Ep 78. March 15, 2018 - Andrew Marantz

Jordan Klepper is back with another episode of "The Opposition" and this time he is joined by a very special guest, Andrew Marantz. Andrew is a staff writer for The New Yorker, and Klepper is excited to have him on the show to discuss his latest article that explores the world of far-right extremism on the internet.

As the conversation begins, Klepper isn't afraid to dive right in, asking Andrew about his deep dive into the world of white supremacy, neo-Nazism, and other far-right movements. Andrew explains that he spent months researching and infiltrating these groups online, attends rallies and conferences, and interview members of these groups to get an inside look at what is really going on behind the scenes.

Klepper is shocked to hear about some of the extreme views that these groups espouse, and the lengths they are willing to go to spread their message. Andrew explains that these groups are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their tactics, using encrypted messaging apps and other tools to communicate and plan without detection.

The conversation then turns to the role that social media companies like Facebook and Twitter play in the spread of these extremist views. Andrew argues that these companies need to take a more proactive role in monitoring and removing these types of content from their platforms, rather than relying on users to report it.

Klepper agrees, and points out that many of these companies are based in Silicon Valley, which has a reputation for being liberal and progressive. He asks Andrew if he thinks this plays a role in their reluctance to take action against far-right extremism.

Andrew agrees that there may be some truth to this, but also points out that there are other factors at play, such as concerns about free speech and the difficulty of identifying and removing all objectionable content.

The conversation then turns to the recent controversy surrounding YouTube and the so-called "Adpocalypse," where many major advertisers pulled their ads from the platform after it was discovered that they were appearing on extremist and hate-filled videos.

Andrew argues that this is a wake-up call for all social media companies, and that they need to take a more serious approach to monitoring and removing inappropriate content. He also suggests that advertisers have a responsibility to ensure that their ads are not appearing alongside extremist content, and that they need to be more proactive in monitoring where their ads are being placed.

Throughout the conversation, Klepper and Andrew work to unpack the many complex issues surrounding far-right extremism and social media. They discuss the challenges of regulating online speech, the role of big tech companies in our daily lives, and the need for all of us to be more vigilant and informed about the content we consume and share online.

Overall, this episode of "The Opposition" offers a fascinating look at a growing problem in our society, and offers some thought-provoking suggestions for how we can begin to address it. Whether you're a fan of Klepper's intense brand of political satire or simply interested in learning more about the role that social media plays in shaping our world, this episode is not to be missed.