Chris Hedges: The Politics of Cultural Despair - The Rise of Fascism (2020)

The Community Church of Boston: A Peace and Justice Congregation Since 1920
www.communitychurchofboston.or...
Donate to CCB: www.paypal.com/donate?token=y...
Chris Hedges joined Community Church of Boston in December 2020 to deliver this talk. Watch the full video here: • Chris Hedges; "The Cul...
Chris Hedges, who has an M.Div. from Harvard Divinity School where he studied under James Luther Adams, is an ordained Presbyterian minister. He is also a Pulitzer-prize winning journalist for The New York Times, where he worked for fifteen years as the Middle East Bureau Chief and Balkan Bureau Chief during the war in the former Yugoslavia. He is the author of numerous New York Times best-sellers including War is a Force That Gives Us Meaning, American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America and Days of Destruction, Days of Revolt. He is the host of the Emmy-nominated show On Contact for RT America. He has taught at Columbia University, New York University, Princeton University and The University of Toronto. He also teaches students enrolled in the B.A program through Rutgers University in the New Jersey prison system.
"The rupture of social bonds throughout American society has created a culture of despair, one where individuals and groups seek affirmation in acts of self-destruction. How do we restore those bonds? And if we cannot what will it mean for the United States and the world?"
The Community Church of Boston:
A Peace and Justice Congregation Since 1920
www.communitychurchofboston.or...
#peace #justice #ChrisHedges

[@ougmass8704]

Thank you for your courageous leadership, in exposing the reality of our society, for your standing for the human dignity, in the US and beyond.

[@williamc9578]

Reading the comments here to get a sense of who watches this video, and apart from those that thank and praise Chris Hedges, I'd have to say is quite emblematic of the pathology Chris just spoke about. You either didn't understand what Chris Hedges was saying, or you couldn't bring yourself to acknowledge or accept it.

[@Ivykitty-1]

As I tell my husband, "you've got to listen to this!" I know he thinks it's hyperbolic and doesn't want me to worry. I AM F'ING WORRIED!! This is scary shit!

[@Ivykitty-1]

Serious question Do you think a Jimmy Dore, 3rd party is a possibility? Or, am I in lala land? 😭

[@jtatsiue]

@@Ivykitty-1 Voting for the duopoly is useless, the Green Party was formed in 1984, and their platform addresses the decay articulated by Hedges, and even though tens of millions of votes for GP candidates wouldn’t change the outcome of the national elections, it would frighten the political powers that be, and let them know that their stranglehold on the collective American mind is loosening.

[@calfstream123]

Dark but striking analyzis! Brilliant and courageous man! So greatful for his existance.

[@dinnerwithfranklin2451]

Thank you for this. Chris is a powerful speaker and intellect. A rare thing it seems today

[@szymborska]

29:28 The USA and NATO destroyed Yugoslavia with their money, weapons and apartheid ideology. The Eastern European countries are incredibly diverse, and have been for 1000s of years. It was the USA, after the cold war, which sewed racist ideology in order to divide and conquor. You only have to see their funding of Nazism in Bolivia, Venezuela and Ukraine to understand. The best allies for NATO/USA are Israel, where 1% of the richest (pref white) people manage a prison where 40% of the bottom of the social pyramid live. This is the only way politicians from the USA feel comfortable doing business- hence their love for dictatorships and military coups.

[@jeffreydrhodes]

Thank you Chris Hedges.

[@lukenasir]

Chris,Living Legend may God bless you and protect you from all the Evils and live long healthy life.

[@amberfun9148]

I’m currently reading Chris Hedges book 📖 American Facists and it’s spot on and prophetic as written in 2006

[@truthaboveall7988]

reading America, the farewell tour" holy shit he is a time traveler

[@georgekostaras]

I’m sorry that KZbin just deleted this man’s whole archive

[@augustusomega4708]

he cries a lot about it...he has his name, he can re-build in no time and why did he not keep hard copies of his videos, is he professional or some dummy? His name is all he needs to re-build a new channel quickly up to 100k subs.

[@clintholmes2061]

@@augustusomega4708 We should all "cry" about censorship.

