INSOMNIA STREAM： BURNS LIBEL Part 3
Stream Summary
This stream is a critical commentary on the third part of the Ken Burns PBS documentary “The U.S. and the Holocaust,” focusing on America’s response to the Holocaust and World War II. The host, Devon Stack, analyzes the documentary’s portrayal of U.S. immigration policy, media influence, and the political climate leading up to and during the war. The stream draws parallels between historical events and current sociopolitical trends, critiques the framing of American involvement, and discusses the role of public opinion, government action, and media narratives. The episode also includes personal anecdotes and audience interaction.
- Analysis of Ken Burns’ “The U.S. and the Holocaust” (PBS documentary)
- Discussion of U.S. immigration policy and public opinion before and during WWII
- Examination of media influence and propaganda in shaping public sentiment
- Debate over the role of figures like FDR, Charles Lindbergh, and Eleanor Roosevelt
- Parallels drawn between WWII-era America and contemporary issues
- Audience hyperchats and super chats on related historical and current topics
- Personal story about “Ghost Cat” and reflections on loss
Sources
Key Points of Wisdom
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[00:19:06]
“Maybe it's just, I mean, come on. Let's face it, I think the whole world can agree that German is not as romantic of a language as, say, French. And it's not like we like the French. So for whatever reason, it just sounds angry and we don't.”
Commentary on perception, language, and propaganda.
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[00:59:45]
“The terms ‘5th columnist,’ ‘traitor,’ ‘Nazi,’ ‘anti-Semitic’ were thrown ceaselessly at anyone who dared to suggest that it was not to the best interests of the United States to enter war.”
Reflection on how dissent is suppressed through labeling and propaganda.
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[01:04:30]
“Our system of democracy and representative government is on test today as it has never been before or on the verge of war. But it is not yet too late to stay out.”
On the fragility and testing of democratic systems in times of crisis.
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[01:12:22]
“You would think by watching this that the only casualties of World War Two were Jews. That World War Two was essentially a war on Jews. That white people all throughout the West, not just in Germany but in America and Australia, France, Italy, everywhere, they were all hell bent on exterminating the Jews.”
Critical observation on narrative framing and historical focus.
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[01:39:06]
“Every time public opinion is against it. Public opinion is we don't want the refugees. Public opinion is that's their problem. Public opinion is we want to stay out of it. Now, even Lindbergh wasn't saying I favored Germany over England. He was just saying, look, it's not our business.”
On the disconnect between public opinion and government action in foreign policy.
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[01:47:55]
“That's homestead life. That's the way it works. I do feel bad. I do feel like I could have done more, but you know it is what it is.”
Personal reflection on loss and acceptance.
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[02:21:21]
“You know, I'll tell you one thing. The draft? Yeah, 100%. They're going to do that. I think that there's even the possibility, ladies, that you guys get drafted because if not there will be legal challenges if they start bringing in the draft and they're not drafting women, you better believe that she's going to the Supreme Court.”
On the evolving nature of military service and gender roles.
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[02:48:44]
“It's all meme magic, and most of us are actually slaves and peasants. With our million dollar homes.”
Commentary on wealth, power, and social reality.
Hyperchat Summary
- Viewers discussed the parallels between WWII-era propaganda and current events, including media narratives and government actions.
- Several hyperchats referenced historical films, documentaries, and books, asking for the host’s opinion or review.
- Audience members shared personal anecdotes about pets, rural life, and experiences with wildlife, connecting with the host’s story about “Ghost Cat.”
- Questions were raised about the draft, military service, and the likelihood of future wars, with speculation about gender equality in conscription.
- Some hyperchats critiqued the portrayal of historical events in media, especially regarding the Holocaust and American involvement in wars.
- There were lighthearted exchanges about memes, “meme magic,” and the realities of wealth and power.
- Super chats included condolences for the host’s lost pet, jokes about coyotes, and encouragement for the host’s work.
Hyperchat Contributors
- Cannot Cut
- Damn Bigfoot
- Graham Playing Games
- Simbey
- White Mormon
- Clark Smith
- Comfy Chair
- Tipsy Mcstay Egger
- Butcher Bird
- Iron Pilled 187
- Postmaster
- Johnny Anon
- Harmless G
- Kernel Sharecropper
- Crow Seiden
- Green Apu
- Tennis Nuts
- Mighty Mouse
- Hammer Authorizing
- LucciNation