"Feminist Left" & "Fringe Right" Equally Guilty of Rape This Week, Network TV Bets on Comedy About Political Differences, Fast Food Giant's Move Towards the "Vibe Shift"(The Five for 01/17/25)
Plus, hit TV show back a decade after Netflix tried to destroy it. Nintendo's new console.
Hey, welcome to The Five, a publication about the stories that matter.
It’s Friday, so let’s dive into Culture & Commentary.
[one]
There is a near ongoing debate online about whether “toxic masculinity” or “male feminism” that is more dangerous to women…the answer this week, is apparently “both.”
Up first, sci-fi author Neil Gaiman, an outspoken “male feminist” is being accused of more than a dozen rapes and horrific abuses…with the help of his then-wife, feminist icon Amanda Palmer.
Amanda Palmer, 49, has been accused by a number of victims of being aware that her British writer husband was having abusive sexual relationships during the 11 years the pair spent together.
Palmer, who was married to Gaiman from 2011 to 2022, has yet to publicly address the specific claims against her ex-husband.
However, her representative issued a statement saying: 'While Ms Palmer is profoundly disturbed by the allegations that Mr Gaiman has abused several women, at this time her primary concern is, and must remain, the wellbeing of her son and therefore, to guard his privacy, she has no comment on these allegations.'
Gaiman, 64, the award-winning writer behind Coraline and Stardust, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
In a statement on his website, he admitted to being 'careless with people's hearts and feelings' but insisted all sexual encounters were consensual.
The allegations, however, have sparked outrage, with author JK Rowling criticising the literary community for its 'strangely muted' response.
Some of the accusations involve disturbing claims of coercive sexual relationships, with Gaiman allegedly adopting the role of 'master' and his partners as 'slaves.'
One alleged victim, identified as Rachel, claimed she had been Palmer's lover before being 'passed like a toy' to Gaiman.
Another woman, Scarlett Pavlovich, has accused Gaiman of rape and sexual abuse after being recruited by Palmer to work as their babysitter.
Pavlovich, now a student at the University of St Andrews, alleged that when she disclosed the rape to Palmer and said she was still engaging in sexual relations with Gaiman, Palmer appeared unsurprised, allegedly responding: 'Fourteen women have come to me about this.'
And then on the fringe right side of things…Andrew Tate was hotly debated among Conservative circles again after YouTuber Benny Johnson had Tate on. One of the most popular influencers in the world for young men, Tate has openly admitted to sex with 15-year-old girls (see clip below).
World Magazine published a piece today detailing just how popular Tate is, and how this Muslim is now becoming popular in circles of young, Christian men:
One of them finally caved. “Andrew Tate,” he said as he showed me the video they were watching on his phone: “Andrew Tate Motivational Speech.” Even now, if you search for “Andrew Tate” on YouTube, one of the top suggested terms is “Andrew Tate motivation.”
A few months later, a pastor of a large church full of college students approached me. “We’re having an Andrew Tate problem,” he told me, “especially among our high school and college boys.” He asked me to give a midweek talk on the Andrew Tate problem. I had to wrap my mind around Tate’s appeal. Why is he resonating? What, if anything, does he get right? What does he get wrong? I wrote up the substance of that talk and Mere Orthodoxy published it.
For those unfamiliar with Andrew Tate, he is a former kickboxing champion who turned into an influencer who’s famous for bragging about his wealth, trafficking women into pornography, promoting misogyny and abuse, and being a soft convert to Islam. He offers to help men get what they want: riches and a harem.
His philosophy? Get out of your mom’s basement, quit smoking weed, work really hard, get physically fit, and you’ll get rich and have lots of sex, just like me. The first part of that message Christians can resonate with—the last half is evil. “Follow me as I follow the spirit of the Antichrist,” offers Tate, and men subscribe by the millions.
The through line between Gaiman, Palmer and Tate…is rampant hypocrisy alongside their alleged horrific crimes. Gaiman and Palmer claim feminism, but allegedly tag-team rapes…and Tate claims Islam, despite behavior that would have him executed in Iran.
Part of how Tate amassed his fortune was by pretending to be women in chatrooms, and scamming men out of their money. By definition, engaging in cyber-sex with another man is…pretty gay. (And no, that’s not homophobia…I’m sure 99.9% of gay men would agree with me). Tate’s behavior is certainly gay enough to get him executed via being hung from a crane in Iran.
Perhaps the quickest test on morality here is how prisoners would see these idiots. I have multiple friends and associates who work in corrections, and even the most hardened among us cannot stand rapists and abusers…I wouldn’t put money on any of these people living out a full month in an American prison.
So…in regards to the original question…is it toxic masculinity or male feminism that’s more dangerous? Unsurprisingly, evil comes in all stripes…
[two]
Tim Allen (Home Improvement) and Kat Dennings (2 Broke Girls) play a father/daughter on the opposite sides of political/generational lines…and it’s a huge hit for ABC.
It’s also a good sign that Hollywood is producing content about people with wildly different opinions…still being a family. This is great counter-messaging to the “Boycott Thanksgiving” op-ed trend of just a couple months ago.
