On The Basis Of Democracy

Episode 9: Words as Weapons: Unpacking Trump's Rhetoric and the Rise of Hate

In this compelling episode, Dr. Nicole Asquith joins us to delve into her enlightening study: "We’re led by stupid people": Exploring Trump’s use of denigrating and deprecating speech to promote hatred and violence." We unpack her analysis of verbal-textual hostility (VTH) in Trump's campaign speeches and discuss the alarming implications of linguistic choices made by politicians in shaping public discourse. Dr. Asquith shares her insights on the specific categories of verbal hostility, focusing on denigration and deprecation and how they serve as precursors to acts of violence. She highlights the power of political speech in promoting ideologies such as white nationalism and its correlation with an increase in hate crimes and bias-motivated violence, as suggested by the "trifecta of violence." Throughout the conversation, we touch on significant frameworks and theories behind hate speech, drawing connections from previous studies and discussions in the field of criminology. We also consider the relevance of criminological research in the context of Trump's presumed criminality and its broader impact on American perceptions of crime and criminal law. Join us for this thought-provoking discussion that sheds light on the intersection of language, power, and violence and explores the urgent need for a closer examination of political rhetoric in shaping societal norms and behaviors.

Episode 8: Goebbels and the Führer: Unpacking the Mechanics of Hate

In this episode, we delve into the propaganda machine crafted by Adolf Hitler and Joseph Goebbels, which normalized his hateful rhetoric on the global stage. This manipulation was so effective that it earned Hitler the title of Time Magazine’s Man of the Year in 1938. We look in-depth at the newly released film: "Goebbels and the Führer," available on Amazon Prime. This compelling film features gripping performances and serves as a vital reminder of the atrocities, masterfully illustrating how the Nazi regime manipulated the media to control public perception—with devastating consequences. We are honored to welcome our esteemed guest, Professor Thomas Weber, the film's official historian. A prolific author and expert on Adolf Hitler’s life in politics, Professor Weber’s research investigates how propaganda shapes public perception during pivotal historical moments, including the rise of Nazi Germany. His insights are especially relevant in today’s era of heightened political polarization and rampant misinformation. In our conversation, Professor Weber noted that "it wasn’t just the cult of personality; Hitler managed to create a persona that allowed different people to project their hopes and aspirations onto him. This ambiguity created a platform for Hitler to pursue policies that diverged from why many supporters believed they were backing him." Join us for this enlightening discussion with Professor Thomas Weber! - Goebbels and the Führer * IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30467885/ [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30467885/] * Trailor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIqeLlET_LQ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIqeLlET_LQ] * Screening: https://ces.fas.harvard.edu/events/2024/10/goebbels-and-the-fuehrer   Professor Thomas Weber: University of Aberdeen  https://www.abdn.ac.uk/people/t.weber [https://www.abdn.ac.uk/people/t.weber]   Publications: Hitler's First War https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hitlers-first-war-thomas-weber/1100156053?ean=9780199226382 [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hitlers-first-war-thomas-weber/1100156053?ean=9780199226382]   Becoming Hitler: The Making of a Nazi https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/becoming-hitler-thomas-weber/1125896143?ean=9780465032686 [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/becoming-hitler-thomas-weber/1125896143?ean=9780465032686]   Our Friend "The Enemy" https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/our-friend-the-enemy-thomas-weber/1112772802?ean=9780804700146 [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/our-friend-the-enemy-thomas-weber/1112772802?ean=9780804700146]   Henryk Ross: Lodz Ghetto Album https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/memory-unearthed-bernice-eisenstein/1128695311?ean=9780300264111 [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/memory-unearthed-bernice-eisenstein/1128695311?ean=9780300264111]

