Digest

This podcast features an interview with Shalom Oslander, an author and essayist known for his memoir "Four Skins Lament." The conversation delves into Oslander's new memoir "Fé" and his experiences growing up in the ultra-orthodox Jewish community. Oslander discusses the weight of the word "Fé," which means "fat" or "gross" in Yiddish, and how it reflects a deep-seated sense of self-hatred and inadequacy prevalent in Jewish culture. He shares his experience watching a documentary about Hitler and the numbness he felt towards the horrors of the Holocaust, highlighting the challenge of confronting unimaginable evil. The conversation explores the "You Suck" narrative, a pervasive belief that humans are inherently flawed and unworthy, and its impact on individual identity. Oslander discusses the influence of the internet on the visibility of extreme viewpoints and the rise of "village idiot" culture. He also reflects on the meaning and purpose of art in a world filled with negativity and chaos, emphasizing its power for individual expression and positive change. The conversation delves into the Jewish neurotic problem, which the speaker connects to biblical thinking and the cyclical pattern of hardship followed by relief. Oslander shares his perspective on Hasidic tales and their ability to challenge conventional thinking and provoke existential questions. He discusses the impact of his religious upbringing on his views on sexuality and relationships, highlighting the perception of men as inherently flawed and women as idealized. The conversation explores the changing landscape of comedy, the importance of self-deprecating humor, and the evolution of comedians. Oslander emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and laughter in navigating a world filled with darkness and absurdity. He concludes by discussing the challenges of parenting and the importance of teaching children to be self-aware and to not take themselves too seriously.

Outlines

00:00:00

Introduction and Exploring Jewish Identity

Mark Marin introduces his podcast and expresses his excitement about Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race, stating his preference for Kamala Harris. He then announces his upcoming interview with Shalom Oslander, an author and essayist known for his memoir "Four Skins Lament." The conversation delves into Oslander's new memoir "Fé" and his experiences growing up in the ultra-orthodox Jewish community. They discuss the weight of the word "Fé," which means "fat" or "gross" in Yiddish, and how it reflects a deep-seated sense of self-hatred and inadequacy prevalent in Jewish culture.

00:09:53

The Numbness of Evil and the "You Suck" Narrative

Shalom Oslander shares his experience watching a documentary about Hitler and the numbness he felt towards the horrors of the Holocaust, highlighting the challenge of confronting unimaginable evil. The conversation explores the "You Suck" narrative, a pervasive belief that humans are inherently flawed and unworthy, and its impact on individual identity. Oslander discusses the influence of the internet on the visibility of extreme viewpoints and the rise of "village idiot" culture.

00:48:04

Art, Neuroticism, and Religious Upbringing

The conversation delves into the meaning and purpose of art in a world filled with negativity and chaos, emphasizing its power for individual expression and positive change. The conversation delves into the Jewish neurotic problem, which the speaker connects to biblical thinking and the cyclical pattern of hardship followed by relief. Oslander shares his perspective on Hasidic tales and their ability to challenge conventional thinking and provoke existential questions. He discusses the impact of his religious upbringing on his views on sexuality and relationships, highlighting the perception of men as inherently flawed and women as idealized.

00:59:34

Comedy, Self-Awareness, and Parenting

The conversation explores the changing landscape of comedy, the importance of self-deprecating humor, and the evolution of comedians. Oslander emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and laughter in navigating a world filled with darkness and absurdity. He concludes by discussing the challenges of parenting and the importance of teaching children to be self-aware and to not take themselves too seriously.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the significance of the word "Fé" in Shalom Oslander's new memoir?

  "Fé" is a Yiddish word meaning "fat" or "gross," which carries a heavy weight and can diminish even the most significant accomplishments. It represents a deep-seated sense of self-hatred and inadequacy that is prevalent in Jewish culture.

• How does Shalom Oslander's experience watching a documentary about Hitler illustrate the numbness of evil?

  Despite knowing the horrors of the Holocaust, Shalom Oslander felt a sense of numbness towards the documentary. This highlights the challenge of confronting unimaginable evil and the need to recognize the humanity of victims, even in the face of such atrocities.

• What is the "You Suck" narrative and how does it impact individuals?

  The "You Suck" narrative is a pervasive belief that humans are inherently flawed and unworthy. It can be rooted in religious teachings, societal expectations, or personal experiences. This narrative can lead to feelings of inadequacy, self-hatred, and a lack of self-worth.

• How does the internet contribute to the rise of "village idiot" culture?

  The internet has amplified the voices of extreme viewpoints and allowed individuals who would have been considered "village idiots" in the past to connect and form communities. This has led to a proliferation of misinformation, harmful behavior, and a decline in civil discourse.

• What is the purpose of art in a world filled with negativity and chaos?

  Art serves as a powerful tool for individual expression, creativity, and positive change. It allows us to process complex emotions, challenge societal norms, and connect with others on a deeper level. Even in a world filled with negativity, art can offer hope, inspiration, and a sense of purpose.

• How does the speaker connect the Jewish neurotic problem to biblical thinking?

  The speaker argues that the Jewish neurotic problem is rooted in the cyclical pattern of hardship followed by relief, as seen in the story of the Israelites leaving Egypt and entering the Promised Land, only to face new challenges. This pattern creates a sense of anxiety and uncertainty, leading to a neurotic tendency to anticipate future hardship even when things are good.

• What is the speaker's perspective on Hasidic tales?

  The speaker finds Hasidic tales to be challenging and thought-provoking, comparing them to Zen tales. He appreciates their ability to challenge conventional thinking and provoke existential questions, even if they don't provide easy answers.

• How has the speaker's religious upbringing influenced his views on sexuality and relationships?

  The speaker's religious upbringing has shaped his perception of men and women, leading him to believe that men are inherently flawed and disgusting, while women are idealized. This perception has influenced his own experiences with sexuality and relationships, creating a sense of inadequacy and confusion.

• Why does the speaker believe that self-deprecating humor is the best kind of comedy?

  The speaker believes that self-deprecating humor is the most honest and courageous form of comedy, as it requires a willingness to expose oneself to ridicule. He argues that this type of humor is the most effective way to connect with an audience and to make them laugh.

Show Notes