A great documentary by Sam Green and Bill Siegel about the rise and fall of the Weathermen, the radical activist group that operated in the U.S. from the late 60s to the mid-70s.
This documentary gives an even-handed depiction of the incendiary atmosphere of that era, with the demented ideology of the Vietnam War hawks countered by the misguided ideology of violent radical activists. It shows how a twisted ideology on the right led to another twisted ideology on the left, and how they both played into each other’s hands.
I like how voices from all sides are heard, and how this documentary manages to be objective without romanticizing the Weathermen or demonizing them. There is so much cognitive dissonance on both sides of the issue, and this documentary manages to steer clear of it.
This is an anti-pornography film from 1965 which links the “flood tide of filth” to the decline of western civilization. Excellent and hilarious, with commentary as salacious as it is zealous. My favorite moment is at minute 3 when the camera shows a shot of a model reclining in a barnyard, then tilts up to a goat that happens to be tethered in the background. The announcer solemnly pronounces, “And this one, with its overtones of bestiality.”
This is a great speech by philosopher Dan Dennet from 2002’s TED conference. From the parasite that drives ants to suicidal behavior, to the parasitical ideas that people die for, this is a great, succinct encapsulation of what has driven human beings through the ages. This speech is just as relevant today as it was 6 years ago.
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