memorable Quotes

• “When I first started working at TYT, it was this unknown show. It had been around for a few years, but it was a really big risk for me to work there because I was working at CBS Radio at the time. And CBS Radio had like a very clear path for me. You start off as an assistant producer, you work your way up, and if you’re good enough and persistent enough, you’ll be an anchor and you’ll be fine. You know, you’ll be set for life. With TYT, it was just this huge risk because it was unknown. I didn’t know if it would survive.” – Ana Kasparian describes the risk she took in joining The Young Turks, a new media platform that was still establishing its presence.
• “With traditional media, you have that issue, and I think people are now more and more aware of it. And with online media, it’s on demand. Okay? It’s raw. We cuss, we say whatever the hell we want without worrying about censorship. And people like that, it’s there’s something really refreshing about it.” – Ana highlights the key differences between traditional media and new media, emphasizing the latter’s uncensored and accessible nature.
• “If someone is funding you, whether it’s the media or whether you’re a politician, you’re not gonna go against them. You’re always gonna bail them out.” – Ana pinpoints the issue of money in politics, emphasizing the inherent conflict of interest when individuals are financially reliant on corporations or special interests.
• “The top 10% in this country owns 75% of the wealth. That is bananas.” – Ana expresses her astonishment at the extreme wealth inequality in the United States, highlighting the disparity between the richest and the rest of society.
• “I think that we’re moving closer and closer to some strange point in the future where the idea of privacy is a thing of the past. It’s nonexistent.” – Ana expresses her concern about the erosion of privacy in the digital age, reflecting on the implications of mass surveillance and data collection.