From The Wrap:
The emotional premise is told through the format of a traditional broadcast sitcom, long a genre that has tackled important topics with laughter and a light heart. And that’s exactly what Michelle Nader, who joined “Shifting Gears” as showrunner and executive producer following creators Mike Scully and Julie Thacker Scully’s exit before the show was greenlit, hopes to do with this new series.
“Tim is definitely the voice of a certain generation and Kat speaks to a different generation, so we get to examine that generational difference and their different perspectives on big life subjects we’re tackling,” Nader told TheWrap. “I think people are ready to just laugh again and delve into characters that resonate with us.”
Indeed Allen returns in full force in “Shifting Gears,” with Dennings meeting his match at every turn when conversations turn to politics, social issues or how she’s raising her kids. And topics are addressed with humor and heart.
The show is also a reunion for Nader and Dennings, who previously worked together on the hit sitcom “2 Broke Girls” and Hulu comedy “Dollface.” Below, the writer talks about working with Allen behind the scenes, what to expect from the show and more:
What’s important here is not whether or not you, or I, personally like Shifting Gears. (I’m not much of a laugh track sitcom person, but I will say that Dennings’ 2 Broke Girls is a hidden gem…well, VERY hidden, as it’s only on Roku, so you probably can’t watch).
What matters is that Hollywood green-lit a show about the political (and generational) divide healing, and people are into it.
Doesn’t matter if you never see a minute of the show…this is a good sign for the culture. But if you’re inclined to tune in…I skimmed the first couple episodes.
This isn’t “prestige TV” by any means, but Allen and Dennings sell the jokes well, and it’s both more fresh and funny, and at times, serious, than the average network sitcom.
BEFORE WE CONTINUE: I had a convo with a potential client this week about a launching a podcast for a nonprofit. The most powerful use of a podcast isn’t even the full episode…but the smaller pieces. There are a certain number of people who will listen to a full episode, but tens of thousands more who will check out a bite-sized chunk of content via a vertical reel. A podcast should be giving you more than a dozen easily digestible, sharable moments
Need help starting (or growing) a podcast for your brand? Book an intro call with the button below and let’s talk about it.
[three]
Transgender surgery appears to have been performed on a non-verbal, profoundly mentally incapacitated biological female, and driven by a mysterious person behind the camera…who may be profiting off this whole endeavor.
From Sarah Fields on X:
The female's name in the viral video of a disabled girl who received a double mastectomy is "Micah Leroy".
She is found on an Instagram account with the username **disabled_trans_boy**.
This is one of the many videos found on the Instagram account, showing a young person with autism, and "Micah".
In the bio is a link to a GoFundMe account out of Shakopee, MN.
However, the GoFundMe seems to be seeking money for another child requesting money for "rent, food, and monthly bills". The GoFundMe seeks funds for "Raine Brick".
The description states - "I'm a disabled and chronically ill person with unsupportive and harmful parents; this money will go to my life expenses until my Social Security pay is set up".
Who is behind the camera? Who is typing the Instagram video and photo descriptions? Who is making the doctor appointments? Who is running a GoFundMe for a child and encouraging the child to distance themselves from “unsupportive parents”?
From a civic perspective, I’ll defend the rights of *ADULTS* to say and do most anything. For example, I find the Furry phenomenon disgusting (if you don’t know what it is by this point, just don’t google it and enjoy the bliss of ignorance), but those people have the same rights as anyone else, including the right to assemble, express their views, etc. I would prefer that they exercise the right go see a therapist, but that’s another matter.
But where this line of personal freedom ends…is when an adult is unable to consent, or even communicate, and someone else can rake in cash on GoFundMe.
The victim is nonverbal, but not non-feeling. Imagine what your reaction would be if you woke up from an amputation you didn't know was coming.
UPDATE: A new video has surfaced of the woman running the camera forcing Micah to touch a hot pan after reading the instruction manual that says to “keep out of reach of disabled people.” This is a prison-sentence level of abuse.
[four]
Yet another story in the “vibe shift” of 2025…seed oils really may be on their way out, as the first major fast food chain has returned to using traditional beef tallow.
QSR Magazine reports:
Steak n Shake announced that it is moving forward with the use of 100% all-natural beef tallow in all its restaurants. Steak n Shake has long been famous for its shoestring fries – and it will now fry them in the best way possible.
When fries were created centuries ago, they were made with tallow. “Our fries will now be cooked in an authentic way, 100% beef tallow, in order to achieve the highest quality and best taste,” said Chris Ward, chief supply chain officer for Steak n Shake.
Chief global development officer for Steak n Shake, Kristen Briede, stated: “The consumer wants the best and deserves the best. By adopting 100% beef tallow, Steak n Shake is delivering the best fries possible.”
By the end of February 2025, all locations will use 100% all-natural beef tallow.
My gut says seed oils are pretty inflammatory and bad for you…but what do I know? This isn’t a health and fitness publication, so make your own decisions on what you eat.
But a major fast food chain is only moving this direction because there has been such an outcry about seed oils from consumers.
[five]
As always, let’s head into the weekend with a pop-culture roundup.
