Anyone want to talk about yesterday’s zoom with Elle Reeve?
We had sort of planned for a presentation by Elle, followed by questions from the folks participating in the zoom, but the world is a different place than it was when we originally planned the zoom.
So instead we just opened it up for questions from the get-go. We’re flexible, right? :-)
I would love it if you guys would share your feedback on the zoom here. Depressing? Inspiring?
Thoughts on the format? Thoughts on anything that was talked about, anything you wish we had gotten to, but didn’t? Thoughts about format for the zoom in two weeks? Thoughts about what we’ll want to focus on then?
Have at it!
Mr. Bemused Senior
I was very glad to hear Elle’s response to Subaru Dianne’s last question. The same thoughts occurred to me.
We all need to think about security, online and physical.
Mr. Bemused Senior
I didn’t mention it on the Zoom [it’s a bit off-topic, but related]. On the Media ran a story in October, 2020 (before the election) How Zello Became A Recruitment & Organizing Tool For The Far Right. It was prescient.
As John pointed out, many of these people are “losers,” but some are very dangerous. Jan 6 was no accident, it was planned in detail.
Elizabelle
I would have preferred a brief summary of her book by Elle (the salient points, at least), rather than straight to Q&As.
Informative Zoom. Elle has a lot of poise, in addition to curiosity.
It was interesting that her Southern background (raised in TN) was an inroads with these types
It is appalling how much Bircherism and its 21st century successor ideas have have mainstreamed themselves. Definitely with the help of the MSM and culture.
It will help for us to point out when Musk does something — a gesture, phrase, or social media post — that is straight out of gamergate and neonazi crap.
Miss Bianca
I thought it was great, and Elle was so approachable and fascinating to listen to, and she genuinely seemed to appreciate the chance to answer a bunch of questions from a bunch of olds on a near-top-10,000 blog.
I am truly astounded that she has not only the brains to do the kind of journalism she does, but also the stomach for it. She’s a lot braver than I am.
Elizabelle
Got to applaud Elle for hanging with and decoding these weasels for us. Important work.
Especially when we have MSM with blinders on.
And her voice is mesmerizing. Thinking I might try to listen to her book via audio (she said she recorded it during a recent maternity leave). Might make some terrible subject matter a tiny bit more palatable.
Sandia Blanca
We loved it, and look forward to hearing from her again. As Austinites, we are particularly interested in the book she’s working on now. We’ve been gobsmacked to learn how many of these alt-right cult leaders and “comedians” (Alex Jones, Joe Rogan, Tony Hinchcliffe) are based here, in an otherwise very liberal city. Thanks for bringing us this opportunity.
burritoboy
Well, I think the primary question is whether to institutionalize this, and how to do so:
I am willing to include Balloon Juice in my proposed speaker series for DSA California (Democratic Socialists of America), but there is a difficulty: the DSA is a different audience than Balloon Juice, and that presents a challenge to both organizations.
(I personally do not think there is an absolutely NECESSARY conflict, but there is a real, historic conflict that needs to be acknowledged and taken seriously. And, it needs to be discussed: DSA is not always a perfectly friendly environment for older people and many other groups. That’s not right (indeed, it is absolutely wrong), but it’s not something I can personally fix by waving a wand.)
I could try a dual mode: invite a speaker to speak to both DSA and Balloon Juice, but have two different sessions. That may be possible.
Liminal Owl
Elle was great. I liked her book very much and was inspired by meeting her. Looking forward to the next Zoom.
No Nym
I enjoyed hearing her expand on some of the experiences she describes in the book. I am only halfway through the book, so hope to have at least one question or comment at the next Zoom. One thing I can say is that I found most of the people she writes about so repellant that I almost stopped reading it. However, I think it’s vital for us to understand how this shit show got started. I knew from talking to my MAGA brother in the early aughts that Alex Jones was a gateway drug for him. He is one of those guys who will say racist or misogynistic things (and get reamed if he does so in my presence) but believes he is not racist or misogynistic. As Elle points out in the book, racism and misogyny are what animate incels and their fellow travelers.
I like that she asked us for ideas for other stories, and her suggestion that we keep documenting reality from where we are. I had to laugh when I did my taxes today, there was a pop-up box about contacting the IRS Inspector General with complaints if my data was stolen. Do we still have one?
David_C
I thought it was great, but then Elle is great. I kept trying to remember a book with a history that goes farther back – it was “Bring the War Home,” by Kathleen Belew. This one describes the militia movement and beyond. The Rachel Maddow podcasts are also good history. As someone raised in Buffalo during the desegregation/busing era, the virulent racism in the north is not a surprise.
There’s something to be said about getting first-hand accounts like Elle’s.
For suggestions – I’ve done lots of Zoom calls and workshops via Zoom starting with the Covid years, and we’ve gotten training on Zoom etiquette. First, whoever has control should go and mute people. Some people (and I’ve been guilty of this) forget to mute when they are not speaking. Second, there should be a person (not the speaker) dedicated to monitoring hands raised and questions in the chat.
This was a great learning experience and I recommend her book highly. And we got to meet the Blogfather and WaterGirl!
David_C
Oh, and I may be a nerd with some social awkwardness when not around scientists or musicians, but the people she describes are on a whole different level.
stinger
I get farther and farther away from current popular culture with every passing year, so it was informative to learn that some of these “comedians” basically just make racist and sexist remarks and people laugh — but they aren’t actually funny. And they aren’t adding an ironic twist or turning a concept on its head or doing anything original, just the same old stale racist remarks that have been around forever.
She is a true journalist.
Gloria DryGarden
Was it recorded?
I was half asleep when I attended, because of weird health/ circadian stuff. I’d really like to listen to it.
the book is great, her writing style somehow is friendly and punchy. Even though it was about people we need to understand but never want to personally know. By being non judgemental, she just presents how they were thinking, what they were up to. I found her quite readable.
ZeeLizzee
I’ve been listening to the audio version of the book! Completely engrossing, she a great writer and at least as good a narrator.
Sorry that I missed the Zoom yesterday. Is a recording available?
Nancy
I was happy to join and comment. Also to use the new moving reaction items provided by zoom to silently applaud. I love releasing a flight of balloons
I agree with Eliazbelle that we should ask Elle to summarize the part of her book we’ll focus on before opening to questions.
I also agree with David C’s suggestions for zoom etiquette.
Gloria DryGarden
WaterGirl wrote to me that there was no recording made,
because, in these times…
Anyone who attended, would you be willing to write a few takeaways, what you learned, what stood out from the zoom conversation? What questions were asked, and what answers touched you, or seem applicable for you? Any mini summaries would be so welcome.