Bulwark Takes Summary: "Why Jerry Springer & Pro Wrestling Explain Modern Politics"
Release Date: March 20, 2025
Host: The Bulwark Team (Sonny Bunch and guest Ross Benish)
Introduction
In the episode titled "Why Jerry Springer & Pro Wrestling Explain Modern Politics", hosts Sonny Bunch and Ross Benish delve into the intricate connections between pop culture phenomena and the current political landscape. Drawing parallels between professional wrestling, reality TV, and political strategies, the discussion provides a comprehensive analysis of how entertainment shapes and reflects modern political behaviors and sentiments.
Pro Wrestling and Political Narratives
Understanding Kayfabe
Sonny Bunch initiates the conversation by likening Donald Trump's political persona to the concept of kayfabe from professional wrestling—a practice where performers maintain the illusion of their characters' personas both inside and outside the ring.
Sonny Bunch [04:00]: "Kayfabe, the pro wrestling concept, is kind of a guiding principle of our national politics at this point."
Ross Benish elaborates on kayfabe, explaining it as the deliberate presentation of a fabricated reality to engage and entertain audiences.
Ross Benish [01:48]: "Kayfabe is fakery as truth. You're along with the con, and it's something that is rooted in pro wrestling."
Trump's Embrace of Kayfabe
The hosts discuss how Trump embodies kayfabe by making outrageous claims, such as annexing Canada, which his supporters entertain without expecting literal fulfillment.
Ross Benish [04:46]: "Trump just kind of rolls with whatever seems like the thing people will buy at that moment, which is a lot like how attitude was that attitude era was programmed."
Celebrity Culture in Political Candidacies
Shift from Anti-Celebrity to Embracing Entertainment
The episode explores the transformation from a political climate that once eschewed celebrity involvement to one that now leverages entertainment personas for political gain. This shift is particularly evident within the Republican Party, which has increasingly embraced candidates with strong entertainment backgrounds.
Ross Benish [15:16]: "They're Republicans of the last six years have turned out to be a successful formula."
Sonny Bunch notes the rarity of similar celebrity-driven candidacies within the Democratic Party, attributing it to differing voter bases and party strategies.
Sonny Bunch [11:56]: "Why has the right, which for so long has been so kind of filled with antipathy for celebrity, kind of devolved into this real reality show-centric style of politics."
Insane Clown Posse (ICP) and the Outsider Ethos
Explaining ICP and Juggalos
Ross Benish provides an overview of the Insane Clown Posse (ICP) and their dedicated fanbase, the Juggalos, highlighting their outsider status and cultural impact.
Ross Benish [16:02]: "They're a rap duo that emerged in the 90s, and they use horror movie theatrics to promote their gimmick."
Cultural Parallels with Trump Supporters
The discussion draws parallels between ICP's embrace of outsider identity and the Trump base's similar embrace of being labeled "deplorables." This shared sentiment fosters a strong in-group identity and resilience against external criticism.
Ross Benish [21:08]: "The people who are mocking you define your movement as much as those who support it."
1999: A Year of Cultural Shift
Case Study: Beanie Babies vs. Pokemon
The conversation shifts to Ross Benish's book, "1999, the Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times," where he contrasts the fleeting popularity of Beanie Babies with the enduring success of Pokemon.
Ross Benish [25:37]: "Beanie Babies were just one product and a fad, whereas Pokemon created a multimedia empire that continues to innovate."
This comparison underscores the broader theme of how certain cultural phenomena adapt and thrive, while others fade away, reflecting underlying economic and social dynamics.
Mainstreaming of Pornography
Evolution with the Internet
The hosts discuss the transformation of the pornography industry, particularly the rise of platforms like OnlyFans, which offer personalized and direct interactions between creators and consumers.
Ross Benish [29:24]: "Porn is always at the heart of every free speech battle over a new emergent technology."
Impact on Culture and Relationships
Sonny Bunch highlights how these platforms foster a sense of personal connection, even when interactions are mediated by technology and AI, indicating a shift in how relationships and content consumption are perceived.
Sonny Bunch [30:05]: "People want to have relationships with their content creators regardless of whatever medium it is."
Closing Insights
Youth Entertainment Panics
Ross Benish concludes by reflecting on historical panics over youth entertainment—from rock and roll to video games—and speculates on future anxieties surrounding emerging platforms like TikTok and evolving digital content.
Ross Benish [32:35]: "If you want to go back far enough, even Plato was opposed to plays for corrupting the youth."
Sonny Bunch echoes this sentiment, noting the recurring cycle of moral panic in response to new forms of entertainment and media.
Conclusion
The episode effectively ties together various strands of pop culture and politics, illustrating how entertainment mediums like pro wrestling and reality TV influence and mirror political behaviors and ideologies. By examining the enduring impact of phenomena like the Insane Clown Posse and comparing the lifecycle of cultural fads, Sonny Bunch and Ross Benish offer a nuanced perspective on the symbiotic relationship between culture and politics in shaping modern America.
Notable Quotes:
- Sonny Bunch [04:00]: "Kayfabe, the pro wrestling concept, is kind of a guiding principle of our national politics at this point."
- Ross Benish [01:48]: "Kayfabe is fakery as truth. You're along with the con, and it's something that is rooted in pro wrestling."
- Ross Benish [15:16]: "They're Republicans of the last six years have turned out to be a successful formula."
- Ross Benish [21:08]: "The people who are mocking you define your movement as much as those who support it."
- Ross Benish [25:37]: "Beanie Babies were just one product and a fad, whereas Pokemon created a multimedia empire that continues to innovate."
This summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, highlighting key discussions and insights while providing direct quotes with timestamps for reference.