E15 - Introducing the Moochers

A Socialist Reads Atlas Shrugged

Jonathan begins this episode by referring to the previous episode as a "paragraph" -- oops! But then they return to the topic of hegemonic masculinity as a way to frame their analysis of the way that Hank Rearden's family is portrayed in Chapter 2. Jonathan discusses the economics of the family in the modern era and what these economic arrangements mean for status, value, and respect between family members who adopt a breadwinner role and a care worker role. To get a more thorough explanation of why some people behave the way that Hank Rearden's family behaves, then check out some of the work by Brené Brown. Jonathan ends the episode by critiquing the portrayal of Hank Rearden as the innocent victim in this scene by explaining how all relationships between two people are two-way streets. Check out the pop psychology book, The Games People Play by Eric Berne.
My five themes to explore in this podcast's close read of Atlas Shrugged are:

1. What is human nature?
2. Straw-man arguments and their impact on the world Ayn Rand creates.
3. Dagny Taggart as a true hero.
4. How empathy can be de-legitimized.
5. What is Capitalism and what is wrong with it?

Questions or comments? Email me at: [e-mail]
Learn more about Jonathan Seyfried at their website, https://jonathanseyfried.art
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The intro/outro music was composed by John Sib.
The podcast theme image was created by Karina Bialys.

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