Anything completely novel will not be able to get traction. Innovators need to build on some pre-existing set of behaviors or expectations. Even the most extreme novelties have to gain their initial footing on earlier technology, earlier culture, earlier ideas.
A bit of a surprise to see Rene Gerard, make his appearance amidst all these Internet phenomena. It seems like his ideas are in the air these days. I have a volume of his “essential writing” but haven’t touched it yet.
Very good essay. I think one of the biggest mistakes I made early in life was trying to start from scratch instead of figuring out a way to make existing, successful patterns my own.
I wonder what you make of people like Sam Harris or Chris Williamson. Both seem to traffick on nuance and somewhat centrist modes. (Chris has commented on the fact that he’s gotten it from both sides, definitely illustrating your point about audience.)
I find this in my own journalism - not really aligning with either dissident or lefty as you put it means someone new is mad depending on what or who I’m writing about. It’s occurred to me that while my publication has been somewhat successful (I was recently able to quit my job and work on it full time) I’d probably have three times the subs if I picked a side so to speak.
Great article Katherine - I appreciate your ability to provide historical context and lineage to something that most people are unaware of. Or, even if aware of, may not make the connection to contemporary figures. I think the 'physics' of the internet (scale, speed, atemporality) probably contribute to this lack of ability to draw links between related phenomena, people, trends etc.
One thing that I'm curious about is your perception of the "take market," particularly individuals who attempt (and fail) to exist as 'centrist'. You state that "the few centrists who succeed are ultimately not veering too far from left-wing or right-wing camps—it is implicit which side they “truly” belong to." This is an interesting point. Though, I wonder whether what someone perceives the centrist's "true" viewpoint to be reflects more of their own beliefs than the centrists'.
I wanted to avoid naming anyone in particular, but I think Jreg is too apt an example not to discuss. I only discovered his work within the last year, but from what I can see his fanbase is an interesting mix of people who seemingly can't even agree upon whether he's "actually" right/left wing. In some interviews I've watched, he openly describes his persona as one crafted to make his intentions/beliefs unclear, thereby bringing together both political 'sides' together in one room. I think trying to understand what he's getting at is part of the game, for both right and left wing viewers.
Obviously, this is only one person and I'm sure my take on Jreg will have some detractors. But this is all to ask whether you foresee any conditions in which this sort of 'radical centrism' is able to thrive online, at a larger scale? Is the ability to "not veer too far left or right", yet still memetically transmit 'left-lite' or 'right-lite' viewpoints an effective way of slowly bringing the two tribes back in contact? And what historical figures/trends (internet-based or otherwise) could this draw upon? In a culture of extreme left/right polarity, could situating yourself as outside or above both sides be a novel form of extremity that people would be drawn to, if only to escape the other poles that they have been unable to escape?
Jreg is left-wing *coded.* I think something interesting here too is your stated (or actual) beliefs seem to not matter much. It's about aesthetics, presentation, and associations.
Agreed. Jreg is left coded because of open minded the intellectual stichk. Anything more right wing would be less curious and more assertive. The medium/ aesthetic informs the political slant more than the route content of the message. Also the veil has lifted a bit, and his new rag is “finding community” ; from a right perspective that is “anti individualism”
I wouldn't say that one's underlying beliefs would be completely irrelevant in this framework, per se. After all, they would be the starting point from which minor deviations are presented in more palatable form to both sides of the pole.
Aesthetics/presentation/associations would just be the vehicle for delivering ideas that encourage debate/discussion that narrows the gap. But the ultimate goal would still be to arrive at conclusion(s) that, whatever they may be, at least move people away from the pre-determined stance of never cooperating with each other.
This was a great article with a lot of memorable lines.
but… but… has Katherine Dee gone too far? 😂
I got the Garden State movie dvd for Christmas one year. Terrible movie, although I like Natalie Portman. I think she’s a good actress that has been in a lot of bad movies. Kind of weird how that worked out.
Andrew Tate is a good argument for the one-drop rule and against racial equality for blacks. Nothing more, nothing less. I skimmed over the part about him because I hate even knowing who he is. I wish he hadn’t made an appearance in an otherwise very good article. Niggers spoil everything.
The original alchemical plates, the ones Jung drew from, show the first step as setting up nets to collect the morning dew. So I like how this article starts with an elemental water, weaving into the choices of an artist. Do you want to make art that is, insightful - revealing and interwoven with the history of the human condition.
Sacrificial - comes with a personal cost and burden.
Profitable - grows an audience, receives money and accolades.
Pick two.
Whatever your choices. Fun, funny or profitable. Creative, exploratory and profitable. Ect. The inescapable constraint of "content media" is that you are locked into always having to choose profit once your livelihood is plugged into cyberspace. As Oscar Wilde remakes there are two tragedies in life, not getting what you desire and getting it!
All things in time become boring. My father used to say, "Wait long enough and you can get anything for free." Lots of truth in that as I've found out but any sort of temperance is a value out of fashion in cyberspace - the commercial end and psyberspace - the place where the id runs wild. Like any fad, it's not "fixable" because it is samsara.
I think the best description of Andrew Tate that I’ve ever heard is that he’s “Physically and spiritually chinless.”
I like that, LOL.
Good essay.
Anything completely novel will not be able to get traction. Innovators need to build on some pre-existing set of behaviors or expectations. Even the most extreme novelties have to gain their initial footing on earlier technology, earlier culture, earlier ideas.
A bit of a surprise to see Rene Gerard, make his appearance amidst all these Internet phenomena. It seems like his ideas are in the air these days. I have a volume of his “essential writing” but haven’t touched it yet.
Damn woman, this is really good.
Thank you!
