Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"The whole book series is about how a white savior just fucks everything up. Like when they show up, any savior, anybody who says that they're the number one that can fix absolutely everything is lying to you." — Marcus Parks
"This is the definition of it can't happen here. It can't happen here." — Marcus Parks
"He believed which I still like take it back because like I will never give him the he likes being a terrorist. He wants to be called a terrorist. I was still call him a mass killer but they they he knew what he was doing was bad. So he's not crazy. But what is his mental condition then? An asshole. He's a fucking ass. He's like. A lot of people are asshole. He's clinically an asshole." — Ben Kissel
This episode continues the deep dive into the actions and psychology of Anders Breivik, detailing the aftermath of the Oslo bombing and his subsequent massacre at Utøya Island. The narrative highlights Breivik's meticulous planning, which included exploiting Norway's high level of trust in law enforcement by disguising himself as a police officer. The transcript then critically examines the severe shortcomings in Norway's emergency response, including a lack of centralized coordination, delayed deployment of resources, and the inability of local authorities to effectively communicate critical information, all of which exacerbated the tragedy. Breivik's capture and subsequent interrogation are explored, revealing his deep-seated narcissism and his attempts to portray himself as a revolutionary figure rather than a disturbed individual. The discussion delves into his self-proclaimed ideology, his interactions with psychological evaluators, and his trial, where he sought to use the platform to espouse his extremist views. The episode concludes by contrasting Breivik's actions and motivations with those of other infamous perpetrators, emphasizing the unique blend of ideological delusion and profound narcissism that characterized his crimes.
The narrative meticulously dissects Breivik's psychological state, exploring diagnoses of narcissistic personality disorder and the potential for paranoid schizophrenia, as judged by psychiatrists. It highlights his attempts to manipulate these assessments, seeking to be recognized as a political actor rather than an insane individual. The episode also scrutinizes the Norwegian legal system's approach to sentencing and mental health evaluations, contrasting it with the American system. Breivik's manifest was presented as a key piece of evidence, revealing his elaborate but ultimately flawed worldview and his desire for a media spectacle, which was largely unfulfilled during his trial. The hosts discuss his claims of belonging to a vast, clandestine organization, which psychiatrists largely dismissed as delusional, but the hosts suggest it stemmed from a deep-seated loneliness and a desire to feel significant.
Finally, the episode examines Breivik's trial and his consistent attempts to control his narrative and image, even down to his appearance and media representation. The hosts critique his self-serving claims of sacrifice and his attempts to justify his horrific actions as necessary for a political cause. The narrative underscores how, despite his elaborate plans and extremist ideology, Breivik ultimately presented as a deeply flawed and lonely individual, whose actions were more a product of personal delusion than a successful political movement. His attempts to garner sympathy or admiration during his trial were met with indifference, further highlighting the profound disconnect between his self-perception and reality.