FYPod Episode 6: "The Fascist Stuff That the Fascists Are Doing" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: March 18, 2025

In the sixth episode of FYPod, hosted by Tim Miller and Cameron Caskey from The Bulwark, the duo delves deep into the unsettling resurgence of fascist tactics under the Trump administration and explores the alarming shifts within Generation Z's political landscape. Titled "The Fascist Stuff That the Fascists Are Doing," this episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the current political climate, its impact on young voters, and the broader implications for American democracy.

1. Resurgence of Fascist Tactics under Trump

The episode begins with Miller and Caskey examining the Trump administration's use of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, drawing parallels to historical fascist regimes. They express deep concern over the deportation of individuals without due process, highlighting instances where authorities label innocent people as gang members based solely on tattoos.

• Cameron Caskey ([02:23]):
  "We're seeing hundreds of men deported. No due process, no hearings. They're allegedly identifying people's tattoos as gang tattoos, even if they aren't."

• Tim Miller ([02:57]):
  "If I had said Trump's administration would have started disappearing peaceful protesters, people would say it was inflammatory."

The hosts draw a direct comparison to the Japanese internment camps, emphasizing the historical gravity of such actions and questioning the reluctance to label current policies as fascist.

2. Impact on Protests and Student Movements

Caskey discusses the chilling effect these authoritarian measures have on protests, particularly among students and young activists. He references the disappearance of Mahmoud Khalil, a lawful permanent resident, to illustrate the intimidation tactics employed against protesters.

• Cameron Caskey ([04:35]):
  "Mahmoud Khalil getting disappeared is a message to protesters that you do not have a First Amendment under Trump."

Miller further questions the lack of intense backlash from campuses, suggesting that fear and governmental suppression are stifling potential uprisings.

• Tim Miller ([07:14]):
  "It's type of like, why aren't people doing more things or why aren't people doing things the way I would like them to do?"

3. Media Portrayal and Narrative Control

The conversation shifts to the role of media conglomerates in shaping public perception. Caskey criticizes how media outlets selectively portray movements like March for Our Lives, presenting them in a sanitized manner that overlooks internal dissent and extremist elements.

• Cameron Caskey ([11:10]):
  "Media conglomerates are not on the side of the student protesters that had something to say about Israel. They only looked for the worst."

He contrasts this with the current media treatment of pro-Hamas sentiments among protesters, suggesting a biased narrative that undermines genuine activism.

4. Decline in Gen Z’s Literacy and Cognitive Skills

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing the decline in literacy and cognitive abilities among Generation Z. Referencing a study by the Financial Times, Miller highlights alarming trends such as decreased reading habits and poorer performance in science and mathematics among British teenagers.

• Tim Miller ([18:29]):
  "FT basically has a study that's out here that says teenagers, their science, reading and maths scores all down."

Caskey attributes this decline to the pervasive influence of social media and the lackluster high school curricula, which often mandate the study of dense and unengaging literature.

• Cameron Caskey ([20:41]):
  "Victor Hugo's Les Miserable was an absolute fucking bore to get through."

5. Role of Social Media and Education

Both hosts agree that social media plays a pivotal role in diminishing attention spans and reducing the propensity to engage in deep reading. Caskey reflects on his personal struggle with reading post-high school, attributing it to the monotonous and compulsory reading assignments that soured his relationship with literature.

• Cameron Caskey ([21:10]):
  "I had to read Catcher in the Rye when I was 15, and I had a really hard time with it."

Miller shares his own challenges with maintaining focus during lengthy reading sessions, underscoring the generational shift in information consumption.

• Tim Miller ([22:09]):
  "I find myself after like four pages wanting to see what's happening on Instagram. And that's a bad habit."

6. Influence of Tech Companies and Dark Money

Caskey transitions to a discussion on the insidious influence of tech moguls like Peter Thiel, accusing them of orchestrating a move towards techno feudalism. He warns of a future where venture capitalists undermine democratic institutions for their gain, using dark money to manipulate political outcomes.

• Cameron Caskey ([15:38]):
  "Peter Thiel has literally said that this is going to happen and installed his own vice president."

Miller teases a future discussion on Thiel's impact, indicating the depth of concern surrounding his influence.

7. Generational Perspectives on Intelligence and Adaptation

The hosts reflect on whether Generation Z is genuinely less intelligent or simply adapting to an information-saturated environment differently. They acknowledge a personal decline in cognitive focus but also recognize that access to information has never been greater, potentially fostering higher intelligence in some segments.

• Cameron Caskey ([25:21]):
  "The intelligent young people... are getting more intelligent because there's more access to information about the world."

• Tim Miller ([26:27]):
  "My ability to focus has deteriorated significantly."

8. Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

As the episode wraps up, Caskey and Miller emphasize the urgency of recognizing and combating the emerging threats to American democracy and the intellectual well-being of younger generations. They tease upcoming interviews and topics, promising to continue unraveling the complex interplay between politics, technology, and societal change.

• Cameron Caskey ([26:38]):
  "Tune in Saturday for an exclusive interview that's going to be very exciting."

Key Takeaways:

• Authoritarian Measures: The Trump administration's use of outdated laws to suppress dissent mirrors tactics from historical fascist regimes.

• Impact on Youth Protests: Fear and governmental overreach are stifling active and effective student movements against oppressive policies.

• Media Bias: Media outlets are selectively promoting narratives that sanitize genuine activism while demonizing dissenting voices.

• Cognitive Decline in Gen Z: There is a noticeable decrease in literacy and cognitive skills among young people, largely attributed to social media and uninspiring educational content.

• Techno Feudalism: Influential tech figures are manipulating political landscapes, posing a threat to democratic institutions through dark money and strategic appointments.

• Generational Adaptation: While there is a perceived decline in attention spans, increased access to information may foster higher intelligence in certain demographics.

This episode of FYPod serves as a critical examination of the current state of American politics, the influence of technology and media, and the pressing challenges facing Generation Z. Miller and Caskey's candid discussion offers listeners a sobering perspective on the trajectory of both the nation and its youngest voters.