Conspirituality can rob enjoyment and fulfilment from art and kind of wonder if that’s why they often become reactionary
Shows like The Simpsons aren’t just satire of problems, many that weren’t solved in the 90s, it becomes predictive programming. The London 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony that features monsters from children’s books and dances celebrating Great Ormond Street Hospital becomes littered with Q-anon like conspiracies in the comments and predictive programming of COVID accusations. It makes art a thing to be afraid of, it makes artists behind something a villain rather than people
One thing that broke my brain was Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and seeing interviews of him on YouTube and reading the comments. Either Huxley was the devil incarnate doing predictive programming, or a hero who could do no wrong and was warning us with his prediction. I wouldn’t really think about possible 1930s sexism in the text, and now that I’m re-reading it (albeit the graphic novel version) the part of me that remembers feminist cringe compilations feels guilty for thinking about if that’s why none of the women in it are the top genetic caste, alpha. Wouldn’t think about how it’s a philosophical look at utilitarianism, religion, capitalism, communism etc. Or that it’s a satire and reflection of fears from the 1930s where quite a lot of it holds up today. It can be those things written by someone who maybe liked writing about drugs and orgies quite a bit. Rather than that I’d think we will literally end up in the new world order exactly like the world built in Brave New World. It is still a scary book (but I’ve now maybe allowed myself to find parts of it funny), amusement seems like a plausible and very successful way to run a dictatorship. I now hope I engage with that fear in a way where I keep my sanity more, and so far I’m not falling back into flirting with Q-anon like I did last time. I don’t know if it’s okay to come away from the book feeling a bit guilty about how at the moment I’ve not been protesting, I’ve just been drinking and playing video games in my spare time
I am quite conscious of the fact I’m prone to conspiratorial thinking and have started getting treatment for anxiety that will maybe lessen this. I’m also maybe… not stupid, like I’m doing a Master’s degree, but I’m also wondering how my university is letting me write a research paper for reasons other than they want my money… but TL;DR, I don’t read as much as I should.
https://redd.it/1pl4zf8
@r_ContraPoints
Shows like The Simpsons aren’t just satire of problems, many that weren’t solved in the 90s, it becomes predictive programming. The London 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony that features monsters from children’s books and dances celebrating Great Ormond Street Hospital becomes littered with Q-anon like conspiracies in the comments and predictive programming of COVID accusations. It makes art a thing to be afraid of, it makes artists behind something a villain rather than people
One thing that broke my brain was Brave New World by Aldous Huxley and seeing interviews of him on YouTube and reading the comments. Either Huxley was the devil incarnate doing predictive programming, or a hero who could do no wrong and was warning us with his prediction. I wouldn’t really think about possible 1930s sexism in the text, and now that I’m re-reading it (albeit the graphic novel version) the part of me that remembers feminist cringe compilations feels guilty for thinking about if that’s why none of the women in it are the top genetic caste, alpha. Wouldn’t think about how it’s a philosophical look at utilitarianism, religion, capitalism, communism etc. Or that it’s a satire and reflection of fears from the 1930s where quite a lot of it holds up today. It can be those things written by someone who maybe liked writing about drugs and orgies quite a bit. Rather than that I’d think we will literally end up in the new world order exactly like the world built in Brave New World. It is still a scary book (but I’ve now maybe allowed myself to find parts of it funny), amusement seems like a plausible and very successful way to run a dictatorship. I now hope I engage with that fear in a way where I keep my sanity more, and so far I’m not falling back into flirting with Q-anon like I did last time. I don’t know if it’s okay to come away from the book feeling a bit guilty about how at the moment I’ve not been protesting, I’ve just been drinking and playing video games in my spare time
I am quite conscious of the fact I’m prone to conspiratorial thinking and have started getting treatment for anxiety that will maybe lessen this. I’m also maybe… not stupid, like I’m doing a Master’s degree, but I’m also wondering how my university is letting me write a research paper for reasons other than they want my money… but TL;DR, I don’t read as much as I should.
https://redd.it/1pl4zf8
@r_ContraPoints
Reddit
From the ContraPoints community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the ContraPoints community
A Case for Optimism
So I think, my statements came true so far. Basically he's a lame duck president and is poison to the GOP's brand.