[@jacpratt8608]

@@augustusomega4708 I heard him say, when it happened, that he does have copies of everything stored elsewhere. Of course he would have. It'd have been set up to happen automatically if not by him by another long long ago. But he still has a right to complain about being censored or cancelled or wtf it is that's going on. "I may disagree etc..but defend bla death bla your right to say it.'

[@augustusomega4708]

@@jacpratt8608 Under capitalism, this public square we all use and enjoy...is private property, owned by alphabet and under capitalism, on privately owned land, they can sever tongues off...the owner of the private property can wander around with a sharp knife and permanently cut random peoples tongues out, whom they dont like...its fair, they own everything, their rules.

[@lesliestenta3084]

I worked in ICU for 28 years, they stripped our hospital to bare bones, we have been short staffed every fk day for at least a decade. Get this our hospital is a Magnet hospital, makes me want to gag

[@hadara69]

Excellent summation of our current crisis. It’s always nice to see a church org. standing with reason and our Liberal democracy in these uncertain times. Especially since Chris Hedges' own content has mysteriously dissapeard from KZbin. Subbed!

[@marioscubla6558]

Chris Hedges is simply a political genius who says it exactly as it is while few people are noticing what's happening to America. Bravo Chris.

[@johnb.9719]

I respect both your opinion and Chris Hedges, but I would have to disagree with where he lays blame 40 to 50 percent of the time. Truth is, it won't matter in the end I suppose. Stay safe

[@geoffreynhill2833]

This should be required viewing for the world. (from Green Fire)

[@AudioPervert1]

Chris Hedges Rocks. Fight Fight Fight!

[@mindsigh4]

@@internetconnection9290 funny, seeing ur handle on my ph.screen only reads @Internet Con...

[@Mike-B.]

Thank you, Chris, and thank you to The Community Church of Boston.

[@Johnconno]

'Only when the last fish is found living in a burning oak tree will men realise that the rivers have dried up.' Yodelling Elk. 1886.

[@truthaboveall7988]

beautifully sad

[@cuthbertjolly4859]

Unfortunately, this is a true reflection of the USA today. The future of that country is bleak.

[@Sl33zytheclown]

Where u from?

[@timriley4543]

Bleak is putting it mildly...

[@heatherweeks7944]

It's not red vs blue it's the 1% vs you

[@chuckbiscuits7569]

Don't forget the amoral careerist, the professionals who are the mental mercenaries and the thugs of the oligarchs. They've overrun both parties like black mold.

[@matta9316]

Hardcore but true.

[@jamenta2]

As usual, an uplifting speech by Chris. Need a drink now.

[@slugsandbeer4841]

Bought his book "America the Farewell Tour" two yrs ago. Haven't finished since it is an unrelenting look at a cruel reality. A chapter every few months is what I can handle.

[@jamenta2]

@@slugsandbeer4841 Yep. The hard part about Chris Hedges is he's been on point now for decades. So - yeah. I guess none of us get out alive anyway. But it could have been a better ride.

[@slugsandbeer4841]

@@jamenta2 ✊👍✌

[@jacpratt8608]

uplifting? no. a downer? yes. Need a drink or something? YES.

[@carolinenorman6141]

Lol 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧🥂🥃🍹

[@denisemorton56]

I see it the same way. Europe has the same issues. It's hard to resist the sense of despair he elucidated sometimes. An antidote, for me and many others, is activism. Not relying on politicians to do the work. Good talk. Stay safe. Stay strong there's a planet to save.

[@derkennedy1228]

This analysis is essential, late, very late, but better late than never

[@greenguyo2]

One of the few religious people I truly trust

[@TJBaruch]

A depressing but accurate picture of America's malaise... But, after listening to this litany of woe for awhile, I feel I must turn to the Bible where I take refuge in God's good news and in prayer where I take refuge in His Holy Spirit. :)

[@truthaboveall7988]

good news & violence rape incest prostitution fascism & a misinterpreted idea of what Jesus really meant

[@beeamendola]

I HEARD THIS WHEN IT WAS FIRST PUT OUT AND EVERYTHING IS TRUE AND COMING TO PASS!!! IF I WASN'T AWARE OF THE FACTS BEFORE LISTENING I SURE WOULD NEED THAT DRINK NOW!!!

