Episode
Chapter 3: A New Pyre
1:02:18
Published: Tue Feb 28 2023
Description
The early days of the internet collide with the feverish fandom of “Harry Potter,” and a sprawling, global community emerges. But the hopefulness of this new technology brings with it the darker impulses of human nature. Produced by Andy Mills, Matthew Boll, and Megan Phelps-Roper, with special thanks to Candace Mittel Kahn and Emily Yoffe. This show is proudly sponsored by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. FIRE believes free speech makes free people. Learn more at thefire.org.
Chapters
The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) and the importance of free speech and open dialogue in society.
00:00 - 02:53 (02:53)
Summary
The Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) and the importance of free speech and open dialogue in society.
EpisodeChapter 3: A New Pyre
PodcastThe Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter was published as the internet was gaining popularity, and author J.K. Rowling was one of the first creators to communicate directly with fans online.
02:53 - 10:35 (07:42)
Summary
Harry Potter was published as the internet was gaining popularity, and author J.K. Rowling was one of the first creators to communicate directly with fans online. The series has since created a large online community and brought people together over a shared love of the wizarding world.
EpisodeChapter 3: A New Pyre
PodcastThe Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling, explains that while human nature remains the same in the Wizarding World, the magic they possess makes the societal discriminations of the muggle world immaterial.
10:35 - 21:33 (10:58)
Summary
Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling, explains that while human nature remains the same in the Wizarding World, the magic they possess makes the societal discriminations of the muggle world immaterial. She also points out that some of the most sympathetic characters faced stigmatization and were imperfect because of it.
EpisodeChapter 3: A New Pyre
PodcastThe Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling
Many people blame social media for corrupting the dream of what the internet could do for the world, and computer scientist Jaron Lanier argues that it poses a real threat to a pluralistic society, with some fearing that it shapes our politics, societies, and even sense of reality.
21:33 - 31:53 (10:19)
Summary
Many people blame social media for corrupting the dream of what the internet could do for the world, and computer scientist Jaron Lanier argues that it poses a real threat to a pluralistic society, with some fearing that it shapes our politics, societies, and even sense of reality.
EpisodeChapter 3: A New Pyre
PodcastThe Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling
The internet has provided a platform that has allowed online forums and subcultures to have a profound impact on almost every aspect of our politics and society, giving teenagers and activists a place to hang out and engage in all kinds of fandom.
31:53 - 38:04 (06:11)
Summary
The internet has provided a platform that has allowed online forums and subcultures to have a profound impact on almost every aspect of our politics and society, giving teenagers and activists a place to hang out and engage in all kinds of fandom.
EpisodeChapter 3: A New Pyre
PodcastThe Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling
The podcast explores the origins of online harassment and how the sensitivity culture on one side and the anti-sensitivity culture on the other helped to give rise to abusive behavior.
38:04 - 44:36 (06:31)
Summary
The podcast explores the origins of online harassment and how the sensitivity culture on one side and the anti-sensitivity culture on the other helped to give rise to abusive behavior.
EpisodeChapter 3: A New Pyre
PodcastThe Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling
The culture of calling out people and media properties as problematic, the concept of privilege, and the shift of fandoms turning on their creators all have roots in Tumblr culture.
44:36 - 49:41 (05:04)
Summary
The culture of calling out people and media properties as problematic, the concept of privilege, and the shift of fandoms turning on their creators all have roots in Tumblr culture.
EpisodeChapter 3: A New Pyre
PodcastThe Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling
The politically correct culture of Tumblr is driven to greater and greater extremes because of the perceived enemy culture that comes from places like 4chan, resulting in the deliberate use of public shaming and moral pressure to destroy people's livelihoods and careers.
49:41 - 56:12 (06:30)
Summary
The politically correct culture of Tumblr is driven to greater and greater extremes because of the perceived enemy culture that comes from places like 4chan, resulting in the deliberate use of public shaming and moral pressure to destroy people's livelihoods and careers.
EpisodeChapter 3: A New Pyre
PodcastThe Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling
J.K. Rowling explains her concerns with activists who are beginning to exhibit aggressive behavior and the protests surrounding Milo Yiannopoulos' speaking events.
56:17 - 1:02:00 (05:43)
Summary
J.K. Rowling explains her concerns with activists who are beginning to exhibit aggressive behavior and the protests surrounding Milo Yiannopoulos' speaking events.