Trump is now at a 31% approval rating. He's basically worse than Bush and the right wing ecosystem are currently trying to force culture war issues that aren't really clicking. I don't think he's has power and the social weight that he had in 2024. Everything that Trump had was basically diminished by moving so fast and reckless during his first year.
When I made my initial post weeks ago, I was told that I was coping. I truly believe Contra and people here have a negativity problem. This isn't really the time for despair but creativity and trying to figure out how to move forward. As I stated the economy is doing badly and people cannot afford to focus on Trumps culture wars. It's like we're in 2004. It's hard to focus on trans people if you can't afford to eat food and afford rent.
TERFs don't really have the same power among women. Trump basically made their education more expensive, striped away their healthcare and made it harder for them to feed their families. According to statistics the majority of women do not want to go back to traditional gender roles. It doesn't help when Trumpist are openly saying that they want to take away a women's right to vote.
I truly think we dodged a bullet that the tech bros and people like Trump are essentially are too greedy to formulate a coherent philosophy outside of themselves. The BBB was a death sentence for Trumpism. If they had listened to Steve Bannon and raised taxes and spent money on social programs then things would be better for them. By pretending to care about the American people they could of tricked the people by showing how their fascism could of helped people's day to day lives. If Trump took that advice then we would of been in bigger trouble.
I also think everyone was wrong on the Epstein files. The Epstein Files seem to be a sticky issue for the GOP. Charlie Kirk's death showed that the right doesn't really have an ability to formulate a corrherent and co-operative media ecosystem. Everyone is just trying to grift and profit off of each other. Creators like Tim Pool are complaining about funds. I personally think that the Russian money for some of these shows are drying up putting strain on the right. It also helps that we all know that the right is proped up by bots and foreigners. Overall we kind of learned that MAGA isn't that big and most people voted Trump for the economy not bigotry entirely.
As for my comments on leftist and progressive movements.
With Zorhan's win I think that the left as in progressive liberals/leftist individuals had learned a few lessons. Comment communist don't matter. A good lesson that I think a lot of them are learning is that building movements based personalities aren't reliable and more importantly I think they've learned to pick their fights. Clearly Zorhan and AOC is showing restraint and I truly think that it's kind of rubbing off on more left wing individuals. I'm talking both socially and politically.
I think this opens the doors for new forms of activism since the right wing ecosystem is broken.
https://redd.it/1pl9jrk
@r_ContraPoints
So I think, my statements came true so far. Basically he's a lame duck president and is poison to the GOP's brand.
Trump is now at a 31% approval rating. He's basically worse than Bush and the right wing ecosystem are currently trying to force culture war issues that aren't really clicking. I don't think he's has power and the social weight that he had in 2024. Everything that Trump had was basically diminished by moving so fast and reckless during his first year.
When I made my initial post weeks ago, I was told that I was coping. I truly believe Contra and people here have a negativity problem. This isn't really the time for despair but creativity and trying to figure out how to move forward. As I stated the economy is doing badly and people cannot afford to focus on Trumps culture wars. It's like we're in 2004. It's hard to focus on trans people if you can't afford to eat food and afford rent.
TERFs don't really have the same power among women. Trump basically made their education more expensive, striped away their healthcare and made it harder for them to feed their families. According to statistics the majority of women do not want to go back to traditional gender roles. It doesn't help when Trumpist are openly saying that they want to take away a women's right to vote.
I truly think we dodged a bullet that the tech bros and people like Trump are essentially are too greedy to formulate a coherent philosophy outside of themselves. The BBB was a death sentence for Trumpism. If they had listened to Steve Bannon and raised taxes and spent money on social programs then things would be better for them. By pretending to care about the American people they could of tricked the people by showing how their fascism could of helped people's day to day lives. If Trump took that advice then we would of been in bigger trouble.
