Final Reflections on 'When Affirmative Action Was White'

In this episode of 'The Propaganda Loves You Book Club,' the hosts conclude their discussion on Ira Katznelson's book, 'When Affirmative Action Was White.' They review the previous episodes that covered the New Deal era and mid-20th-century government programs, focusing on how these initiatives benefited white citizens while excluding Black people. The conversation highlights Katznelson's analysis of structural racism embedded in Social Security, GI Bill benefits, and mortgage assistance. The hosts discuss Katznelson's proposed solutions for affirmative action and reparations, critiquing their reliance on bureaucratic and economic mechanisms. They also explore broader themes of wealth redistribution, the role of the government in perpetuating inequality, and the ongoing exploitation of labor under capitalism. The episode wraps up with an announcement for the next book in the series, 'The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity' by David Graeber and David Wengrow.

00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks

00:32 Book Club Overview: When Affirmative Action Was White

00:41 Historical Context and Government Programs

01:53 Discussion on Final Chapter and Affirmative Action

02:54 Quotes and Reflections from the Book

06:23 Broader Implications and Modern Context

12:02 Policy Suggestions and Critiques

20:50 Critical Race Theory and Broader Social Issues

35:49 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

39:15 Next Book Announcement and Closing

In this episode of Propaganda Loves You, hosts Arthur, Kodie, and Joe dive deep into the critical role language plays in shaping public perception and policy. They discuss how euphemisms and bureaucratic terms like 'Alligator Alcatraz' mask the harsh realities of state violence and incarceration. The discussion spans historical examples like Japanese internment camps and Soviet gulags, and touches on modern-day issues like ICE detention centers and biometric surveillance. They highlight philosophical perspectives from Ludwig Wittgenstein and Michel Foucault to underscore how language constructs power and control. The episode concludes with a powerful message on the importance of naming violence truthfully as an act of resistance.

00:00 Introduction to Propaganda Loves You

00:57 The Power of Language in Shaping Perception

01:48 Philosophical Foundations: Wittgenstein and Foucault

04:00 Language Games and Social Context

05:41 Euphemisms and Bureaucratic Language

20:23 Historical Parallels and Modern Implications

25:30 Historical Comparisons: Soviet Gulags

26:08 Modern Forced Labor: China's Detention Camps

27:08 ICE and the Language of Detention

28:12 Global Exploitation and Capitalist Interests

29:11 Historical Parallels: Contractors and Exploitation

30:41 The Goal of Detention: Rehabilitation vs. Punishment

31:01 Satirical Advertisement: Call Me Gone

32:07 US Detention Practices Abroad

39:09 Language and Criminalization

40:10 The Economics of Detention

41:54 Philosophical Insights: Language and Humanity

47:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

https://apnews.com/article/florida-alligator-alcatraz-immigration-detention-trump-desantis-0597dd71a0cfcbc819b82929c03466cd

https://apnews.com/article/florida-alligator-alcatraz-immigration-detention-desantis-trump-8856c0e2b9ecb8c0fb960f6e3e72a5ae

https://www.vox.com/politics/419342/trump-ice-deportation-detention-immigration-big-bill

Countering Disinformation: NGOs, Academia, and Personal Strategies

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Kodie, along with Arthur and Joe, dive into the fourth part of their disinformation series. They discuss various organizations that combat disinformation, including the Stanford Internet Observatory and the Alliance for Securing Democracy. The episode highlights the importance of Finland’s societal approach to media literacy, contrasts it with the U.S.'s reduced efforts, and explores NGOs and citizen groups fighting disinformation on both sides of the Atlantic. They conclude with practical tips for individuals to recognize and counter disinformation in their daily media consumption, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and critical engagement.

00:00 Introduction to Propaganda Loves You

00:40 Disinformation Deep Dive Series Recap

01:49 NGOs and Citizen Groups Fighting Disinformation

02:23 Stanford Internet Observatory: A Case Study

04:20 Alliance for Securing Democracy

06:41 American Sunlight Project

10:51 European Digital Media Observatory

24:03 Regional Efforts in Europe

28:47 Open Source Intelligence Organizations

29:58 Investigative Organizations and Their Impact

31:01 Citizen-Led Movements: The Rise of Nafo

35:02 Challenges in Media and Neoliberalism

38:17 Practical Tips to Combat Disinformation

51:14 Additional Resources for Media Literacy

57:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Sources used in this episode

https://euvsdisinfo.eu/learn/

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-020-0833-x

https://www.newsguardtech.com/

https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.1806781116

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1075547017731776

https://rm.coe.int/information-disorder-report-version-august-2018/16808c9c77

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Debunk.org

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_for_Monitoring%2C_Analysis_and_Strategy

