JRE #612 – Billy Corben

This podcast features a lively conversation between Joe Rogan and documentary filmmaker Billy Corben. Corben, known for his impactful films like “Cocaine Cowboys” and “Broke,” shares his insights on Miami culture, the entertainment industry, and his latest project, “Dawg Fight.” The conversation touches on provocative topics, like the prevalence of drugs and violence in Miami, the absurdity of celebrity culture, and the need for greater accountability within law enforcement. Underlying themes explore the complexities of human nature, the influence of environment on behavior, and the ongoing struggle for social justice.

Major Topics:

1. Miami Culture:

   1. Corben’s love for Miami, contrasting it with his feelings of sadness in Los Angeles. He describes Miami as a city of endless opportunity, where people are always trying to reinvent themselves.
   2. The “melting pot” misconception of Miami. Corben argues that Miami is more akin to a TV dinner, with different cultures self-segregating and maintaining their unique identities.
   3. The history of drug trade and its impact on Miami’s economy and culture in the 1980s. Corben highlights the “trickle-down economics” effect of drug money and its influence on everyday life.
   4. The “browning of America” phenomenon, exemplified in Miami’s demographics and political landscape. Corben argues that Miami is a microcosm of the changes occurring in the US, with its challenges and opportunities.

2. Celebrity Culture and Validation:

   1. Corben’s criticism of the culture of auditioning in Hollywood, highlighting its toxicity in terms of creative expression. He feels it devalues artistic merit and fosters a sense of competition, rather than collaboration.
   2. The “self-worth meter” in Los Angeles, with many individuals seeking external validation through fame and attention. Corben believes this often stems from a lack of validation during childhood.
   3. The impact of reality television and figures like Kim Kardashian on the pursuit of fame, making it achievable without talent or hard work. This is seen as a devaluation of genuine artistry and a sign of cultural confusion.
   4. Corben’s frustration with the media’s focus on celebrity gossip and trivial matters over important issues, contributing to a culture of distraction and apathy.

3. Law Enforcement and Accountability:

   1. Corben’s exploration of the “policing for profit” phenomenon, where law enforcement focuses on revenue generation through arbitrary arrests and asset forfeiture, rather than upholding justice.
   2. The dangers of quota systems in law enforcement, leading to unnecessary arrests and the creation of crime where none existed before. Corben argues that quotas incentivize “contempt of cop” charges, often based on flimsy grounds.
   3. The prevalence of police brutality and the lack of accountability for officers involved. Corben believes the “us vs. them” mentality is a contributing factor, fueled by the culture of law enforcement.
   4. The “mental deficiency” argument in relation to police officers. Corben believes the stress of the job can lead to a “PTSD-like” mentality, where officers feel above the law and are less inclined towards de-escalation and empathy.

4. Social Justice and Racial Dynamics:

   1. The Trayvon Martin case as an example of how racial bias and perception can cloud judgment. Corben believes the focus on Martin’s race and appearance overshadowed the reality of the situation and contributed to the outrage surrounding the verdict.
   2. The use of “social justice warrior” as a derogatory term and the tendency for white people to “overcorrect” in attempts to be progressive, leading to unintentional prejudices. Corben finds this counterproductive and counterintuitive to achieving genuine equality.
   3. The “tanning of America” theory, positing that the influence of hip hop culture contributed to the election of the first black president. Corben explores the cultural shift and the impact of music and fashion on American society.
   4. The ongoing need for conversation and awareness around race, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the complexities of race relations and the need for true equality.

5. The Role of Environment and Nurture:

   1. Corben’s belief that while there are genetic predispositions, “shitty people” are more often products of “shitty parenting” and lack of love and attention. He argues that children are like “animals,” reacting to and imitating their environment.
   2. The impact of “affluenza” and the misconception that having money equates to proper upbringing. Corben believes that children from affluent backgrounds can still be neglected and deprived of genuine care and guidance, contributing to negative outcomes.
   3. The importance of “constant attention” and “nurturing” in a child’s development. Corben believes that children thrive with consistent parental involvement, mirroring the natural instinct to be close to caregivers.
   4. The argument that while some individuals may be pre-disposed to certain behaviors, the majority of “bad apples” are products of their environment. Corben stresses the role of choice and the power of positive influence in shaping a person’s trajectory.

6. The Entertainment Industry and Success:

   1. Corben’s experiences as a child actor in Los Angeles and his decision to retire at a young age. He views the “development” process in the entertainment industry as stifling and often counterproductive, especially when compared to the straightforward approach to documentary filmmaking.
   2. The misconception that people in the entertainment industry are wealthy and famous. Corben emphasizes that most professionals in his field are hard-working individuals with regular lives, not glamorous stars.
   3. The “upside-down” nature of success for professional athletes, who earn the most money during their peak years, often in their twenties, setting them up for financial challenges later in life.
   4. The importance of perspective and contentment in life. Corben advocates for finding happiness in the present moment, rather than chasing unattainable goals and ambition, arguing that there’s more to life than just accumulating wealth.

