INSOMNIA STREAM: BOW TO YOUR KING EDITION
Stream Summary
This stream explores the shifting dynamics of power, identity, and surveillance in contemporary America. The host discusses the symbolism of a viral “Black King” t-shirt incident, the erosion of traditional group dominance, and the normalization of new social hierarchies. The stream also covers the rise of state and corporate surveillance, the manipulation of influencers, and the importance of community-building and creative resistance. The host invites the audience to participate in a crowdsourced film project as a means of fostering solidarity and creative expression.
- Analysis of the “Black King” t-shirt controversy and its cultural symbolism
- Discussion of shifting group power and the end of white primacy
- Reflections on surveillance, big data, and the erosion of privacy
- Critique of state and corporate manipulation of influencers and narratives
- Practical advice on community-building and creative resistance
- Audience engagement on technology, preparedness, and cultural trends
Sources
- [CBS News: Minneapolis to pay influencers during Chauvin trial](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/minneapolis-social-media-influencers-george-floyd-trial/)
- [Soybean oil study: UC Riverside](https://news.ucr.edu/articles/2020/01/17/americas-most-widely-used-cooking-oil-causes-genetic-changes-brain)
- [Endocrinology journal: Soybean oil and neurological changes](https://academic.oup.com/endo/article/161/2/bqz044/5709672)
- [DOJ opens door to domestic terror powers](https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/29/justice-department-domestic-terrorism-463784)
- [Cat in the Hat controversy](https://www.npr.org/2021/03/02/972091912/dr-seuss-books-racist-images)
- [Blair Witch Project (film)](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0185937/)
Key Points of Wisdom
- [00:50:08] “White primacy is gone. Obviously you can't do the same things. You're not the dominant group anymore.”
On the irreversible shift in social power and identity.
- [01:06:14] “The right doesn't seem to understand the power of media and propaganda and has just been like asleep at the wheel.”
On the importance of cultural engagement and narrative control.
- [01:19:32] “Get in a position where this system could collapse tomorrow and you'd be good to go. Or more likely, the system could be deprived of you. Or take it a step further, the system could be weaponized against you.”
On the importance of resilience and self-sufficiency.
- [01:54:52] “If you would turn it off if God came over, it's probably not good.”
On personal ethics and cultural consumption.
- [02:08:10] “If you want to help out with the community stuff, the movie stuff and everything... the movie is going to be a good dry run of how well we're able to accomplish something as a group.”
On the value of creative collaboration and community-building.
Hyperchat Summary
- Audience questions about community-building, technology, and preparedness
- Comments on cultural trends, media, and group identity
- Discussion of creative projects and crowdsourced film ideas
- Personal anecdotes and humorous exchanges
- Requests for stream topics and feedback on show content
Hyperchat Contributors
- Raging Humanist
- Simbey
- Brody
- Arch Stanton
- Bessemer
- Gravy Bear
- Neo Spitzer
- Dead Man 119
- Ryan
- Jack Travis Smith
- Sharpshooter
- Charles Bronson
- Tyler W05
- Learned Goat
- Others (see transcript for full list)