@@Lonewolfdebnf If he helps the guys himself, that would be a violation of the bet, and I also bet some one will help, because if I was there, unlike you south Korean, I would helps the dude himself, because I'm Viet, and not you.
13:14 A major auto company laid off 43% of workers (thousands of people). Police beat them violently for striking, then put them in millions of debt - confiscating homes and assets to pay for it. Then the workers were _barred from working at many other major companies.._ I've seen so many discussions of Squid Game, and this is the first to mention that critical fact. I don't even care if it explains Gi Hun's unemployment and gambling, it also explains how much power South Korea's businesses have.
Finally, a Squid Hame analysis video that examines its capitalist critiques through a regionally-appropriate historical lens. Finally, a take I feel comfortable sharing with friends! Thanks! Great work, as always. My regards to Dr Skittles
I find it meaningful that the guy representing Capitalism dies when the homeless person is saved. A clear message that Capitalism is defeated when we help and care for each other. Although, it's interesting how the police are presented in this (and other) scenes. I was unaware of the S Korean laws against speaking positively about the North and wonder if there is a similar law/custom for the police given how much of an uncritical ride they are given by the show.
Individual cops can be good people, but not when they’re acting out their primary obligation: to protect property, at any cost. The games could never happen without the willing assent of the South Korean government and the laws they enforce (or don’t, as suits the needs of the rulers). That, ultimately, makes the middle rank enforcers (managers, cops, the middle class, etc) also expendable if that means ensuring the integrity of the system overall - which is what happens to the renegade cop looking for his brother.
@@aidanking4197 I think we need the insight of someone who lives in skorea or knows it better than us because in some places the police might be assigned with tasks such as helping homeless ppl especially in times like winter, etc. to get to public shelters. I mean, I don't think a cop would bring a homeless to his or her home or whatever lol
@@PesteNegro That’s a fair point, but I’d ask you to consider this: cops are the roles relied on to solve problems people aren’t willing to spend money on for social services; doesn’t matter if it’s delinquency, someone threatening suicide, or homeless encampments. Why? Because cops are easy - force is easy. You just beat the problem out of sight of the broader public. I reiterate, individual cops can be good people - but policing as an institution primarily exists to protect and guard commerce and property relations because that’s primarily what the state is about. If they were about preserving human life, you’d see cops handing out food and water to people living on the streets. You don’t see that.
@@aidanking4197 I totally agree with what you just said. I live in a country with one of the most violent police in the world so I sometimes ask myself what they do in countries where they don't terrorizes ppl's life all the time lol hajajhahah I was literally yesterday smoking a joint in front of a mall and kinda praying no cop would pass by stop and frisk me 😂😂 Once I read that cops in Japan """"struggle"""" with too little to be done, I imagine South Korea might be not so different
Citizen of Russia here. When I watched Squid Game for the first time, I was amazed at how uncanny is similarity between the situation portrayed by the show and the period known in Russia as "the rakish 90s" - basically a timeframe between fall of the Soviet Union and early 2000ths when economy was agonising, organised crime at its highest, racketeering and extrortion widespread, police acting as corrupt enforcers for oligarchs who suddenly found themselves very wealthy and powerful. Judging by the series, it feels as if 90s never ended in South Korea.
I was always curious, and thank you if you take the time to answer this, how different is Putin's Russia compared to Yeltsin's Russia in this regard? And what would you say caused the changes? I've never heard it discussed from a Russian perspective
@@TheMonkeystick Well, the crime went way down, atlhough corruption still persists; public services are once again reliable; prices are manageable, albeit on the rise lately; infrastructure is in good condition. In my personal view, the living standards are still lower than during any part of the Soviet rule, but at least we are safe and secure, which is not something I would be able to say about the 90s. Turns out having actually competent leadership in charge can do wonders to your country.
Just want to say South Korea isn't a bleak capitalist society portrayed in Squid Game. Sure, it still has many problems but saying '90s never ended in South Korea' isn't quite accurate. Flaws in South Korean society is far more nuanced than Squid Game. If it was such a brutal and oppressive nation, the creative minds of South Korea would never have been allowed to make the show in the first place. In fact, I wonder if places like modern day Russia would allow their artists to make a show like Squid Game that heavily criticizes its society or government. South Korea produces these kinds of media all the time, like Parasite, 1987 When the Day Comes, Taxi Driver (both movies about military dictatorship in 80s that brutally shot down protestors who spoke up for democracy), DP (very recent South Korean show depicting bullying and abuse that occur in Korean military and how government sweeps these problems under the rug), are just one of many example. Vast majority of Korean media is either romance drama or critique of SK society and government. South Korea has numerous problems but it isn't worse than other capitalist countries. It's just that the people there aren't shy about expressing it via movies or tv shows, even if it means the country may look worse to foreigners who may watch these shows.
I think that ending scene with the homeless man made me cry more than anything else in the show. The old dude has built his life around the idea that people will tear each other apart to get ahead, and he brought Gi-Hun there basically to rub that in his face before his death. But he was proven wrong, no matter how bad the world gets, people still want to help each other, and seeing that belief vindicated is what tells Gi-Hun he has to fight back against the games.
