368: Who Do You Think You Are?

This week we bring you stories of privilege and the lengths some will go to to maintain it. In one story, a woman fights—on tape!—with her city’s parking enforcer about playing favorites. And in honor of the late Studs Terkel, we bring you a special collection of stories from his Hard Times radio series; the haves and the have-nots talk about life during The Great Depression.
Act One. Hard Times.

Studs Terkel, the Chicago reporter who recorded oral histories of ordinary Americans, died last week. We assembled a collection of his work from his Hard Times radio series, in which people talk about their experiences during the Depression—how everyone simultaneously became poor, regardless of their class.

You can listen to more of Studs Terkel’s work here. (32 minutes)

American director Edward A. Burger takes us on his unforgettable journey into the hidden lives of China’s forgotten Zen Buddhist hermit tradition. “Amongst White Clouds is a look at the lives of zealot students, gaunt ascetics and wise masters living in isolated hermitages dotting the peaks and valleys of China’s Zhongnan Mountain range.” The Zhongnan Mountains have been home to recluses since the time of the Yellow Emperor, some five thousand years ago. Many of China’s most realized Buddhist masters attained enlightenment in this very range! And now? It is widely thought that this tradition was all but wiped out by the twists and turns of history. “Amongst White Clouds” shows us this is not the case. One of only a few foreigners to have lived and studied with these hidden sages, Burger reveals to us their tradition, their wisdom, and the hardship and joy of their everyday lives. With both humor and compassion, these inspiring and warm-hearted characters challenge us to join them in an exploration of our own suffering and enlightenment in this modern world.

Official Website

An inspiring story about the Hungarian holocaust survivor Sandor Teszler who went on to help integrate the south…

I always had my reservations about Tony Robbins, until I heard him tell this amazing story about Sylvester Stallone’s early struggles.  Worth a listen…

If you’ve ever wondered how the Global Pool of Money relates to the Sub-Prime Mortgage Crisis and how all this is related to the ensuing economic stumbling, This American Life summarizes everything beautifully in Episode #355. Captivating tales from bartenders-turned-brokers, skeptical economists, and homeowners in over their heads.

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Enjoy!

Benjamin

This American Life #355 The Giant Pool of Money (MP3)

This American Life #355 The Giant Pool of Money (Other formats)

A special program about the housing crisis. We explain it all to you. What does the housing crisis have to do with the collapse of the investment bank Bear Stearns? Why did banks make half-million dollar loans to people without jobs or income? And why is everyone talking so much about the 1930s? It all comes back to the Giant Pool of Money.

If you haven’t yet watched this extraordinary BBC documentary by the masterful Adam Curtis, do yourself a favor. Excerpt from Wikipedia: The Century of the Self asks deep questions about the roots and methods of modern consumerism, representative democracy and its implications. It also questions the modern way we see ourselves, the attitude to fashion and superficiality. The business and, increasingly, the political world uses PR to read and fulfill our desires, to make their products or speeches as pleasing as possible to us. Curtis raises the question of the intentions and roots of this fact. Where once the political process was about engaging people’s rational, conscious minds, as well as facilitating their needs as a society, the documentary shows how, by employing the tactics of psychoanalysis, politicians appeal to irrational, primitive impulses that have little apparent bearing on issues outside of the narrow self-interest of a consumer population. He cites a Wall Street banker as saying “We must shift America from a needs- to a desires-culture. People must be trained to desire, to want new things, even before the old have been entirely consumed. [...] Man’s desires must overshadow his needs.” Unfortunately, due to copyright laws, this video is prohibited for sale in the U.S. However, thanks to internet, you can watch the whole series here!

Part One – Happiness Machines

Part Two – The Engineering of Consent

Part Three – There is a Policeman Inside All Our Heads: He must be Destroyed

Part Four – Eight People Sipping Wine in Kettering

Posted by: Benjamin

I’ve recently discovered the work of Slavoj Zizek.  Žižek is well known for his use of the works of 20th century French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan in a new reading of popular culture.

This documentary on YouTube is a great introduction to his energetic theories and cultural critique. If you enjoyed learning about Freud’s effect on 20th century American industry and consciousness in Adam Curtis’ Century of the Self (A must-watch!), you must see where Slavoj Zizek takes the theories of Jacques Lacan (one of Freud’s famous disciples).

Why is this useful? Because Zizek breaks down the psychology of enjoyment, religion, diversity, and true freedom in 21st century context; subjects quite relevant to America, if it plans to make it through the rough patches with skill and grace. Don’t get me wrong, this man is not without controversy. Post your opinion about Zizek after you watch him, let’s talk.

Benjamin