Podcast Summary: Behind the Bastards – It Could Happen Here Weekly 159

Release Date: December 7, 2024
Host/Author: Cool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts
Episode Title: It Could Happen Here Weekly 159

Behind the Bastards delves deep into the underbelly of historical and contemporary figures who have shaped our world in nefarious ways. In Episode 159, titled "It Could Happen Here," the hosts explore themes of fascism, indigenous resistance, political coups, and digital security in the context of civil rights.

1. Fascism and Contemporary Rhetoric

Timestamp: 03:24 - 19:35

The episode opens with Vladimir von Bilhenberg and Robert Evans discussing the resurgence of fascist rhetoric in modern political landscapes, particularly focusing on recent Trump rallies.

• Ethnonationalist Framing:
  Vladimir von Bilhenberg [06:50] emphasizes, "One of the recurring phrases at Trump rallies this cycle was that the United States has become an occupied territory."

• Historical Parallels:
  The hosts draw parallels between Trump's rhetoric and historical fascist leaders. Simone Boyce [07:55] states, "That's textbook fascist shit," highlighting the justification of potential violence against migrants as self-defense.

• Academic Insights:
  Vladimir von Bilhenberg [17:44] references Adorno's work, noting, "Fascist agitation is centered in the idea of the leader... promoting the passive masochistic attitude required of the fascist follower."

• Impact on Society:
  The discussion underscores how such rhetoric fosters a culture of dehumanization and erosion of democratic values, making it challenging to dismantle entrenched authoritarian ideologies.

2. The Mapuche Struggle in Chile and Argentina

Timestamp: 12:44 - 73:59

The conversation shifts to the historical and ongoing struggles of the Mapuche people against colonial and modern state powers in Chile and Argentina.

• Historical Resistance:
  Andrew Sage [12:34] narrates the Mapuche's long-standing resistance, detailing the Arauco War and key figures like Lautaro, who symbolized Mapuche resilience.

• Colonial Impact:
  The hosts discuss how treaties like the Parliament of Kulin (1641) initially recognized Mapuche autonomy, but later expansions by Chile and Argentina disregarded these agreements, leading to forced assimilation and land dispossession.

• Modern Activism:
  The Mapuche's contemporary fight mirrors past struggles, involving land occupations, protests against extractive industries, and efforts to preserve cultural identity. Vladimir von Bilhenberg [26:57] draws parallels to Palestinian struggles, emphasizing the timeless nature of colonial tactics.

• Legal and Social Challenges:
  Despite some legal victories, such as rulings by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, systemic repression continues. The Mapuche face heightened police surveillance and accusations of terrorism, further marginalizing their movement.

3. The South Korean Political Coup Attempt

Timestamp: 84:30 - 156:53

A significant portion of the episode examines a recent failed coup attempt in South Korea, led by President Yoon Suk-yeol.

• Coup Mechanics:
  Robert Evans [126:36] details how President Yoon declared martial law, aiming to suppress the National Assembly. The proclamation included measures to control the press and prohibit political activities, likened to historical authoritarian tactics.

• Public Resistance:
  Contrary to expectations, massive public protests thwarted the coup within hours. Vladimir von Bilhenberg [143:04] notes, "It's so funny because they kept putting out these arrest warrants..." highlighting the populace's immediate and organized resistance.

• Military Miscalculations:
  The military's overestimation of support and underestimation of public mobilization led to the rapid collapse of the coup. Robert Evans [141:08] criticizes the military's disbelief in the capability of ordinary citizens to effectively resist.

• Aftermath and Implications:
  The failed coup has significant repercussions for South Korean politics, including potential impeachment of Yoon and a reassessment of military influence in democratic processes.

4. Digital Security in the Context of Abortion Rights

Timestamp: 157:54 - 195:31

The episode concludes with a critical discussion on digital security for individuals seeking abortions, featuring insights from Garrison Davis and Crystal.

• Risk of Surveillance:
  Crystal [162:22] explains, "People are very afraid... Can I be arrested for giving you my information, sending in my ID...?"

• Protective Measures:
  The hosts advocate for using encrypted communication tools like Signal, enabling disappearing messages, and being cautious about data shared on devices. Garrison Davis [166:49] emphasizes the importance of deleting sensitive information to prevent law enforcement from accessing it.

• Practical Advice:
  Recommendations include:

  • Plan Healthcare Visits: Utilize resources like the miscarriage and abortion hotline (mahotline.org) to assess the need for emergency care without immediate disclosure.
  • Use Secure Communication: Adopt encrypted messaging platforms to discuss sensitive information.
  • Delete Sensitive Data: Regularly purge browser history, emails, and messages related to abortion to minimize digital footprints.

• Legal Considerations:
  The discussion highlights the legal vulnerabilities individuals face, stressing the importance of understanding rights to remain silent and the implications of digital data in potential prosecutions.

Notable Quotes:

• Vladimir von Bilhenberg [07:10]: "And November 5, 2024, will be Liberation Day in America."

• Simone Boyce [09:20]: "That gives us something to look forward to now."

• Vladimir von Bilhenberg [17:46]: "It all starts with the neutralization of the primal father figure."

• Crystal [163:52]: "Tracking your period is important because if you don't know what's going on with your period and you get pregnant, it can delay your care."

• Robert Evans [141:55]: "This is like military coup. And then military coup being overturned by protesters is the single most South Korean thing ever."

Conclusion

In this episode, Behind the Bastards navigates through the intricate web of modern fascism, indigenous resistance movements, political instability in democracies, and the pressing need for digital security in the face of civil rights challenges. By intertwining historical context with contemporary analysis, the hosts underscore the persistent threats to democratic values and personal freedoms, urging listeners to remain vigilant and informed.

For more detailed discussions and continuous analysis on pivotal historical and contemporary issues, tune into future episodes of Behind the Bastards.