This week, Mr. Beast, the most-subscribed-to individual on YouTube, posted a video where he funded sight-restoration surgeries for 1,000 people. His fans showered him with praise for yet another act of public altruism while critics insisted it ultimately reflected deep cracks in our society. We discuss the role “kindness content” plays in online media, why people do it and what people watching should understand about this type of cynical ploy.
In the second half of the episode, we discuss Tyre Nichols’ killing by Memphis police officers. With the anniversary of Joe Biden shouting “Fund The Police!” at the SOTU just around the corner, we evaluate calls for more “reforms” that are starting to emerge in Congress, and what effect Nichols’ death will have on activists fighting for real change.
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