Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"Well, we are now going to see is that he did up to 50 sexual assaults. And he also closely monitored his own footage. So essentially he would, he would watch the news reports about his own crimes and then change his crimes accordingly." — Ben Kessel
"The majority of people who identify as themselves, I mean, there are a lot of them are impressionable because they spend a lot of time online and not so much interacting outside socially with people. It seems like they need to be broken, almost like they're in a cult." — Sarah Gardefy
"I think it's more damaging because it just kind of reinforces this idea that sex is something that you can win from a woman. And kind of objectifies women. I think that's more of the main problem. It's like putting women on a pedestal and hating them for it." — Sarah Gardefy
The episode begins by announcing the capture of Joseph James DeAngelo Jr., the perpetrator of a series of rapes and murders spanning from the 1970s to the 1980s, known as the East Area Rapist, Original Night Stalker, and Golden State Killer. The discussion highlights the innovative use of DNA evidence and genealogical databases, specifically Ancestry.com, in identifying DeAngelo after decades of the case remaining unsolved. The speakers express relief at his apprehension but also touch upon the ethical implications of using such databases for criminal investigations. The conversation then pivots to the pervasive issue of the incel (involuntarily celibate) community.
The podcast features an interview with Sarah Gardefy, the director of the documentary "Shy Boys," which explores the incel phenomenon. Gardefy shares her experiences embedding herself within incel online forums, detailing the prevalent rhetoric of self-hatred, misogyny, and a sense of entitlement. She discusses the various theories within the community regarding their lack of romantic success, the evolution of their terminology, and the normalization of extremist viewpoints. The interview underscores the dangers of these online echo chambers, where individuals can become increasingly radicalized and disconnected from reality.
The latter part of the discussion delves into the potential real-world consequences of incel ideology, referencing past incidents and the recent van attack in Toronto. The speakers and Gardefy debate the fine line between online rhetoric and actionable violence, the challenges in identifying and intervening in such cases, and the societal factors that contribute to the rise of these communities. The episode concludes with a reflection on the difficulty of addressing this complex issue and the ongoing need for awareness and vigilance regarding online radicalization and its potential to incite violence.