-
サマリー
あらすじ・解説
Today’s special, bonus episode interrupts our “Eye of Sauron” series to dig into the week’s Tolkien-centered, headline news. We’ll talk about the struggle unfolding between media-titan Amazon and the far-right, troll armies review-bombing its new Rings of Power series. We’ll also reiterate some points we made in episode one about the mass-media ecosystem that online fascists use to harness the global advertising power of cinematic blockbusters. Then, we’ll dig into two fresh examples of this ecosystem at work: a supercharging tweet thread by billionaire, mega-troll Elon Musk and a wildly irresponsible, feature article from CNN.
To order transcripts, suggest episode topics, or learn more about our work, visit TheAmericanId.com (coming soon!). You can also write us at AmericanIdPod@gmail.com.
If you’d like to support us, you can find us on Patreon @AmericanId.
Notes
News Coverage of the Review Bombing
Hollywood Reporter, “Is the ‘Rings of Power’ Getting Review Bombed? Amazon Suspends Ratings.” James Hibberd, 2 Sept. 2022.
Hollywood Reporter, “A Racist Backlash to ‘Rings of Power’ Puts Tolkien’s Legacy into Focus.” Richard Newby, 2 Sept. 2022.
Huffington Post, “Elon Musk Complains Men Aren’t ‘Smart and Nice’ Enough in ‘The Rings of Power.” Cole Delbyck, 6 Sept. 2022.
Guardian. “Lord of the Rings Stars Speak out against Racist ‘threats, harassment and abuse.’” 8 Sept. 2022.
Coverage We Analyze
CNN. “When ‘Wokeness’ Comes to Middle-earth: Why Some Say Diverse Casting Ruins the New ‘Lord of the Rings’ Series.” John Blake, 5 Sept. 2022.
Wonkette. “Actual Racist Trolls Real Mad about Fictional Black Elves, Hobbits.” Stephen Robinson, 6 Sept. 2022.
Further Reading
The Conversation. “The Rings of Power Is Suffering a Racist Backlash for Casting Actors of Colour—but Tolkien’s Work Has Always Attracted White Supremacists.” Helen Young, 7 Sept. 2022.