MadLove - a just mediaworks production⚜️

nothing is what it seems ⚔️

·23 min·2 clips

Judith questions why people are celebrating a film as a win for black culture when studios only care about money.

Judith A. Cope opens by questioning recent celebrations of the film 'Sinners' as a win for black culture, stating that studios only care about money, not cultural advancement. She praises the film's technical quality and performances by Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan but argues the story does nothing for black culture. Judith reveals she interned at Warner Brothers long ago, describing a workplace filled with nepo babies like Jim Henson's daughter and Jack Valenti's daughter, with no black executives except Benny Medina. She asserts that Hollywood only greenlights black period pieces or slave narratives, never futuristic stories, citing 'Black Panther' as a rare exception that didn't lead to a trend. Judith shares a personal anecdote about a black co-worker who dismissed her complaints about a black boss, revealing tensions within the community. She connects this to broader issues, stating America is not a meritocracy, as evidenced by the Jeffrey Epstein files and a rigged system. The episode shifts to economic topics, with Judith referencing Professor Jang's analysis that America's wars and policies aim to maintain the dollar as the global currency. She suggests America is financially bankrupt, with leaders padding their pockets, and compares this to historical empires like Rome and England. Judith discusses China's development positively, noting its high-speed rail and low living costs, while criticizing America's crime and lack of accountability for the wealthy. She mentions the O.J. Simpson trial as an example of justice depending on wealth. Judith expresses skepticism about voting, believing presidential selections are made at places like Bohemian Grove, and references Hillary Clinton's 2016 loss despite favorable polling. She thanks listeners for growing the podcast and mentions monetization challenges on Spotify. The episode concludes with encouragement to seek entertainment and self-care.

As heard by us

A sharp rebuttal to the idea that production value equals cultural progress.

Judith A. Cope pushes back on the idea that a polished film is automatically a cultural win. She gives Sinners credit for craft, praises Ryan Coogler's direction and Michael B.

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Why you'd press play

If you want a blunt take on Sinners and the culture talk around it, press play.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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