[@kirstinstrand6292]

In the meantime, everyone quietly watches the Destruction of America.

[@jeffersonfreepress8275]

T Y MR HEDGES, FREE THE PRESS FREE YOURSELVES FREE ASSANGE NOW PLEASE NOW, BEFORE ITS TOO LATE FOR US AND JOURNALISM. 🇺🇸

[@bcadams75]

Realization is a difficult concept for Americans

[@truthaboveall7988]

we prefer exceptionalism programmed 2 believe we r the best even as we slip lower & lower on every freedom index

[@joeows6537]

If it wasn't for a copyright strike I would suggest that Chris play some Mahalia Jackson in the background seeing that he's taking us all to church! Well said brother Chris thank you

[@janelliot5643]

That might be a comforting view to you, but some people don't like church - give the guy a break: he's just spitting out facts in an era where nobody else will

[@trevorsmith8950]

This couldn't be more trivial, but isn't it odd that Chris keeps pronouncing "hyperbole" as "hyper-bowl"? I've heard him do it in previous talks and he did it again at 5:54. Never heard that pronunciation before. Dude is super well read, so he's got me questioning myself, lol.

[@bignate515]

Seemed like he also mispronounced nihilism

[@briananderson8428]

No need to question yourself. You're correct. A very literate friend of mine--during an evening of alcoholic carousing years ago--mispronounced the word 'epitome' such that it sounded like "epitoam." He immediately realized his oversight, and of course we laughed it off. But he knew--even while impaired. This reminds me of people who say 'tenant' when they mean 'tenet' because they really don't understand the word they're using. Or people who confuse 'vision' for 'visage' or say "foylage" when they really mean to correctly pronounce the word' foliage'. Sometimes it's genuine confusion about the word definition and the pronunciation, as in: moot v. mute or loose v. lose. When any of these things occur in everyday speech, it's because speakers rarely see these words on the written page, and so speakers lose precision. And all of that is because they rarely read complex material of any kind, whether literature or non-fiction works. As for Hedges' mispronunciations, those are utterly curious. For fun, here's a rather lengthy list of all kinds of words and phrases people mispronounce regularly: grammar.yourdictionary.com/style-and-usage/mispron.html PS: I find it grating to listen to 45 consecutive minutes of Hedges with no interruptions from an interviewer. So I'll leave you to it! Happy Listening, all :-)

[@sunsetfoglight]

@@briananderson8428 great comment! (i remember the first time i learned, around age 10, that "horizon" was not pronounced as in "horizontal." i'd only seen it in writing, not heard it spoken. i was shocked!)

[@briananderson8428]

@@sunsetfoglight Exactly! You might like the 2011 book, “The Glamour of Grammar.” It provides a new set of ways to think about language--namely if it is descriptive or prescriptive. Fascinating😎

[@sunsetfoglight]

@@briananderson8428 thanks, i'll check it out. i love language - & also languages, as in speaking different ones. I think the combination of learning a 2nd language early-ish in life & being a bookworm contribute to our tuning in to things like tenet vs tenant (ugh that misuse is super common). i know chris H is a bookworm; i think i read somewhere that he's also studied arabic. so i have no explanation for "hyperbowl," that's a head-scratcher. you'd think someone might've cued him in by now. i noticed the odd "neehilism" prounciation remarked on by nate P, too.

[@craigwilson1144]

Chris you are one of a kind, a brilliant person, a dynamic speaker and excellent writer, steeped in moral conviction that the corporate state doesn't want the public to hear about. We could end the Global sovereign debt crisis with a debt jubilee, but that would mean the end of the corporate state. As i recall you've compared the dying U.S. empire and its corrupt corporate oligarchy with that of the collapse of the once invincible Roman Empire. The corrupt greedy ruling elites of the dying Roman empire as with that of what is similarly taking place in the U.S. had no intention of surrendering political power and their personal fortunes by means of a debt jubilee. What followed was 400 years of the dark ages. Today societies are confronted with the 6th extinction and the annihilation of human civilization or nuclear Armageddon. The human species apparently isn't fit to be the custodians of the only planet in the universe on which life as we know it can survive.

