JRE #599 – Shane Smith

1/13/2015

This podcast features a conversation between Joe Rogan and Shane Smith, a Canadian-American journalist and co-founder of VICE. They discuss a range of topics, including geopolitical issues, climate change, the nature of power, and the media landscape. The discussion dives into provocative and controversial topics, offering insights into the complexities of our world.

Here’s a breakdown of the main topics discussed in the podcast:

North Korea’s Propaganda and Kim Jong Un’s Regime

• Shane Smith’s experience filming in North Korea, where he exposed the government’s attempts to present a positive image while highlighting human rights violations.
• The kidnapping of a South Korean filmmaker and his wife by North Korean authorities, turning them into propaganda tools for the regime.
• The bizarre succession of Kim Jong Un due to his resemblance to his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, perpetuating a cult of personality.
• The comparison of North Korea’s regime to other historical totalitarian regimes, highlighting its anachronistic nature in the modern world.

Russia’s Resurgence and Putin’s Authoritarianism

• The re-emergence of Cold War rhetoric and the perception of America as a threat in Russia, fueled by resentment over the fall of the Soviet Union.
• Putin’s consolidation of power, control over the media, and suppression of dissent, creating a chilling atmosphere for businesses and individuals alike.
• The reactivation of Cold War-era military bases, indicating a renewed focus on military might and a potential threat to the West.
• The discussion of the possibility that Russia’s current actions are fueled by a desire to reclaim its lost status and potentially reignite conflict with the United States.

Climate Change and its Global Impact

• Shane Smith’s experience at the South Pole, where scientists revealed alarming rates of ice melt and the potential consequences for sea levels.
• The ironic fact that while the Arctic and Greenland are melting, Antarctica is experiencing ice gain, adding complexity to the climate change narrative.
• The potential for significant sea-level rise, re-mapping the world and displacing millions of people, leading to potential chaos and instability.
• The need for a more urgent and coordinated response to climate change, given the dire consequences and the potential for catastrophic societal disruptions.

The Rise of Terrorism and the Global Struggle Against it

• The discussion of the shared threat of terrorism faced by major world powers, including America, China, and Russia, despite ideological differences.
• The influence of Wahhabism, a form of Islamic fundamentalism, spread through Saudi Arabia’s funding of mosques and religious institutions.
• The rapid growth of ISIS and its ability to recruit thousands of foreign fighters, fueled by ideological beliefs and a sense of grievance against Western powers.
• The potential for escalating conflict and instability as a result of the spread of terrorism, highlighting the need for a more effective and cooperative international strategy.

Freedom of Speech and the Dangers of Censorship

• The controversy surrounding Charlie Hebdo and the murder of its staff for publishing satirical cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad.
• The debate about the limits of free speech and the potential for violence in response to offensive or provocative content.
• The dangers of censorship and the slippery slope of restricting expression, using the examples of Nazi Germany, Stalinist Russia, and Maoist China.
• The importance of upholding free speech as a fundamental human right, even in the face of potentially dangerous or offensive content, as a cornerstone of a free and democratic society.

The Nature of Power and the Dangers of Abuse

• The discussion of the human tendency to abuse power, regardless of background or ideology, referencing examples from history and contemporary politics.
• The cyclical nature of power and resistance, where individuals and institutions often seek to control and suppress dissent, leading to further conflict.
• The need for accountability and ethical leadership to prevent the abuse of power and ensure a more just and equitable society.
• The importance of recognizing the potential for abuse even in seemingly benign situations, such as tenured professors or those with significant financial resources.

The Role of Media and the Importance of Independent Voices

• Shane Smith’s experience building VICE Media and his commitment to challenging the status quo and presenting alternative narratives.
• The importance of independent media outlets in providing a diversity of perspectives and holding power to account.
• The dangers of corporate control over media and the potential for biased or censored information.
• The role of podcasts and social media in empowering individuals to share their perspectives and engage in meaningful dialogue.

The Pursuit of Meaning and the Importance of Connection

• The discussion of the search for meaning and purpose in life, particularly after achieving financial success and escaping material concerns.
• The importance of relationships, community, and shared experiences in creating a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
• The value of dialogue and open communication in fostering understanding and empathy between individuals and groups.
• The power of shared experiences, like podcasts, to connect people and inspire them to make a difference in the world.

Memorable Quotes:

• “The greatest thing that we have you and I is that we can talk about this shit and people actually listen to us because I believe that people all over America, North America, Europe are having the exact same discussions.” – Shane Smith reflects on the power of open dialogue and shared concerns.
• “If humanity as a whole says we ain’t gonna fucking do that anymore, it would stop tomorrow.” – Shane Smith expresses the potential for collective action to address global issues.
• “The problem is you have irrational actors like Pakistan has over a 100 war warheads, and they’re rapidly becoming an irrational actor because they’re losing control over their country to the Taliban, who, you know, who who are are whose agenda is clearly stated that they wanna fuck us up.” – Joe Rogan highlights the dangers of unchecked power and potential for irrational behavior.
• “I think that you have a point there for sure, but I also think one of the things that’s going on is there’s a bunch of people in this culture that have this bizarrely utopian version of what they would like us to be.” – Joe Rogan criticizes the tendency towards unrealistic expectations and idealized views of society.
• “The greatest thing about our lives is that we live a life where we can have a discussion, and it actually matters.” – Shane Smith emphasizes the significance of meaningful dialogue in a world saturated with information.