MOVIES: The biopic of British musician Robbie Williams (I still don’t know who that is) as…a monkey who becomes a pop star…only did $500,000 opening day. Paramount paid $25 million to distribute the film, apparently neglecting to account for the fact that Williams is a BRITISH pop star who never caught on stateside.|| The first Cameron Diaz movie in 10 years, Back in Action, is out today on Netflix. Diaz pairs up with Jamie Foxx for a husband-and-wife-duo who get pulled back into the world of espionage, despite their mild-mannered lives as suburbanites and parents of teens. (Trailer). || Black Hawk Down is a classic war/action film, but now Netflix is telling the true story, minus the Hollywood glitz. The streamer will release the documentary Surviving Black Hawk Down on 02/10. (Trailer).Netflix’s ill-fated adaptation of The Witcher novels/video games has largely been abandoned by the viewing audience, but they keep on trying to win fans back. The first trailer for The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep looks really good, but probably a case of too little, too late.
TV: Netflix’s ill-fated adaptation of The Witcher novels/video games has largely been abandoned by the viewing audience, but they keep on trying to win fans back. The first trailer for The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep looks really good, but probably a case of too little, too late. Still Netflix is trying to revive the IP with Liam Hemsworth (The Hunger Games) taking over the title role from Henry Cavill, with two more seasons planned…no release date yet.
MUSIC: Jason Isbell will follow up 2023’s Weathervanes with a solo acoustic album, sans his backup band The 400 Unit. The first single is out now. Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Music. Rolling Stone dropped their list of the 250 best albums of the 21st Century (So Far)…and it’s helped me add some old favorites back into rotation (The Strokes, Common), as well as some releases I had just missed—like Bob Dylan’s epic 17-minute track about JFK’s assassination, which was released just days into the COVID lockdowns. || 00’s Indie rock darlings Rilo Kiley split just before Obama was elected, and have been completely dormant since, save an album of b-sides released in 2013. But, according to a billboard in Southern California, RK will be playing a music festival in 2025…
VIDEO GAMES: Former Members of CD PROJEKT RED (The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk) have broken off and released the first trailer for The Blood of the Dawnwalker, another fantasy/monster hunter open world story. The protagonist/playable character seems to be some kind of half-vampire, or other kind of monster. Interesting indeed. || The Nintendo Switch 2 will release in June, with a new Mario Kart for release day…just so you know what your eight-year-old will be begging for. And by “8-year-old” I might just mean…me. || The hit horror video game Until Dawn is getting the movie treatment, the first teaser/featurette just dropped.
Spy stuff…Math Edition. Cambridge student may accidentally learn to hack every computer in the world or something…said student jaunts across Europe’s prettiest locations as he unravels the mystery and decides to fight back against the corporations/corrupt government officials/vague bad guys.
The math/hacking element looks like it could take this from paint-by-numbers thriller to something more unique. Streaming 01/22 on Apple TV+.
A gangster flick with Robert Di Niro? There are…just so many already—Goodfellas, The Irishman, Taxi Driver, The Godfather Pt. II, Casino.
But a gangster flick with De Niro playing BOTH lead roles…that’s a true story?! Count me in. On the big screen 03/21.
Woah. The original Daredevil show on Netflix was great, but got cancelled out of spite after Disney, who owns Marvel, launched a rival streaming service. Now, exactly a decade after Daredevil’s debut, Disney+ finally has the rights and a finished product to continue the story.
This may be comics-based, but it’s not for the littler ones…the violence is definitely ramped up here, which will make this a hard TV-MA rating, a first for Marvel TV. It’s great to see Jon Bernthal return as Punisher as well as the actors portraying sidekicks Foggy and Karen.
The 18-episode story will be split into two nine-episode chunks, with the first one debuting 03/04.
We’ve got a live one…2025 has it’s first great album, from Nolan Taylor, blue-collared and red-bearded Ohio native that went viral, “68,” a gut-punch of a ballad about growing up poor:
Tripping down all the steps of the local school bus
Wishing I didn't have to go home
Oven was heating the house if our electric was on
I hope dad left money for us
Its three days and I haven't had much
This is singer/songwriter/folk/country fare with just a touch of Memphis Soul that’s lighter than than the likes of Nathanial Rateliff, but it’s there. Taylor taps into a diverse musical diet from childhood, including The Grateful Dead, Alice in Chains, Pearl Jam and Nirvana…setting him apart from the pack of dudes with acoustic guitars who are more or less copying Zach Bryan.
[read & learn]
If you want a cleaner house, but found Marie Kondo’s books to be…really obnoxious, you’ll like Tyler Moore. A teacher in New York City with three small kids, Moore figured out how to declutter only after breaking down from the pressures of careers (both his and his wife’s social work job) and parenthood, crammed into a notoriously small New York apartment. It’s a book about simplifying your life as much as it is about organizing your stuff. Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Spotify | Apple Podcasts | Pocket Casts
At this point, The Free Press may well deserve to inherit the New York Times’ previous nickname “The Paper of Record.” In their latest interview, H.R. McMaster, who was fired by Trump in his first term, gives a…balanced look at the strengths & weaknesses of the President elect.
Until the next one,
-sth