[@UpsheetscreekWOapaddle]

SAD but TRUE!!!!!!!!!! I would expect a COMLETE or close to complete shut down (striking of workers) BOTH parties as Chris suggest are in BED with Corporate and special interest. It's coming!

[@jonathanx206]

APBTA for you Chris Hedges!!!

[@Sk3pT1kal82]

This is an old talk compared to when it was uploaded.

[@lonewolf_bbmq]

amazing how no one talks about the 60 trillion missing from Pentagon

[@kosmokritikos9299]

You just did. Prat!

[@marywest6844]

As much as that! I surprised, but then not surprised. No accountability. Audit. What happens next. The people duped will awaken.

[@polarbianarchy3333]

Scary accurate

[@johnmitchell8925]

this is a recycled speech from a long time ago why is it posted as new

[@troywalkertheprogressivean8433]

Cuz much of Chris Hedges work was on RT which got blocked and or deleted

[@davidbatcheller569]

I don't know. Maybe because not nearly enough people have heard his unsettling but accurate appraisal of the deeply troubled times we live in.

[@bestintentions6089]

Fascism is cutivated from without every single time.

[@eliasphiniotis]

🎉🎉🎉

[@rogueant8636]

all it would take to avoid all this suffering and destruction is a little common sense and compassion. it's either that or we destroy ourselves. i hope we make the right choice. . fooled you, you have no choice because your voice is never heard. the only thing they will hear is one mass unified voice of dissent. reoccupy? petition.

[@getonlygotonly]

the planet will survive. humans, probably not

[@mousiebrown1747]

In Murikkka, we citizens no longer make decisions. We fight to survive at a level higher than that of a lab rat. Usually, we lose.

[@thomaspotokar5697]

What is the solution Chris ?

[@PeterXiao1]

less militarism, less corporatism, less globalism, more communitarism, more humanism

[@4imagesmore]

Mass civil disobedience.

[@davidbatcheller569]

Solution? First, wake the unaware people up, then in November vote all the corrupt leaders out of office. Make them get real jobs!

[@marywest6844]

@@PeterXiao1 and less using power for The Love of money. But only for the chosen cheats, liars. Thieves

[@marywest6844]

If people in USA do not change the way the country is going, there is going to be death and destruction. Even without a nuclear missile. Get your act together USA

[@ummyum4570]

It was funny when he said turned it into a duty :)

[@anthonydavinci7985]

Mr Hedges a gifted writer with partial truths, depends on MAGICAL THINKING as the people he criticizes !! He neglects inconvenient facts demonstrated in Science AND Historically demonstrated over and over. The TABOO subjects that are real but denied in his magical thinking. Still I hold him in the HIGHEST REGARDS AND APPRECIATE HIS INSTRUMENTAL TALENT IN ELLAVATING OUR DISSCUSENS.

[@PaulSavoy-ky1ct]

If thus is the best preaching the Mainline churches can ffer, no wonder they're shrinking faster than the polar ice caps. Two words: Jill. Stein.

[@Chris_Patton]

Hedges is like a skipping record. The next verse is all about the ways the corporate media weaponizes liberal arrogance and elitism to prevent the kind of self examination that would necessarily preceed the dialogues that could lead to a populist coalition. The rest of the song makes him a little uncomfortable and i can see why.

[@jmac3327]

Fascist extraordinaire.

[@kosmokritikos9299]

Yuo do not even know what a fascist is.

[@mimimiller9396]

Feed the Hungry ~ House the Homeless ~ Heal the Sick with Tree of Life as it is written Revelation 22:2 Cannabis is Tree of Life doesn't God have a real sense of Humor ~ Genesis 1:29 we have begged since Viet Nam 1960 it's 2022 ~ God can not Heal the Sick until we can eat the leaf from the Forbidden Herb ~

[@Johnconno]

America resembles ancient Grease.