I also think everyone was wrong on the Epstein files. The Epstein Files seem to be a sticky issue for the GOP. Charlie Kirk's death showed that the right doesn't really have an ability to formulate a corrherent and co-operative media ecosystem. Everyone is just trying to grift and profit off of each other. Creators like Tim Pool are complaining about funds. I personally think that the Russian money for some of these shows are drying up putting strain on the right. It also helps that we all know that the right is proped up by bots and foreigners. Overall we kind of learned that MAGA isn't that big and most people voted Trump for the economy not bigotry entirely.
As for my comments on leftist and progressive movements.
With Zorhan's win I think that the left as in progressive liberals/leftist individuals had learned a few lessons. Comment communist don't matter. A good lesson that I think a lot of them are learning is that building movements based personalities aren't reliable and more importantly I think they've learned to pick their fights. Clearly Zorhan and AOC is showing restraint and I truly think that it's kind of rubbing off on more left wing individuals. I'm talking both socially and politically.
I think this opens the doors for new forms of activism since the right wing ecosystem is broken.
https://redd.it/1pl9jrk
@r_ContraPoints
Reddit
From the ContraPoints community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the ContraPoints community
I am really concerned about trans issues as a cis guy, and I fear that it makes me trans.
I know how this sounds, I try not to judge myself but I really know how this sounds.
I really don't want to come off as weird here.
I did some crossdressing and actually haven't been doing it for years now, but I did get into political issues much more last 2 years, and the thing with sexuality has been incredibly concerning and interesting to me at the same time.
I feel fear now that, because subconciously I felt concerned about trans issues it means I need a transition, I do realize that this thought process however real it can be, comes from fear, so I question it.
Maybe I am trying to defend my identity here? So I am not perceived as a deviant? I truly don't know.
I don't think I've ever felt dysphoric, but being in woman clothes and making people perceive me as a Woman did feel incredibly exciting and invigorating.
The thing is, I really feel that way, and I don't know, I'd like to hear if any of you here have shared this experience.
I am in therapy right now, so no need to advice me that.
Thank you for reading :)
https://redd.it/1poukb3
@r_ContraPoints
I know how this sounds, I try not to judge myself but I really know how this sounds.
I really don't want to come off as weird here.
I did some crossdressing and actually haven't been doing it for years now, but I did get into political issues much more last 2 years, and the thing with sexuality has been incredibly concerning and interesting to me at the same time.
I feel fear now that, because subconciously I felt concerned about trans issues it means I need a transition, I do realize that this thought process however real it can be, comes from fear, so I question it.
Maybe I am trying to defend my identity here? So I am not perceived as a deviant? I truly don't know.
I don't think I've ever felt dysphoric, but being in woman clothes and making people perceive me as a Woman did feel incredibly exciting and invigorating.
The thing is, I really feel that way, and I don't know, I'd like to hear if any of you here have shared this experience.
I am in therapy right now, so no need to advice me that.
Thank you for reading :)
https://redd.it/1poukb3
@r_ContraPoints
Reddit
From the ContraPoints community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the ContraPoints community
Psychoanalysis Era in the ContraPoints Universe
(This is for you humanities/social science nerds out there. Go ham on the comments and yap away. But keep it cute and fun!)
I've been a viewer of ContraPoints since December 2019. I noticed since 2021 the channel started to feature psychoanalysis quite prominently.
The 2021 JKR video extensively uses Elizabeth Young-Bruehl's book about prejudices. Envy is full of Freudian psychoanalysis from beginning to end, using concepts like ego defense mechanism & sublimation. Twilight also prominently features Freud's essays on sexuality.
I'm wondering what other viewers of the channel think about this. Do you enjoy this direction in the past few years? Or do you wish for a new era/direction? Do you have a different observation?
Personally I'm quite biased to this psychoanalysis era. It is a break from endless rehash of trending politics online that I'm quick to be fatigued by. And I love how outlandish psychoanalysis often sounds. It makes these essays feel more thrilling, more entertaining. I kinda pin it as part of the signature style of ContraPoints. I'm wondering if this era is ending because CONSPIRACY didn't use psychoanalysis as much. (cmiiw)
But I also revere the consensus of psychologists that psychoanalysis is maybe not the most evidence-based paradigm. This tension is easy for me to resolve because I have developed a healthier perspective of video essays. It's fun, it can be erudite, it sharpens your thinking if you choose to have an internal dialogue with the essay, it's good bibliography for certain topics. But it's not the last word to anything, and watching it cannot be a replacement of doing the grind of reading journalistic work, academic articles, fictions, nonfictions, etc.
