talkPOPc's Podcast Dena Shottenkirk

1:00 The conversation begins with a focus on free speech and censorship, prompting them to share their thoughts on whether these concepts are prevalent in society.

5:00 They discuss the potential social consequences of expressing differing political views, particularly in the context of the 2016 presidential election.

8:00 They discuss the concept of echo chambers in politics and social media, where individuals tend to surround themselves with like-minded individuals, reinforcing their own beliefs and ignoring opposing viewpoints.

12:00 They explore the multifaceted nature of the conversation surrounding free speech, suggesting that it extends beyond just legal and moral rights to encompass social dynamics as well.

14:00 They discuss how differing opinions, regardless of political affiliation, can lead to further division among people, and how this can inhibit open communication of ideas.

16:00 They raise questions about whether our conception of free speech should adapt to different social contexts, noting that discussions about free speech often yield varied conclusions depending on the specific examples and social contexts considered.

20:00 They discuss the limitations of the Socratic method in addressing the persistence of falsehoods and misconceptions over time. Alex suggests that societal beliefs may evolve through ongoing discourse and debate, leading to collective agreement on certain truths over time.

24:00 They discuss the consequences of censorship -- the phenomenon of cancel culture, noting its evolution from holding individuals accountable to resembling the Salem witch trials, where minor actions could lead to a disproportionate backlash on social media.

28:00 They explore the peculiar phenomenon of cancel culture, highlighting its dual nature. Alex questions the ethical implications of cancel culture and reflects on its damaging effects despite its origins in free speech.

30:00 They discuss the concept of cancel culture as a form of social censorship rather than a legal one. Alex argues that cancel culture often denies individuals the opportunity to defend themselves or redeem their actions, thus hindering their ability to speak freely and engage in meaningful dialogue.


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2:00 They explore the uncertainty surrounding censorship and the understanding of the First Amendment.

5:00 They acknowledge that artists often express political views through their work and note differences in how art is supported in different countries, such as Germany's grants for techno clubs. The conversation touches on the challenges faced by artists in discussing sensitive topics like Palestine and Israel within certain cultural contexts.

8:00 They discuss the distinction between government actions that limit speech and actual censorship. The conversation contrasts the situation in the United States, where artists have more independence from state support, with that in Germany, where state support plays a larger role.

12:00 They discuss the complexities surrounding free speech in private establishments, particularly in the context of DJs expressing political views regarding Palestine and Israel. The conversation raises questions about the boundaries of free speech in private spaces versus public areas, with a specific focus on where the First Amendment applies.

15:00 They discuss the nuanced nature of free speech and the distinction between protected speech and speech that incites violence. While speech is generally considered a safe exchange of ideas, there are instances where speech can transition into action and potentially lead to violence, which is when it becomes criminalized.

18:00 They discuss the level of respect for free speech and diverse viewpoints at Brooklyn College. While there's room for improvement in considering opposing viewpoints, they believe that people generally maintain politeness and refrain from being confrontational, though there's a call for a deeper understanding of the other side's perspectives.

22:00 Dena emphasizes the importance of actively listening to opposing viewpoints, drawing on John Stuart Mill's perspective. Mill suggests that when engaging with the other side, three outcomes are possible: realizing one's own mistake, finding a compromise, or affirming one's own beliefs.

25:00 They reflect on the changing nature of libraries, expressing nostalgia for the days when they were spaces of focused learning and discovery. They lament the shift towards digital devices, noting how people are now absorbed in their own worlds rather than engaging with the richness of books.

28:00 The conversation reflects on the importance of understanding and engaging with people from different perspectives, even if they hold opposing political beliefs. They highlight the significance of focused listening and practicing conversations as essential skills for fostering understanding and unity in society.

30:00 They suggest that engaging in conversations with others could be more beneficial than protesting or organizing, as it allows for meaningful dialogue rather than feeling like shouting into the void. And they express hope that their conversation may lead to further discussions and exchanges of ideas.


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1:00 They discuss the significance of the arts in facilitating free speech and expression.

5:00 They delve into the complexities of humor and artistic expression in navigating sensitive topics.

8:00 They ponder the concept of censorship in theater, admitting uncertainty about its bounds as they haven't experienced it firsthand. However, they suggest that modern theater may offer more freedom for marginalized voices to share their stories.

10:00 They discuss how individuals edit the information they consume, choosing which ideas to allow themselves to engage with. This selective intake of information, influenced by the online dialogue regarding the validity of certain facts and perspectives, is seen as a form of censorship in the modern era.

13:00 Dena suggests that this lack of recognition of what it takes to acquire knowledge contributes to the difficulty in establishing facts. Despite these challenges, she finds value in engaging people in conversation to collate diverse opinions and perspectives on topics like censorship.

16:00 They highlight the value of collective engagement in fostering a sense of unity and collaboration, whether in a theatrical performance or an educational setting.

19:00 They draw parallels between engaging in conversation and sharing an experience in theater, both involving the idea of coming together to exchange viewpoints and connect on a deeper level.

22:00 They explore the difference between being involved in an experience versus merely observing it, and highlight the freedom and lack of defense associated with being a viewer rather than an active participant.


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1:00 They discuss a recent revisitation of a censorship project in light of challenges faced on American campuses. Malka encounters a family member who mentioned students leaving Brooklyn College due to feeling attacked during Palestinian demonstrations, highlighting the diversity of perspectives and experiences among students. 

5:00 They discuss the lack of genuine listening and the prevalence of posturing and defensiveness in conversations, both among students and faculty. 

10:00 They discuss the issue of feeling unsafe in discussions, particularly regarding tensions between different perspectives.

14:00 They discuss the balance between academic freedom and maintaining a safe learning environment. There's a consideration of where the line is drawn between free expression and feeling unsafe on campus, concerning CUNY's Henderson Rules.

16:00 They discuss the discomfort often associated with new ideas and the challenge of fostering open-mindedness in students. While acknowledging the importance of broadening perspectives and encouraging students to articulate diverse viewpoints, there's concern about the prevalence of self-censorship and entrenched beliefs. 

19:00 There's recognition of the complexity of discussing sensitive topics, such as Israel and Gaza, in the classroom, which can trigger emotions and open discussions about other traumas, such as those experienced by black women. The conversation highlights the challenge of navigating discussions around various social issues and the need for sensitivity and inclusivity in classroom dialogue.



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Twitter: @talkpopc
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Support the Show.
Twitter: @talkpopc
Instagram: @talkpopc

Timestamps:
00:10: Introductions with Victoria01:50: What does Art do for people? What's the point? Opening a door to philosophy/psychology. Sharing experiences between nations perhaps. 03:55: Art starts in a place, in a culture and is a representation of that. Art spreading allows movement from culture to culture. A transference of knowledge. But now, Art is different than it used to be07:25: American Art, German Art. Do nationalistic identities of Art still exist? Globalization's impact on Art. Peacemaking might not make so much sense if the Art is all the same. 09:45: Western Art and the use of non-Western cultures. Is Art universally communicative but in a not-so-good way?12:45: Rootless individuals, if that's true, what function does Art still have? Where do we go from here? Should we pivot inwards toward traditions?16:00: Art as a marketplace. Perhaps that shouldn't be the goal. Humanist over mercantile goals. 17:00: Religion/Art, do humans have the capacity/responsibility to create in an analogous way to God?Support the Show.
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