Topic: Thriller

3 chapters across the catalog

39: Hard Pass
1:46:06 - 1:50:08

39: Hard Pass

Michael Jackson, Genetics, and the Racial Draft

The hosts engage in a controversial discussion about Michael Jackson's changing appearance and the paternity of his children. They argue that Jackson was "too valuable to the race" to be rejected by the Black community, despite his apparent attempts to look white. The conversation touches on the "racial draft" concept, where high-value celebrities are claimed by their community regardless of their personal choices.

17: Shaft Stache
39:12 - 43:34

17: Shaft Stache

Hollywood Commerce, White Guilt and Racial Thrillers

Lena Waithe admits that Hollywood studios are primarily interested in the "jackpot" of commodifying black content for commerce. The hosts argue that films like Queen and Slim and 12 Years a Slave exploit both a victimization mentality in black audiences and "white guilt" in white audiences. They define this genre as the "racial thriller," which serves as a lucrative niche for studios.

17: Shaft Stache
1:19:47 - 1:25:48

17: Shaft Stache

Political Maturation, Propaganda Awareness and Racial Thrillers

Mo discusses the importance of teaching children how to think rather than what to think to help them identify propaganda. The hosts conclude that the "racial thriller" genre, exemplified by Queen and Slim, is a tool to keep the public docile and divided. They view the current refusal of some voters to support traditional political structures as a sign of "political maturation" that scares the elite.