“Episode 3: Eating Their Own” from the Reagan Faulkner Show explores the phenomenon of progressive “cancel culture” turning against high-profile celebrities who were once hailed by the political left. Reagan begins by analyzing recent backlash against Taylor Swift following her new album “The Life of a Showgirl,” focusing on songs like “Wishlist” and “Father Figure.” Swift is criticized by some far-left activists for expressing desires such as wanting a traditional family and married life—wishes which have, according to the host, led to accusations of promoting “white supremacy” and “eugenics.” The episode describes how Swift’s growth and personal happiness in her relationship with Travis Kelce have been met with outrage from segments of her fanbase, particularly those invested in her previous, more melancholy music.
Reagan extends this argument by highlighting other celebrities caught in similar crossfires, including Sydney Sweeney, who was controversially labeled by some as endorsing eugenics due to a playfully worded ad campaign about “great jeans,” and musician Lizzo, who faced left-wing backlash after publicly celebrating her personal health journey and weight loss. The episode continues by discussing Jeffree Star’s experience of being “cancelled” after expressing conventional views on gender and thanking Donald Trump for supporting TikTok, which benefited his cosmetics business. These case studies serve to illustrate what the host claims is a radicalization on the far left and a tendency to “eat their own” when public figures deviate from the party line or are perceived as betraying progressive causes.
Towards the conclusion, Reagan draws from articles by Todd Gitlin and John Pavlovitz to trace the historical and ideological roots of this trend, tying it to political losses and a drive for ideological purity within leftist circles. The episode argues that this radicalism alienates moderates and pushes them toward more conservative politics, contending that American society should value growth, science, traditional families, and open discussion rather than rigid ideological conformity. Viewers are encouraged to stand up for their beliefs, resist being silenced by vocal minorities, and participate in a society that respects diverse viewpoints and personal evolution.
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