[@rhuttrho888]

Rome

[@PaulSavoy-ky1ct]

Litjuanua?

[@lavinder11]

It's sad that you still frame this in a left v right way.

[@docsavagemanofbronze6362]

Huh? Fascism is absolutely a right wing phenomenon, as exemplified by Trump’s extreme right GOP.

[@truthaboveall7988]

Chris calls out both sides - there is no denying that the right is more dangerous as they r the armed religious zealots that r easily led by the dark path they forge calling it religious

[@jacpratt8608]

Chris, he's a real tonic to cheer a person up on a wet day isn't he? Is he trying to instigate mass suicide? What is this about Assange (and other issues) 'will be criminalised"! I had the impression Assange was 'criminalized' a dozen years ago! Been imprisoned 3 years anyway which sounds like the powers that be have him pegged as 'criminal', enough for most of us to understand. What serves this rhetoric or what does all this rhetoric serve?

[@mericanignoranc3551]

He's just stating facts. If you don't like reality go back to your bubble and cower there fascist ...your days are over.

[@Unfamous_Buddha]

Yeah, he's depressing. But he's right about Assange. Criminalizing journalism is scary.

[@enkido5838]

Well assange has been imprisoned for years yes, but he has been convicted of nothing. Serves the purpose of discouraging other journalists from investigating illegal government activities.

[@Chris_Patton]

Hedges is like a skipping record. The problem is, the next verse of the song flips the script and describes the dark side of American progressivism- the elitism, the intellectual superficiality, the spiritual nihilism- and how these shadows get projected on to the right wing boogy man thus insulating progessive liberals from understanding the ways in which they get manipulated and turned against middle America, and the center, neutering any chance at a populist coalition. He doesnt want look into that mirror because lets face it- he's more than a little arrogant and superior.

[@marywest6844]

Get outside your insular little birdies nest and you will have some insight about what a journalist , with deep knowledge in his craft and field is speaking of. Some birdies just are so insensitive, so uninspiring, so greedy they do not know when the coal mine is not only dangerous, but also toxic to humankind.

[@angelwilson563]

Even with the fluctuation in the economy, I'm so excited I've been earning $45,000 from my $10,000 investment every 10days.

[@chloebakewell.]

Please how!? Do you invest with a professional broker? I'd appreciate it if you show me how to go about it

[@WillSmith-or6uy]

After I got upto 270k trading with Mrs angela regina mende.i bought a new house and I am now able to send my kids to a great school in the state, all thanks to Mrs Angela Regina Mende.

[@henrydominic9935]

@@WillSmith-or6uy Lol I'm surprised you mentioned and recommended Mrs angela regina mende.well I don't have much to say about her but I'll advise newbie to place their trade under her service.

[@neshabrown6750]

Angela R Mende daily trades is top-rated and one of the best you could get when it comes to trading crypto.

[@jackwilliam7176]

Please can I have her info? I want to invest $30,000usd with her

[@thomasnewman6811]

Advancing into the trading world without the help of a professional trader and expecting profits is like turning water into wine, you would need a miracle, that's what why i trade with mrs Eva heather, her trading skills set is exceptional.

[@rolfmontalbano9002]

You invest with Mrs Heather too? wow that woman has been a blessing to me and my family.

[@kimberly5536]

I think she trades for everybody I know. Met her twice at a conference in Germany, after her lecture I had to personally beg her to be my Finacial Advicer. I celebrate her strong feet.

[@michealstackhouse9618]

I also make huge profits in stock market by trading with her weekly, her consistency is crazy

[@thomasnewman6811]

@Grace Wilson You can reach her on Tele

[@thomasnewman6811]

gram with her username

[@dzerweck]

Conspiracy is not limited to the conservative wing, but applies equally to the liberal left. As for assuming Trump supporters praise him and not what he accomplished, you are mistaken. And if you believe Trump, conservatives and Christians are wholly responsible for our current problems, you are quite mistaken and should open the curtains and reveal who is currently playing puppet to the elite class. As much as you withhold kudos from the left, your views and opinions are quite biased. It might help to sprinkle in a bit of reality on occasion to keep from spewing too much vitriol.