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alliance4Europe

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/05/07/information-war-russia-china/

https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/10/world/europe/finland-misinformation-classes.html

https://www.economist.com/europe/2022/08/31/a-virtual-army-of-impish-cartoon-pooches-is-waging-war-on-russia

https://www.rand.org/research/projects/truth-decay.html

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/04/16/state-department-shutters-gec-foreign-disinformation-00292982

https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/2023/12/07/russia-ukraine-digital-threat-celebrity-cameo-mtac/

https://www.graphika.com/our-story

https://www.disinfo.eu/

https://edmo.eu/

https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/government-shouldnt-be-barred-countering-false-information

https://www.bellingcat.com/about/who-we-are/

https://www.americansunlight.org/programs

https://securingdemocracy.gmfus.org/

Undoing the Demos - Wendy Brown

https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9781935408543/undoing-the-demos

Resources for Media Literacy

https://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/cr/ml/

https://iste.org/digital-citizenship-lessons

https://www.unesco.org/en/media-information-literacy?hub=370

https://mediaeducationlab.com/

https://internetcitizens.withyoutube.com/#main

https://www.isdglobal.org/about/

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Kodie is joined by Arthur and Joe to discuss the cost of journalistic integrity and governmental control over media. The show, recorded after the 4th of July, features a light-hearted discussion on the holiday celebrations before diving into the main topic of the current administration's attempts to manipulate media. Discussions include the Paramount settlement with Trump, which raises concerns about the First Amendment, and how Trump’s administration leveraged other lawsuit settlements to control press behavior. The episode also delves into the VOA's shift under the Trump administration, potentially transforming it from an independent entity to a direct propaganda tool. The show wraps up with discussions around ongoing political strategies and their implications for democracy.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts

00:39 4th of July Reflections

02:09 Current Events and News Topics

03:43 Howard Zinn's Perspective on the Revolution

06:44 Discussion on Modern Fascism and Media Control

16:35 Trump Administration's Media Manipulation

30:02 Voice of America and Propaganda

41:03 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/voice-of-america-history-60-minutes/

https://www.politico.eu/article/america-pro-democracy-media-closures-donald-trump-radio-free-europe-radio-liberty-voice-of-america-radio-free-asia/

https://apnews.com/article/voice-of-america-trump-administration-kari-lake-15b585b58f5a510374344b50b1a131b5

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/06/28/voice-of-america-termination-00431342

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/07/02/paramount-settlement-press-freedom-00437677

https://apnews.com/article/trump-media-harris-minutes-paramount-6415042fe910ae60b432dd8c73ef61b2

https://apnews.com/article/trump-cbs-news-60-minutes-lawsuit-d43effebb7b3b76c31d38908bd31460e

https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2025/06/03/most-people-across-24-surveyed-countries-have-negative-views-of-israel-and-netanyahu/

https://latenighter.com/features/john-oliver-tackles-trumps-war-on-the-press-and-that-hbo-max-rebrand/

Propaganda's Role in U.S. Immigration and Wealth Redistribution

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Joe and co-hosts Kodie and Arthur delve into the controversial practices of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as highlighted in a column by Amy Goodman and Dennis Moynihan. The discussion covers ICE's violent tactics, the economic exploitation of undocumented immigrants, and the financial gains of private corporations like the Geo Group and Palantir amidst mass deportations. They explore the historical context of ICE, its budget growth, and the political implications of challenging such institutions. The conversation branches into the influence of Edward Bernays on consumer culture, the problematic aspects of state versus federal rights, and recent Supreme Court decisions impacting Medicaid and reproductive rights. The team also shares satirical commentary and updates on local political campaigns, encouraging civic engagement and critical thinking.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Context

00:21 Welcome to Propaganda Loves You

01:03 Abuses at Home: ICE and Wealth Redistribution

02:05 The Case of Narciso Barranca

03:43 Trump's Immigration Policies and Economic Impact

05:44 Resistance and Legal Battles

07:30 ICE's Budget and Political Implications

10:31 Institutional Growth and Critique

14:47 Historical Perspective on Government Growth

16:34 Graywater Securities and Tech Executives

21:04 The Manhattan Project and Ethical Implications

24:46 The Illusion of Control and Money

26:02 Exploring Edward Bernays and Modern Propaganda

32:24 The Impact of Supreme Court Decisions on Freedom

45:38 Satire and Its Subtle Power

46:47 Encouragement to Get Involved in Politics

48:20 Positive News and Final Thoughts

https://www.democracynow.org/2025/6/26/time_to_unmask_trumps_detention_and

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jun/26/supreme-court-planned-parenthood-decision

https://forward.com/fast-forward/732850/report-israeli-soldiers-say-they-are-ordered-to-shoot-at-unarmed-gazans-seeking-aid/

https://www.commondreams.org/news/idf-gaza-aid-killings

https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-confirms-probe-into-killings-near-gaza-aid-site-denies-troops-ordered-to-shoot-civilians/

https://www.uniladtech.com/news/ai/email-sam-altman-elon-musk-manhattan-project-ai-643251-20250228