Episode 7: Divided Perspectives: Antisemitism, Trumpism, and the Jewish Vote

Episode Summary: In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Charlie Spickler, a seasoned filmmaker who has dedicated the last 30 years to creating impactful cinema. Charlie is best known for his recent documentary, “Trumpism & The American Jewish Community,” which explores the alarming rise of anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic incidents during the Trump administration. The film delves into the complexities of the Jewish community's political landscape, revealing that despite the culture of hate and intolerance, 30% of Jewish voters supported Trump. Charlie’s journey in filmmaking began in 1997 with the award-winning short film “Whacked. " Since then, he has expanded his portfolio to include feature films, documentaries, pilot episodes, and music videos. In 2012, he founded Reel Brooklyn Films, a production company focused on capturing the vibrant stories of New York City. Join us as we discuss the themes of “Trumpism & the American Jewish Community,” the nuances of Jewish identity in contemporary politics, and Charlie’s insights on the power of storytelling in creating change. Please tune in to hear what drives Charlie's passion for filmmaking that matters and how he strives to make a difference through his work. Adler and Associates Entertainment currently distributes the documentary, and it is available to stream on Amazon Prime and TubiTV.   Key Topics Discussed Opening Monologue by Host Lisa Singer:  Lisa pays a heartfelt tribute to the legendary film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, celebrating their impact on movie criticism and the film industry. Background Footage of the Unite The Right Rally: This segment features powerful video footage covering the events leading up to the 2017 rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. It includes vital interviews, captures the rally's atmosphere, and President Trump's controversial responses to the marchers and the ensuing violence. The Power of Filmmaking: Charlie Spickler shares his insights on the importance of filmmaking as a medium for confronting complex and painful issues. He discusses what motivates him to create films that tackle complex subjects, highlighting the role of storytelling in fostering understanding and sparking dialogue. Closing Thoughts by Host Lisa Singer: Lisa reflects on the key takeaways from the episode, emphasizing the themes of forgiveness and growth. She encourages listeners not to let their past define their future, promoting a message of hope and resilience.   Resources Mentioned: Charlie’s Website: https://reelbrooklynfilms.net/ [https://reelbrooklynfilms.net/] Charlie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reelbrooklynfilms/ [https://www.instagram.com/reelbrooklynfilms/] Amazon Link to “Trumpism & The American Jewish Community” https://www.amazon.com/Trumpism-American-Community-Charlie-Spickler/dp/B0B65278GL [https://www.amazon.com/Trumpism-American-Community-Charlie-Spickler/dp/B0B65278GL] TubiTV Link to “Trumpism & The American Jewish Community” https://tubitv.com/movies/707819/trumpism-the-jewish-american-community [https://tubitv.com/movies/707819/trumpism-the-jewish-american-community]

Episode 6: Healing Laughs: Patrick Newson on Comedy's Role in Tough Moments

Episode Summary: In this episode, I sit down with my acting coach and improv comedian, Patrick Newson, who brings a wealth of experience from his global performances. Together, we delve into the inception of my podcast, exploring the motivations and stories that led me to this platform. Our conversation takes a critical turn as we discuss the concerning impact of Donald Trump's rhetoric and policies on Jewish communities in America, emphasizing the broader implications for the safety and sanctity of our democracy. Amidst these heavy topics, Patrick and I share insights on fostering healing and maintaining hope during these tumultuous times.   Key Topics Discussed: Opening Monologue by Host Lisa Singer The Origin Story Understanding Antisemitism in the Context of the 2024 Federal Election Success Stories in Upholding Democracy The Power of Laughter in the Jewish Community Closing Thoughts by Host Lisa Singer   Patrick Newson Socials: https://www.instagram.com/pnewson42/?hl=en [https://www.instagram.com/pnewson42/?hl=en] https://x.com/patricknewson42?lang=en [https://x.com/patricknewson42?lang=en] https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-newson-81b05819 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-newson-81b05819]   Patrick Newson At Second City in Chicago: October 19th, 2024 to October 26th, 2024 https://www.secondcity.com/shows/chicago/here-4-a-bit-chi [https://www.secondcity.com/shows/chicago/here-4-a-bit-chi]   For additional information, please visit our website:  https://onthebasisofdemocracy.org/ [https://onthebasisofdemocracy.org/]

Episode 5: Bridges of Understanding: Dr. Yehuda Stolov's Interfaith Mission

Episode Summary: In this enlightening episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Yehuda Stolov, the director of the Interfaith Encounter Association. Dr. Stolov shares his profound insights on the importance of interfaith dialogue and how it fosters understanding and cooperation between diverse religious and cultural groups. Join us as we explore Dr. Stolov's experiences, the challenges faced in interfaith initiatives, and the transformative power of shared conversations.   Key Topics Discussed * Opening Monologue by Host Lisa Singer * Introduction to Dr. Yehuda Stolov and his interfaith journey * The mission of the Interfaith Encounter Association * Successful examples of interfaith collaborations * Common challenges in initiating interfaith dialogues * How listeners can support local interfaith initiatives * Closing Segment Videos by Host Lisa Singer * Resources Mentioned: * Interfaith Encounter Association Website: https://interfaith-encounter.org/en/ [https://interfaith-encounter.org/en/] * Donate to the IEA: https://www.globalgiving.org/donate/614/interfaith-encounter-association-iea/ [https://www.globalgiving.org/donate/614/interfaith-encounter-association-iea/]   Recommended readings on interfaith dialogue and its significance: * https://rabbisacks.org/book-indexes/the-dignity-of-difference/ [https://rabbisacks.org/book-indexes/the-dignity-of-difference/] * https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-history-of-god-karen-armstrong/1114862025?ean=9780345384560 [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-history-of-god-karen-armstrong/1114862025?ean=9780345384560] * https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/falling-upward-revised-and-updated-richard-rohr/1143606210?ean=9781394185696 [https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/falling-upward-revised-and-updated-richard-rohr/1143606210?ean=9781394185696]   For additional information, please visit our website:  * https://onthebasisofdemocracy.org/ [https://onthebasisofdemocracy.org/]   Thank you for listening!