#738 - Molly Crabapple
Molly Crabapple is an American artist and journalist, known for her work for The New York Times, VICE, the Wall Street Journal, the Royal Society of Arts, Red Bull, Marvel Comics, DC Comics and CNN. Her new book "Drawing Blood" is available now on Amazon --
Episodes with Molly Crabapple
Categories
Key Takeaways
Writing a book is harder than expected, requiring deep emotional investment.
This highlights the personal toll and dedication involved in creative writing.
Fact-checking can lead to uncomfortable realizations about personal history.
This reveals how subjective memory and relationships are intertwined with truth.
The 'gunslinger's gait' symbolizes military readiness and political power.
Understanding this gait offers insight into the psychology of military personnel.
Political leaders often maintain power through fear and control.
This highlights the dangerous dynamics of modern political systems.
Media narratives often overlook the complexities of Muslim communities.
Understanding this helps combat stereotypes and promotes a more nuanced view.
Episode Timestamps
The Challenges and Intimacies of Writing a Personal Book
- Writing a book involves intense emotional and mental challenges over years.
- Fact-checking personal narratives can strain relationships and perceptions of truth.
- The artistic process of writing parallels the editing struggles in stand-up comedy.
Analysis of Military Gait and Political Power Dynamics
- Discussion of the 'gunslinger's gait' associated with military training.
- Insights into the opulence of political power and its implications.
- Controversial perspectives on journalists' risks in challenging authority.
Discussion on Media Perceptions of Muslims and Refugees
- The media often misrepresents Muslims, failing to acknowledge their fight against terrorism.
- There's a stark disparity in living conditions globally, affecting refugees significantly.
- The internet serves as a critical communication tool for people in war-torn regions.
Discussion on U.S. Military Intervention and Human Nature
- The podcast critiques U.S. military interventions, especially in Syria.
- It highlights the duality of human nature, capable of both beauty and horror.
- Public shaming on social media is discussed as an old yet evolving behavior.
Exploring the Complexity of Criticism and Communication Online
- Criticism in sports and its impact on individual actions and the sport itself.
- The anonymous nature of online comments can lead to harmful communication.
- The evolution of human interaction in the digital age presents new challenges.
Discussion on Trump's Border Policies and Dubai's Labor Issues
- Critique of Trump's proposed border wall and its implications on reality.
- Insight into labor conditions faced by workers in Dubai's construction industry.
- Exploration of wealth disparity in the UAE and its effects on local citizens.
Cautionary Tales of Arrests in Dubai and Istanbul
- Arrests in Dubai highlight strict laws on seemingly harmless actions.
- Journalism repression is a significant issue in Turkey, affecting many reporters.
- Cultural observations reveal both beauty and challenges in cities like Istanbul.
Artistic Development and Representation in Popular Culture
- Artists often face rejection before achieving success and recognition.
- Children's artistic growth reflects significant improvements over time.
- Cultural standards skew perceptions of beauty and body proportions in art.
Discussion on Aesthetics, Attraction, and Genetic Manipulation
- Human attraction is influenced by genetic traits linked to health and reproduction.
- Technological advancements like CRISPR may allow manipulation of human physical traits.
- The aesthetics of appearance, both natural and artificial, impact social perceptions.
Exploring Intelligence and Human Evolution in Modern Context
- Discussion on intelligence in dolphins and human evolution highlights complexity of communication.
- Historical references to cataclysmic events emphasize civilization's resilience and fragility.
- The role of technology in modern society raises questions about knowledge preservation.
Art and Activism: Engaging with Syrian Refugees through Creative Projects
- Karam Foundation focuses on providing support for Syrian refugees in Europe.
- Creative initiatives include arts, dental care, and education for children.
- The speaker reflects on the need for balance in creative pursuits and personal life.
People Mentioned
Steve Rinella
Writer, Podcast Host
Michael Hastings
Investigative Journalist
Matt Taibbi
Journalist, Author
Barack Obama
Former President of the United States
Lance Armstrong
Professional Cyclist
Taylor Swift
Musician
Donald Trump
Former U.S. President, Businessman
Ivanka Trump
Businesswoman, Former Advisor
Molly Crabapple
Artist, Visual Artist, Journalist, Activist
Unnamed Speaker
Artist/Comedian
Places Mentioned
Gaza
Conflict Zone
Syria
Conflict Zone
Bekaa Valley, Lebanon
Refugee camp location
Dubai
City
Abu Dhabi
City
Istanbul
City
India
Country
Southeast Turkey
Region
Books Mentioned
The Scarlet Letter
Nathaniel Hawthorne
Fingerprints of the Gods
Graham Hancock
Magicians of the Gods
Graham Hancock
Notable Quotes
"Book is, fucking super intimate. Like you, like cut skin away open chest whole world could see soul."
Discussing the emotional depth required in writing a personal book.
"The worst articles I've ever written are the ones where I try to say everything."
Reflecting on writing styles and the importance of focus.
"Like, always this. that's could shoot fucking head quicker."
Discussing the implications of a specific military gait.
"One thing I, think perhaps media enough people coming Europe right middle class country cost thousand dollars pay."
Commenting on the refugee crisis and media portrayal.
"Every single major Muslim religious leader in the world condemned ISIS."
Discussing the misconception that Muslims support terrorism.