Great, great write-up. One additional insight through this lense:
The thing that breaks kayfabe is when another wrestler is willing to shoot (speak to actual reality) in a way that generates real heat (attention). That's the only approach that a challenging party can try to break kayfabe ... because the existing playbook of engaging with it on it's own contorted terms are leading to a ‘Bloodline’ like run for the current belt-holding party.
"They want Trump at the microphone, making wild promises, creating viral moments, and he wants that too!"
- so yes, I've pulled back to avoid becoming part of the slavering crowd. Life is surprisingly short. Making time for friends, outdoor adventures, and community health is increasingly important to me. My hat is off to you, Ms. Kyla, and other journalists who distill the wretched excess into digestible form.
A very beautiful but sad analysis. The game is cynical and saddening, even the losers are known in advance. It could have been beautiful...... I notice that I also take a break from current affairs. Sad because that game also has 'real' victims in the wars of this moment. And of course we knew that politics (in the broadest sense of the word) is a show, but rarely before has it been played so badly. I think even Barthes, if he were still alive, would be amazed.
I agree, it's just that after the pandemic it became dirty. Nobody was prepared for it and politicians just went business as usual after millions were dead.
Trump, author of his own fake drama, full of sound and fury, becomes the fake winner of his own story. The fake president of the people hurts the very people he promised to help. He lines his pockets in Qatar, and we pay the tariffs. It's a high price to pay to satisfy the massive ego of a narcissist with delusions of competence.
I thought I would write briefly as someone who as worked as an engineer in manufacturing. Those jobs suck. Even in the PNW you'll experience racism, homophobia, and misogyny. Not to mention unsafe working conditions and poor pay. There's good people but it doesn't rise above the bad. And they'll get even worse in the south due to labor laws and environmental regulations. We deserve better than just being plug and play workers. Also is the manufacturing benefiting anyone materially other just making another large behemoth vehicle?
I think reducing media consumption is a great idea, especially right now. But in defense of staying followed here: a) it's only once a week(?) so doesn't need to constantly follow headlines for daily updates and b) stays level-headed and policy-focused instead of getting caught up in the drama.
So I'm trying to cut off a lot of the circa-2016 breathless reporting, but there's still plenty of writers worth keeping up with.
People wanted government run like a business. This is what 90% of corporate America looks like. Theatre to fill a list of things you Got Done in your annual performance review
My gosh Kyla, sometimes you write and it captures so much of my thoughts and feelings about the week. You really are getting great at capturing a moment and putting it in essay. Thank you!
This wrestling concept is discussed in a book called “Hate Inc.”. About how the media sets the public in opposition to each other. Really enjoyed this writing, thank you!
Great, great write-up. One additional insight through this lense:
The thing that breaks kayfabe is when another wrestler is willing to shoot (speak to actual reality) in a way that generates real heat (attention). That's the only approach that a challenging party can try to break kayfabe ... because the existing playbook of engaging with it on it's own contorted terms are leading to a ‘Bloodline’ like run for the current belt-holding party.
This. To use the mechanics of the theater to speak honestly.
You were right, so I deleted my comment. Hope that made you happy!
Seems to be what Musk is trying to do now by bringing up the Epstein files and the REAL costs for americans of the big big beautiful bill.
In other words, play the 'heel' on purpose
Worth noting that Trump is in the WWE Hall of Fame.
https://www.wwe.com/superstars/donald-trump
Haha oh man
"They want Trump at the microphone, making wild promises, creating viral moments, and he wants that too!"
- so yes, I've pulled back to avoid becoming part of the slavering crowd. Life is surprisingly short. Making time for friends, outdoor adventures, and community health is increasingly important to me. My hat is off to you, Ms. Kyla, and other journalists who distill the wretched excess into digestible form.
(corrected "slathering crowd" to "slavering crowd", although both could probably apply.)
Accurate said. This political mess is just a whirlwind
Kyla with the Stone Cold Stunner! Great info, thanks for sharing.
Great article. Fascinating analysis
A very beautiful but sad analysis. The game is cynical and saddening, even the losers are known in advance. It could have been beautiful...... I notice that I also take a break from current affairs. Sad because that game also has 'real' victims in the wars of this moment. And of course we knew that politics (in the broadest sense of the word) is a show, but rarely before has it been played so badly. I think even Barthes, if he were still alive, would be amazed.
I agree, it's just that after the pandemic it became dirty. Nobody was prepared for it and politicians just went business as usual after millions were dead.
Trump, author of his own fake drama, full of sound and fury, becomes the fake winner of his own story. The fake president of the people hurts the very people he promised to help. He lines his pockets in Qatar, and we pay the tariffs. It's a high price to pay to satisfy the massive ego of a narcissist with delusions of competence.
I thought I would write briefly as someone who as worked as an engineer in manufacturing. Those jobs suck. Even in the PNW you'll experience racism, homophobia, and misogyny. Not to mention unsafe working conditions and poor pay. There's good people but it doesn't rise above the bad. And they'll get even worse in the south due to labor laws and environmental regulations. We deserve better than just being plug and play workers. Also is the manufacturing benefiting anyone materially other just making another large behemoth vehicle?
Good summary of the situation. I'm leaning towards tuning out. But that would include unfollowing you, which makes me sad.
Many people are feeling the same way
I think reducing media consumption is a great idea, especially right now. But in defense of staying followed here: a) it's only once a week(?) so doesn't need to constantly follow headlines for daily updates and b) stays level-headed and policy-focused instead of getting caught up in the drama.
So I'm trying to cut off a lot of the circa-2016 breathless reporting, but there's still plenty of writers worth keeping up with.
I am leaning towards that as well, tuning out slowly
People wanted government run like a business. This is what 90% of corporate America looks like. Theatre to fill a list of things you Got Done in your annual performance review
Great analysis. Much better thought out than mine where Trump is Curious George - making a mess, “fixing it”, then getting celebrated.
My gosh Kyla, sometimes you write and it captures so much of my thoughts and feelings about the week. You really are getting great at capturing a moment and putting it in essay. Thank you!
love the analysis, references bring to mind Chris Hedge's Empire of Illusion
Will listen to it
This wrestling concept is discussed in a book called “Hate Inc.”. About how the media sets the public in opposition to each other. Really enjoyed this writing, thank you!
is Agent Orange friend or foe of Mark MapleLeafer?
will Peril Xi shatter NoMas Navarro?
the great thing about kayfabe is you can sell the rubes an ever changing story based on whatever sticks :
https://www.epsilontheory.com/narrative-shopping/