Revolution and Ideology

History, Philosophy, Film, and Whatever Else We Feel Like Discussing

From Rubber Trade to Cultural Genocide: A History of Belgian Colonization in the Congo

Join us as we delve into the dark history of Belgian colonization in Congo. From King Leopold II’s brutal exploitation of Congolese resources to the forced labor and atrocities committed under Belgian rule, this episode uncovers the disturbing truths behind one of the most notorious colonial regimes in history. We explore the impact of Belgian colonialism on the Congolese people and the legacy that continues to shape the country to this day. Don’t miss this eye-opening account of a shameful chapter in human history.

When Worlds Collaborate: The Style of Early Tabletop Role-Playing Games

In this podcast episode, we dive into the world of early tabletop role-playing games and explore the style and collaboration involved in creating these games in addition to the racism inherent in early role-playing games. Our guest is Stefan Huddleston, author of a fascinating article titled “When Worlds Collaborate: The Style of Early Tabletop Role-Playing Games” published in Analog Game Studies. We discuss the history and development of tabletop RPGs and the influence of various factors, such as the collaborative nature of gaming, on the creation and evolution of the genre. Whether you’re a seasoned tabletop gamer or just starting out, you won’t want to miss this insightful discussion. Tune in to learn more about the fascinating world of early tabletop role-playing games!

When Worlds Collaborate: The Style of Early Tabletop Role-Playing Games

Charles Tilly’s Theory: States as Organized Crime 🚨

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating theory of Charles Tilly, a renowned political scientist who argued that states are not inherently peaceful and benevolent entities, but rather emerged from war-making and are essentially akin to organized crime.

The Chinese Occupation of Tibet: A Comprehensive History

Discover the fascinating history of Tibet and its relationship with China in this 1 hour and 30 minute episode. From the Chinese government’s takeover of Tibet to the current autonomous region, this episode covers it all

Michel Foucault – The Subject and Power

We discuss Michel Foucault’s article “The Subject and Power” in which Foucault discusses his concept of power as action between individuals and how we must get out of the “‘double bind’ which is the simultaneous individualization and totalization of modern power structures.”

More Episodes

Zombieland – Zombie Comedies and Their Significance

Zombieland – Zombie Comedies and Their Significance

We discuss the dramatic significance of zombie comedies using Zombieland as an example. Dr. Kyle William Bishop in his article “Vacationing in Zombieland : the classical functions of the modern zombie comedy” applies Northrop Frye’s frameworks for criticism to demonstrate how the zombie comedy is more than just gratuitous violence and should be taken seriously by academic and critics alike. We use specific examples from Bishop, Frye, and the film itself to show why Zombieland, for example, is a traditional dramatic romantic comedy.

read more
7 Functions of Apocalyptic Media

7 Functions of Apocalyptic Media

We discuss the 7 functions of apocalyptic cinema according to Wynn Gerald Hamonic’s 2017 article, “Global Catastrophe in Motion Pictures as Meaning and Message: The Functions of Apocalyptic Cinema in American Film.”

read more
Killing Humanity in Apocalyptic Media

Killing Humanity in Apocalyptic Media

We discuss a book chapter by Dina Khapaeva titled “Killing Humanity – Anthropocentrism and Apocalypse in Contemporary Cinema” from the edited volume “The Age of Spectacular Death” edited by Michael Hviid Jacobsen. Khapaeva discusses the “human” and “anti-human” paradigms in apocalyptic media and the commodification of anti-humanism mentioning examples such as The Incredibles, Avengers, Harry Potter, Wall E, Pacific Rim, and many others.

read more