Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
Andrew Schulz's Flagrant with Akaash Singh
"You have to understand, they used to just have samurai swords and cut people open all day. They're trying their best not to cut people open all day. The extreme politeness is covering up the-" — Akash Singh
"The fact that you come here and then shit on America for a living. People don't realize they begged to come here." — Andrew Schultz
"When you first meet them, they're like a dick, right? New Yorkers make horrible first impressions, right? But he goes, but if you get to know New Yorker, that's the best friend you're gonna have, right?" — Andrew Schultz
The episode opens with a discussion about a humorous observation made online regarding Michael J. Fox's chopstick skills, leading into a brief, lighthearted debate about sushi etiquette. The conversation then shifts to personal grievances, specifically focusing on negative experiences with customer service, particularly at a "work in progress" Carhartt store. The hosts express frustration with employees who are perceived as unhelpful and possessing an attitude of superiority, contrasting this with the expected service for paying customers. This leads to a broader reflection on the perceived lack of gratitude in some service interactions in New York City.
The discussion transitions to a more in-depth cultural comparison, drawing on a conversation with a friend, Ronnie Chang, who has lived in Japan. The hosts explore the idea that extreme politeness, as observed in Japan, might be an overcorrection for a historically more aggressive past, similar to how New Yorkers' initial brusqueness can mask a loyal friendship. This comparison highlights different approaches to social interaction and building trust, contrasting the "fake mean" of New York with the "fake nice" of Japan, and considering which is preferable for different situations like travel versus establishing residency.
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to critiquing public figures, such as John Oliver and Trevor Noah, who are perceived to "shit on America" after immigrating. The hosts question the gratitude of individuals who leave their home countries seeking opportunity in America, only to then publicly criticize the nation. They frame the immigration process as one where individuals "beg" for entry and are required to pledge allegiance, making subsequent criticism seem hypocritical. The segment uses strong language to convey their frustration with this perceived behavior.