On a conceptual level it's also fascinating. My view is that many of pre-2019 Contrapoints videos were about having simulated dialogues with communities of prejudice: the alt-right, homophobes, transphobes, etc.. With that you use a lot of PoliSci, Philosophy, Cultural Studies, all that to answer "here's the reasons why you're wrong".
But by 2021, with the (unfortunate) increased mainstreaming of these communities, the essay starts to be directed more toward the onlookers. And therefore the question of these essays become "why are those people are the way they are?". And that made psychoanalysis more prominently used in the channel.
https://redd.it/1ppt47n
@r_ContraPoints
(This is for you humanities/social science nerds out there. Go ham on the comments and yap away. But keep it cute and fun!)
I've been a viewer of ContraPoints since December 2019. I noticed since 2021 the channel started to feature psychoanalysis quite prominently.
The 2021 JKR video extensively uses Elizabeth Young-Bruehl's book about prejudices. Envy is full of Freudian psychoanalysis from beginning to end, using concepts like ego defense mechanism & sublimation. Twilight also prominently features Freud's essays on sexuality.
I'm wondering what other viewers of the channel think about this. Do you enjoy this direction in the past few years? Or do you wish for a new era/direction? Do you have a different observation?
Personally I'm quite biased to this psychoanalysis era. It is a break from endless rehash of trending politics online that I'm quick to be fatigued by. And I love how outlandish psychoanalysis often sounds. It makes these essays feel more thrilling, more entertaining. I kinda pin it as part of the signature style of ContraPoints. I'm wondering if this era is ending because CONSPIRACY didn't use psychoanalysis as much. (cmiiw)
But I also revere the consensus of psychologists that psychoanalysis is maybe not the most evidence-based paradigm. This tension is easy for me to resolve because I have developed a healthier perspective of video essays. It's fun, it can be erudite, it sharpens your thinking if you choose to have an internal dialogue with the essay, it's good bibliography for certain topics. But it's not the last word to anything, and watching it cannot be a replacement of doing the grind of reading journalistic work, academic articles, fictions, nonfictions, etc.
On a conceptual level it's also fascinating. My view is that many of pre-2019 Contrapoints videos were about having simulated dialogues with communities of prejudice: the alt-right, homophobes, transphobes, etc.. With that you use a lot of PoliSci, Philosophy, Cultural Studies, all that to answer "here's the reasons why you're wrong".
But by 2021, with the (unfortunate) increased mainstreaming of these communities, the essay starts to be directed more toward the onlookers. And therefore the question of these essays become "why are those people are the way they are?". And that made psychoanalysis more prominently used in the channel.
https://redd.it/1ppt47n
@r_ContraPoints
Reddit
From the ContraPoints community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the ContraPoints community
This political scene wants for a little Deluzian insanity tbh
https://youtu.be/AUQTYlCTfek?si=P_czcKUs8FdERBRk
https://redd.it/1ppw1ai
@r_ContraPoints
https://youtu.be/AUQTYlCTfek?si=P_czcKUs8FdERBRk
https://redd.it/1ppw1ai
@r_ContraPoints
YouTube
Introduction to Deleuze: Difference and Repetition
I introduce the thought of Gilles Deleuze through his 1968 book, Difference and Repetition. I look at Deleuze's basic concepts - especially difference, repetition and the virtual; his relationship to philosophers like Spinoza and Kant; and how he provides…
'Boston Brahmin' accent: "Okaaaaaaahh-san..." (Well I mean, what political demographic would seriously call their wife 'Mother'--but STILL, man, the reference holds... 🤔)
['Boston Brahmin' accent\]: "Okaaaaaaahh-san..." (Well I mean, what political demographic would seriously call their wife 'Mother'--but still, man, the reference holds... 🤔)
https://preview.redd.it/ted5hv8m108g1.jpg?width=919&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ee53da71453d89db4deea0f6716b8df3638d47e8
https://redd.it/1ppx0kc
@r_ContraPoints
['Boston Brahmin' accent\]: "Okaaaaaaahh-san..." (Well I mean, what political demographic would seriously call their wife 'Mother'--but still, man, the reference holds... 🤔)
https://preview.redd.it/ted5hv8m108g1.jpg?width=919&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ee53da71453d89db4deea0f6716b8df3638d47e8
https://redd.it/1ppx0kc
@r_ContraPoints
Submit Public Comments to Protect Trans Youth
https://act.hrc.org/page/183931/petition/1
https://redd.it/1pqbz83
@r_ContraPoints
https://act.hrc.org/page/183931/petition/1
https://redd.it/1pqbz83
@r_ContraPoints
act.hrc.org
Submit Public Comments
The federal government has proposed two new rules that could make it virtually impossible for transgender youth to get the health care they need.
