DeepSummary
The interview discusses Ben Firke's play "I Am The GooseKing" which deals with issues like online harassment, particularly towards women, and the challenges of finding genuine human connection on the internet. Firke shares how a real-life experience of his wife being harassed online after writing an innocuous article served as inspiration for exploring these themes in the play.
The play portrays different perspectives on being "extremely online" - from the outdated views of the mother character Ella, to the web developer character Steph who becomes obsessed with stalking a girl on Instagram. Firke emphasizes that while the play touches on conspiracy theories and the problems faced by young men online, a major focus is on the outrageous harassment and danger women and girls face on the internet.
Firke expresses his view that the internet, which he thinks is great for posting and connection, can also be a cause of immense psychological pain, especially for anyone who isn't a straight man. He reflects on how eye-opening it was to witness the vitriol his wife faced online over something so trivial, making him realize the true extent of toxicity women endure in online spaces.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Ben Firke's play 'I Am The GooseKing' explores issues like online harassment towards women, lack of genuine human connection on the internet, and generational differences in perspectives on internet usage.
- Firke was inspired by his wife's real experience of being harassed online over an innocuous article she wrote.
- The play portrays how the internet, despite its benefits, can be psychologically damaging, especially for non-straight males who face severe toxicity and harassment online.
- Different characters represent contrasting views on being 'extremely online' - from outdated obliviousness to toxic obsession.
- Firke emphasizes that while the play touches on issues faced by young men online, a major focus is the disproportionate outrageous harassment and danger women/girls face on the internet.
- The interview highlights the need to prioritize and amplify women's voices and experiences with online abuse.
- Firke aims to explore the implications of a life deeply entangled with the internet and what it means to be an 'online person'.
- The play presents the internet as an inadequate replacement for genuine human connection that many characters struggle to find.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “So basically, I wanted to really, really emphasize that while young men and their problems are a big part of this, the problems faced by women and girls on the Internet today are just outrageous.“ by Ben Firke
- “Now, one of the things that really inspired a lot of the sort of the stuff about the play, the idea of Jane getting brigaded and having to flee the city because someone tweets a photo of her front door at her to threaten her and stuff.“ by Ben Firke
- “And, you know, one of them showed me, like, her inbox on Facebook, and it was horrifying, just absolute.“ by Ben Firke
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Episode Information
Know Your Enemy
Matthew Sitman
11/15/21