7. The Drug War and Social Acceptance:

   1. Corben’s personal experiences growing up in Miami during the 1980s and his decision not to experiment with drugs. He attributes this to his upbringing and his focus on education and career goals.
   2. The dangers of prohibition and its role in creating a black market for drugs, leading to dangerous adulteration and unpredictable effects. Corben believes that legalization would lead to greater safety and control.
   3. The ongoing debate surrounding marijuana legalization and the importance of challenging cultural biases against it. Corben argues that marijuana is a less harmful substance than alcohol, and its legalization could lead to economic benefits and the decriminalization of millions.
   4. The hypocrisy of drug laws, where alcohol and tobacco, both with known harmful effects, are legal, while marijuana, with less demonstrable harm, remains criminalized.

8. “Dawg Fight” – Corben’s Latest Project:

   1. The “Dawg Fight” documentary explores the underground bare-knuckle fighting scene in Miami, specifically in the West Perrine neighborhood. Corben delves into the social and economic context of this subculture, highlighting the desperation and lack of opportunity that fuels it.
   2. Corben’s fascination with the “Horatio Alger” story of Kimbo Slice, a fighter who rose from the backyard brawl scene to international fame and fortune. The documentary examines the aspirations and struggles of those who seek a similar path to success.
   3. The documentary uses footage from YouTube and other sources, showcasing the raw and often brutal nature of the fights. Corben emphasizes the dangers involved, especially when considering the lack of professional supervision and medical care.
   4. The “Dawg Fight” documentary is expected to be released online on March 12, 2015, and Corben is optimistic about its potential to reach a wide audience, potentially even securing a distribution deal with Showtime.

9. Rape Culture and False Accusations:

   1. The complex issue of rape and the difficulty in determining truth based solely on video footage. Corben highlights the challenges of investigating crimes that occur primarily in the minds of the victim and perpetrator.
   2. The “date rape” phenomenon and the blurry lines of consent, especially when alcohol and drugs are involved. Corben’s documentary, “Raw Deal,” explores the complexities of this situation, where a stripper claims she was raped at a fraternity party, but the evidence leads to a different narrative.
   3. The impact of social judgments on rape accusations, where people often take sides based on preconceived notions and stereotypes. Corben observes that men and women often have different perspectives on the “Raw Deal” case, highlighting the influence of societal biases.
   4. The issue of false rape accusations, while statistically rare, is a serious issue for men wrongly accused. Corben emphasizes the need for careful consideration and due process in such cases, while also acknowledging the importance of encouraging women to come forward and report real assaults.

10. Gun Culture and Mental Health:

    1. Corben’s belief that America’s gun culture is a complex issue, with the ease of access to firearms contributing to the prevalence of gun violence. He believes that better education and training are needed to address this.
    2. The need for a nuanced discussion about gun control, acknowledging the Second Amendment right to bear arms while advocating for responsible ownership and safety measures.
    3. Corben’s perspective on mass shootings, linking them to mental health issues and the use of psychoactive drugs, highlighting the need to address these underlying factors.
    4. The dangers of demonizing all gun owners and the importance of recognizing responsible individuals who utilize firearms for hunting and self-defense. Corben believes that a well-informed and responsible gun culture is possible, one that promotes safety and respect for the power of firearms.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Miami is the city of the future and always will be. You know, there’s just like endless opportunity there, but it never quite gets to that that level that that the famous saying is that, like, LA is where you go when you wanna be somebody, New York is where you go when you are somebody, and Miami’s where you go when you wanna be somebody else.” – Corben captures the essence of Miami’s energy and its appeal to those seeking a fresh start.
• “I think that anytime you get too many people in one place, you devalue those people. It’s like, I think that’s the case with everything. I mean, I think if you’re a guy, You have a million fucking girlfriends. They’re all waiting for you in a warehouse. You’re not gonna care if one of them dies. You know? You’re just not.” – Corben highlights the potential for apathy and indifference in overcrowded environments, offering a thought-provoking social commentary.
• “I’m gonna put it out there. I don’t talk about it that much, but I’m gonna put it out there because I think step 1 in the program is admitting that you have a problem. So I was a child actor — Oh, no. — in this in this town.” – Corben humorously reveals his past as a child actor, acknowledging the inherent challenges and potential pitfalls of the industry.
• “I just realized I was like, maybe I I need to take my own advice and, like, the the fact that we’re all so insignificant and so small, and this time is so fleeting, why not just have a good time while we’re here. We’re not actually gonna change anything for the better.” – Corben reflects on the ephemeral nature of life and the importance of finding joy in the present moment, amidst the complexities and challenges of the world.
• “I think you should probably have kids before you say that. I really do. I think you should probably have kids and raise them from the time they’re babies and see the developmental process because it’s a lot of you. What you’re doing right now is just speculation.” – Corben playfully challenges Rogan’s argument about the inherent nature of some individuals, suggesting that firsthand experience with raising children provides a different perspective.