5 chapters across the catalog
Adam Gopnik argues that Darwin eventually rejected the idea of separate human subspecies, citing "sympathy" as a key evolved human gift that allows for social cooperation. The hosts analyze this through a modern political lens, suggesting that while the right may hold overt biases, the left utilizes "sympathy" to justify programs like affirmative action. They argue this approach often stems from a belief in inherent inequality rather than environmental factors.
The hosts criticize the "presidential" standard used by commentators like Roland Martin, who prioritize tone and vocabulary over policy actions. They point out that Donald Trump's high number of judicial appointments was only possible because Obama failed to fill those vacancies during his tenure. They argue that "acting presidential" is a distraction from the actual wielding of power.
Malcolm X explains that because white voters are often evenly divided, a unified black voting block holds the strategic power to determine who goes to the White House. The hosts apply this 1964 logic to the 2020 election, suggesting that the "monolith" of the black vote is its most valuable asset. They discuss the potential for a "negative vote" or staying home as a form of power.
Neely Fuller Jr. provides a "slave ship analogy" to explain why some black people feel compelled to vote for the "lesser of two evils" to get slightly more "cornbread" or rations. Mo disagrees with this mindset, preferring to "rattle the chains" and demand real power rather than being bought off with crumbs. The hosts emphasize that Americans collectively have more power than the government.
The discussion concludes that films like Queen and Slim are intended to keep the public docile and divided during times of political maturation. The "uprising" is defined not as violence, but as Black Americans reclaiming their political power and refusing to vote for interests that do not serve them. The term "racial thriller" is coined to describe this genre of trauma-based entertainment.