[@dzerweck]

@@howardchristopher4061, thanks for the question. Did you listen to the video - it is rife with Trump bashing (without supporting facts - just personal observations and opinions)? And do you truly believe the current administration is doing anything positive? On our border? Over seas? At our gas pumps and grocery stores? In our schools? Are we better off now with what the media calls "peaceful demonstrations" (with burning buildings in the background) and left leaning politicians telling us to "tear down the government" because they don't get their way? Who is being hypocritical about what Trump did for the country - energy independence, no wars, border under control, low inflation (as opposed he "feels" about him)? If he is going to all the trouble of hating on everyone and everything, I would hope he could provide some positive steps we might take to move towards a better situation (none given - just hysteria). In the end, all politicians and media (left and right) are suspect, but basing our livelihood and existence as a country on incompetent leaders is not the way to go (regardless of party affiliation).

[@kosmokritikos9299]

Hog.

[@dzerweck]

@@M.Linoge Thanks for your reply. I am not sure what Chris sued Obama for, but I guessing it was for something personal (not necessarily something promoting the public good). Chris is a life-long liberal, and all I am saying is that though he may have a few issues with the left, he is definitely not for anything even semi-conservative. Not sure where you came up with the word "team", but as far as I am concerned, I have no "team" - I am for promoting the values on which our country was built - including the constitution. I am sure there are even things which you believe in that I would agree with. In my opinion, folks promoting the term "teams" are also pushing for division (not unity) - which is my whole point. As for your use of "people like me", I highly doubt you know "who I am", and the elites are promoted by many groups - none of which I belong to. Elites have media, big business, government and their NGO groups which do a fine job - and which now have the full support of the current administration.

[@brucemarmy8500]

How old is this talk? Rittenhouse is exhonerated. The killings were in self defense. Sorry, this one is unlike the others.

[@sa-iw4dr]

Rittenhouse is a straight out COWARD nothing else! Get a heart along with a brain.

[@troywalkertheprogressivean8433]

2020

[@marywest6844]

And the show has been never more clear. Everything that he stated before Biden was president and took up the relay pretence baton.

[@darkranger116]

The only reason Rittenhouse isnt in jail or prison is because of identity politics on the right. Sucks to suck.

[@mikedem755]

Rittenhouse was Cleary self defense

[@heatherweeks7944]

Working class unite Dore 24

[@docsavagemanofbronze6362]

Laugh out loud

[@jamespazera3038]

terrible news chris

[@steviejustamann9689]

Well,,, i kept on watching,, until you got to the six minute mark. I think you have lost the plot mate. Love to all!

[@seantatum1484]

Chris, you've most certainly lost the plot. Its a shame. Ive always been such a huge fan of your work.

[@Hasan_Piker_Fan]

Nice try Barack!

[@darkranger116]

Oh really? So tell me, what exactly is the plot?

[@lavinder11]

How has he? This has been his stance for years.

[@Shimmed]

Another Boomer who needs a warm blanket and a bottle of Ensure.

[@chuckbiscuits7569]

I belch, therefore I am.

[@merlinidlehands3302]

@@chuckbiscuits7569 lol

[@felang9257]

@@merlinidlehands3302 An educated man, speaking well above the level of intellect of the simple-minded fools whom can’t put their phone down or take the mouse out of their hands long enough to read a book to understand what he is saying. Keep yucking it up skippy, the day it all comes crashing down around you, you’ll be one of those incapables of surviving without the luxuries of the 20th century and will become either victim to hordes of gun tooting maniacs just like you or a government that will see you no differently then they see the brown folks living on top of their oil in the middle east, I wonder how much you will be laughing then…

[@Baseballnfj]

Things are so fucking bad that Trump is our only hope.

[@koolaidimmunity4032]

Absolutely not

[@darkranger116]

ahahahahahahaha

[@highplains7777]

Fake Pastor.

[@timriley4543]

Listening to Chris speak is sometimes like swallowing a bitter pill but, swallow we must.

[@getonlygotonly]

the planet will survive. humans, probably not