And all crypto is downstream of WoW Gold and counter strike skins.
Interesting...
Brilliant !
I have to read it again.
McLuhan, Postman , Dee !!
Thank you.
I was Introduced to your writing through Bridget Phetasy !
Very good essay. I think one of the biggest mistakes I made early in life was trying to start from scratch instead of figuring out a way to make existing, successful patterns my own.
I wonder what you make of people like Sam Harris or Chris Williamson. Both seem to traffick on nuance and somewhat centrist modes. (Chris has commented on the fact that he’s gotten it from both sides, definitely illustrating your point about audience.)
I find this in my own journalism - not really aligning with either dissident or lefty as you put it means someone new is mad depending on what or who I’m writing about. It’s occurred to me that while my publication has been somewhat successful (I was recently able to quit my job and work on it full time) I’d probably have three times the subs if I picked a side so to speak.
Thanks for shedding light on this through text so we don’t have to experience any of these phenomena first hand. Well written
Great article Katherine - I appreciate your ability to provide historical context and lineage to something that most people are unaware of. Or, even if aware of, may not make the connection to contemporary figures. I think the 'physics' of the internet (scale, speed, atemporality) probably contribute to this lack of ability to draw links between related phenomena, people, trends etc.
One thing that I'm curious about is your perception of the "take market," particularly individuals who attempt (and fail) to exist as 'centrist'. You state that "the few centrists who succeed are ultimately not veering too far from left-wing or right-wing camps—it is implicit which side they “truly” belong to." This is an interesting point. Though, I wonder whether what someone perceives the centrist's "true" viewpoint to be reflects more of their own beliefs than the centrists'.
I wanted to avoid naming anyone in particular, but I think Jreg is too apt an example not to discuss. I only discovered his work within the last year, but from what I can see his fanbase is an interesting mix of people who seemingly can't even agree upon whether he's "actually" right/left wing. In some interviews I've watched, he openly describes his persona as one crafted to make his intentions/beliefs unclear, thereby bringing together both political 'sides' together in one room. I think trying to understand what he's getting at is part of the game, for both right and left wing viewers.
Obviously, this is only one person and I'm sure my take on Jreg will have some detractors. But this is all to ask whether you foresee any conditions in which this sort of 'radical centrism' is able to thrive online, at a larger scale? Is the ability to "not veer too far left or right", yet still memetically transmit 'left-lite' or 'right-lite' viewpoints an effective way of slowly bringing the two tribes back in contact? And what historical figures/trends (internet-based or otherwise) could this draw upon? In a culture of extreme left/right polarity, could situating yourself as outside or above both sides be a novel form of extremity that people would be drawn to, if only to escape the other poles that they have been unable to escape?
Thanks for the article
Jreg is left-wing *coded.* I think something interesting here too is your stated (or actual) beliefs seem to not matter much. It's about aesthetics, presentation, and associations.
Agreed. Jreg is left coded because of open minded the intellectual stichk. Anything more right wing would be less curious and more assertive. The medium/ aesthetic informs the political slant more than the route content of the message. Also the veil has lifted a bit, and his new rag is “finding community” ; from a right perspective that is “anti individualism”
Sam Hyde is also post ironic, but despite the muddiness of his messaging, he is decidedly right. Why? Because it’s assertive and obnoxious.
I wouldn't say that one's underlying beliefs would be completely irrelevant in this framework, per se. After all, they would be the starting point from which minor deviations are presented in more palatable form to both sides of the pole.
Aesthetics/presentation/associations would just be the vehicle for delivering ideas that encourage debate/discussion that narrows the gap. But the ultimate goal would still be to arrive at conclusion(s) that, whatever they may be, at least move people away from the pre-determined stance of never cooperating with each other.
This was a great article with a lot of memorable lines.
but… but… has Katherine Dee gone too far? 😂
I got the Garden State movie dvd for Christmas one year. Terrible movie, although I like Natalie Portman. I think she’s a good actress that has been in a lot of bad movies. Kind of weird how that worked out.
Andrew Tate is a good argument for the one-drop rule and against racial equality for blacks. Nothing more, nothing less. I skimmed over the part about him because I hate even knowing who he is. I wish he hadn’t made an appearance in an otherwise very good article. Niggers spoil everything.
My heroes today are not all in comedy.
Liz Wolfe, Carol Roth.....
I've learned so much from the conduit : Mrs. Phetasy, who I am so inspired from, as well.
But your writing is a successor to the Great Neil Postman !
Am still all wrapped up in the noggin with your insights.
I studied Communications at Concordia in Montreal, well I failed, but I read a lot and was engaged just discombobulated...lol
I really appreciate the ability to synthesize thoughts that you exemplify.
Am a Stand-up comic with ambitions but am too smart and stupid all at the same time.
Take care.
The original alchemical plates, the ones Jung drew from, show the first step as setting up nets to collect the morning dew. So I like how this article starts with an elemental water, weaving into the choices of an artist. Do you want to make art that is, insightful - revealing and interwoven with the history of the human condition.
Sacrificial - comes with a personal cost and burden.
Profitable - grows an audience, receives money and accolades.
Pick two.
Whatever your choices. Fun, funny or profitable. Creative, exploratory and profitable. Ect. The inescapable constraint of "content media" is that you are locked into always having to choose profit once your livelihood is plugged into cyberspace. As Oscar Wilde remakes there are two tragedies in life, not getting what you desire and getting it!
All things in time become boring. My father used to say, "Wait long enough and you can get anything for free." Lots of truth in that as I've found out but any sort of temperance is a value out of fashion in cyberspace - the commercial end and psyberspace - the place where the id runs wild. Like any fad, it's not "fixable" because it is samsara.