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLktPdpPFKHfoXRfTPOwyR8SG8EHLWOSj6

Propaganda Loves You: Examining US Support in Gaza and Global Resource Conflicts

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' host Joe and co-hosts Arthur and Kodie delve into the heavy topic of US-funded aid massacres in Gaza as they begin a two-part series focused on current events. The episode discusses four categories of US ruling class abuses, focusing first on abuses abroad, with an in-depth discussion of the Gaza aid site distribution massacres. The hosts read a report from Drop Site News detailing the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the involvement of US and Israeli forces. They explore the broader implications of global resource conflicts and capitalism's role in perpetuating such atrocities. The episode also highlights propaganda's role in dehumanizing populations and rationalizing acts of terror. Clips from a video by Richard Medhurst providing historical context on resource competition in the Middle East are also analyzed. The discussion concludes with thoughts on the impact of these narratives and the importance of staying informed.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:26 Welcome to Propaganda Loves You

01:29 Setting the Scene: Current Events Approach

02:46 Four Categories of US Domination

04:03 Abuses Abroad: Gaza Aid Site Massacres

09:03 Discussion: US Tax Dollars and Humanitarian Aid

11:53 Propaganda and Dehumanization

20:30 Oil Motives and Middle East Conflicts

40:59 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

https://www.dropsitenews.com/p/gaza-tribal-clans-protect-aid-convoys-massacres

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' hosts Joe, Arthur, and Kodie delve into a comprehensive discussion on the history and intricacies of affirmative action, focusing on Ira Katznelson’s book 'When Affirmative Action Was White.' They explore the impact of the New Deal era on black and white communities, the complex racial dynamics during World War II, and the inequities in the GI Bill post-war era. The conversation highlights systemic racism embedded in federal programs, the persistence of forced labor within the prison system, and the reality behind state and local administration of seemingly inclusive laws. The episode underscores the importance of solidarity across communities in addressing these deeply rooted societal issues.

00:00 Introduction and Recap

00:37 World War II Era and Affirmative Action

01:45 Debating the Book Title

02:51 Labor and Racial Caste System

04:39 Explicit Racism in Legislation

05:20 Historical Quotes and Analysis

08:25 Unionization and Racial Divide

21:58 Military Integration and Racism

39:49 GI Bill and Racial Inequality

40:00 The Impact of the GI Bill on Post-War America

40:18 Reading and Discussing Chapter Five

41:36 Racial Disparities in the GI Bill

45:22 John Rankin and the Southern Influence

46:32 State and Local Control of Federal Programs

49:25 The Legacy of Racial Inequality

01:00:16 The Prison Industrial Complex

01:13:35 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions

Captive Labor: Exploitation of Incarcerated Workers | American Civil Liberties Union

In this episode of 'Propaganda Loves You,' Kodie, Arthur, and Joe cover the Israel-Iran conflict, election integrity, and recent misinformation campaigns. They provide updates on the geopolitical situation, discuss historical context, and analyze how propaganda influences public perception. They also touch on the implications of disinformation in the wake of a high-profile shooting in Minnesota and explore claims related to election fraud during the 2024 presidential election.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:29 Personal Updates and Social Media Insights

04:02 Discussion on Government Trust and Algorithms

06:25 International Conflicts and Propaganda

08:34 Historical Context of Middle Eastern Conflicts

23:36 Iran Nuclear Deal and US Relations

25:03 Netanyahu's Nuclear Claims and US Response

34:43 Economic Interests and Global Politics

36:17 Netanyahu's Appeal to US Support

37:34 Protecting Against Iran's Threat

39:46 Foreign Leaders Seeking US Support

42:45 Comparing Terrorist Organizations

50:51 The Hypocrisy of Propaganda

01:03:20 Election Fraud Allegations

01:09:20 The Need for Transparent Voting Systems

01:16:04 Conclusion and Call to Action

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/JC56Ltg5zDE

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/netanyahu-tells-abc-ruling-taking-irans-supreme-leader/story?id=122868515

https://www.snopes.com/news/2025/06/12/new-york-lawsuit-2024-election/

https://www.newsweek.com/2024-election-lawsuit-advances-2083391