YouTube got me today
This morning I put on 'Gender Critical' while I was making breakfast. When Natalie says "let's watch an instructional video..." YouTube cut to an ad for Audible...and the new Harry Potter audiobook recording.
If anything is an instructional video on gender critical thinking, it's Joanne
https://redd.it/1pqy9fd
@r_ContraPoints
This morning I put on 'Gender Critical' while I was making breakfast. When Natalie says "let's watch an instructional video..." YouTube cut to an ad for Audible...and the new Harry Potter audiobook recording.
If anything is an instructional video on gender critical thinking, it's Joanne
https://redd.it/1pqy9fd
@r_ContraPoints
Will we get a new Contra video by February...err asking for a friend
https://redd.it/1psx7hy
@r_ContraPoints
https://redd.it/1psx7hy
@r_ContraPoints
Reddit
From the ContraPoints community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the ContraPoints community
Holiday Gaming Stream
Hi everyone. Happy winter holiday week of wonders and Epstein files. I just wanted to stop by and say thanks to everyone in this sub for making this year doable. In my occasional retreats from the world, I found entertainment, confusion, adoration, whimsy, and sometimes profound reflection and self-examination here. I suppose we all have Natalie to thank for all that!
I’ve been feeling hopeful these past few months, but something has eluded me. I go through the ritual motions, but they still leave this lack I haven’t been able to satisfy. I recently remembered what had previously brought me such joy and excitement, what cleared the fog of existence and with the clear ringing of a perfectly formed bell struck with tender generosity.
It’s the gaming streams and specifically, since October, Ocarina of Time. Do you think Natalie will ever make it to the Forest Temple with us? The Poe Sisters are dying to find out.
https://redd.it/1pvcm44
@r_ContraPoints
Hi everyone. Happy winter holiday week of wonders and Epstein files. I just wanted to stop by and say thanks to everyone in this sub for making this year doable. In my occasional retreats from the world, I found entertainment, confusion, adoration, whimsy, and sometimes profound reflection and self-examination here. I suppose we all have Natalie to thank for all that!
I’ve been feeling hopeful these past few months, but something has eluded me. I go through the ritual motions, but they still leave this lack I haven’t been able to satisfy. I recently remembered what had previously brought me such joy and excitement, what cleared the fog of existence and with the clear ringing of a perfectly formed bell struck with tender generosity.
It’s the gaming streams and specifically, since October, Ocarina of Time. Do you think Natalie will ever make it to the Forest Temple with us? The Poe Sisters are dying to find out.
https://redd.it/1pvcm44
@r_ContraPoints
Reddit
From the ContraPoints community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the ContraPoints community
Most recent ContraPoints episode?
I would be thrilled if Natalie actually reads this subreddit. Anyway, I have been away from the interwebs for so long and I want to know if I missed any of her episodes or speaking engagements. I will just cut this fan letter short but I really, really love her form of teaching and entertainment.
https://redd.it/1pyf7sz
@r_ContraPoints
I would be thrilled if Natalie actually reads this subreddit. Anyway, I have been away from the interwebs for so long and I want to know if I missed any of her episodes or speaking engagements. I will just cut this fan letter short but I really, really love her form of teaching and entertainment.
https://redd.it/1pyf7sz
@r_ContraPoints
Reddit
From the ContraPoints community on Reddit
Explore this post and more from the ContraPoints community