But if Gi-Hun was so good, why didn't he immediately help the old man in the streets himself? He could have just gone down there, or if not that, at least made a phone call from where he was standing. I was a bit disappointed, because it showed that a mere conversation with your antagonist was more important than direct interference and taking direct action. If this scene was symbolic and to be seen as a metaphor, that's still kind of bad. The person who believes in the helpful nature of man is still in dialogue with the person who disputes the helpful nature of man, but the two are still caught in their dialogue and it's keeping them from acting. In the context of worker unions. Maybe instead of waiting for someone to come along and fix the system, workers should start acting now. I actually think that, whether intentional or not, in that scene in the tall building, Gi-Hun and the rich man have become the spectators and the old man out in the streets has become the (involuntary) player. By that, Gi-Hun has made himself an accomplice to the rich western investors. I thought that ending was a bit depressing, because it wasn't pointed out to him - you could have just helped the old man outside in the streets yourself.
Very late, but i think Gi Hun not helping the homeless man himself is symbolic of his wavering faith in humanity by that point. Thats why it is a wager, where the stakes are the ideology that he hold. If no one had helped the homeless man, he would have lost that wager, and lost his faith in humanity. But winning that wager lets him keep that ideology and more, restoring his faith in humanity.
The old man seemed to have a soft moment with Gi-hun before he "died." But, I wonder how much of that was pure manipulation and if some of that was him actually connecting. He told Gi-hun he spared him because he was fun, but, was there another reason possibly? The old man also called out Gi-hun when playing the game for taking advantage of the old man's dementia and brain tumor. So, maybe he has some morals. Or it was purely selfishness to call him out because he was putting him in a disadvantage. If he had no morals, he may have killed him on the spot. So, Idk.
I think the only thing I would have liked to see was Gi-hun realizing that he could have won the bet by helping the man in the snow himself. The lesson bring that we cannot fall prey to the bystander effect and hope that the world somehow fixes itself on the good will of a presumed, likely fictional, other. But instead the lesson be that we each need to be the change we all want to see in the world.
I've thought about this as well. I think any western storyteller would have made the choice to have Gi-Hun win the bet and complete his arc by rescuing the freezing homeless man. The reason I think that doesn't work, is that it then individualizes the failings and "successes" of capitalism and undermines much of the show's narrative. It's more meaningful that someone else save the man, but it's perhaps harder to accept as a western audience because we've been conditioned with capitalist propoganda that conflates wealth and morality.
@@Molly-ml1wn interesting take, cuz I actually thought that the "leave it to someone else" mentality felt very hallmark channel-esque, which of course feels super capitalist. Like those feel good news stories that aren't actually feel good. Though, if I had my way, I would have had him lose the bet and the guy in the snow dies. Gi-hun would then have to confront the fact that he just let a man die in a game the same way the rich people did. Then season two he get presented with a nearly identical gamble, but this time he takes the responsibility and saves the person. Then third season, same thing, but this time he doesn't even need to take the bet because by the time the bet is offered there are already multiple people who Gi-hun has inspired saving whomever it is.
@@Molly-ml1wn that could be one possible interpretation of Gi Hun saving the man, I would see it more as an analogy of gaining class conciousness and engaging in direct action.
i really appreciate how kind you were about addicts. idk if the bar is low but thank you for being so understanding of gihuns addiction. it was really frustrating to watch ppl react to it as if it was pathetic and stuff
Yeah, it was fucked up seeing so many people genuinely unsympathetic to Gi Hun. I thought he was likeable from the moment that we learn that all the money he had made he had made with his daughter in mind.
Capitalism often relies on killing empathy - training people to scrutinize for reasons *not* to help others. Those who'd criticize Gi Hun clearly didn't get the point.
It was rough to see in part, too because his gambling behavior is so contextually rational. Gi-hun wanted to get something nice for his daughter's birthday, and he didn't have the ability to do so in the way he felt she deserved before winning some money. So many "unsavory" behaviors like this that are so common among the poor are present because living in poverty actively encourages them. Even the gift that he gives his daughter was won, emphasizing his need to gamble in order to have anything that resembles the ability to financially provide for her.
@@monsieurdorgat6864 I know exactly what you mean- just the other day, I was approached by a beggar asking me for $4, and though I gave it to her, I couldn't stop thinking about whether or not she was lying about her circumstances, and/or would spend the money on drugs or other luxuries instead of food, bills, medicine, etc.. And the thought alarmed me; why should my generosity be so conditional? Why can't I have faith in others that my aid will truly help them?
there’s something reassuring about the growing number of explicitly anticapitalist films captivating the public consciousness, even if it does not provide any material contributions to revolution, it is at least comforting knowing people are still capable of understanding the sheer immorality of capitalist oppression
@@idomarek4259 Did we watch the same movie??? Because it was a pretty overt allegory to the looming impact of climate change and how misinformation, political complacency, and capitalism will lead to the destruction of our world. But sure if you have the media literacy of a toddler, i can understand how that might’ve flown over your head
@@christiana5453 Ok. forgot this is the internet. my apology. Here is what I meant by that: The Allegory was indeed very overt, to the degree that it was almost insulting. It also lacked any depth or complexity, as allegories often do, and so its interpretation (as I see it) is as follows- the world is literally going to end, the republican party is just dumb people (very subtle references, we are so much cleverer than these sheep- like MAGA people) manipulated by corporations (not like us of course, we just do the reasonable things and listen to science), and in general there is nothing we can do about it because people are just to stupid to listen to science. That's it. In my opinion, even if we turn a blind eye to the very obvious contempt towards the masses this movie contains (which we probably shouldn't), this kind of reduction is unhelpful at best and dangerous at worst. Trump didn't come out of nowhere with a cult following of idiot MAGA conspiracists. He, along with his supporters, came from years of neglect by both the liberal and conservative establishment. They have a good reason to be skeptical of 'science' which to often is used to justify cruelty. they have a good reason to be unreasonable and cling to strongman leaders against the established status quo. But instead of looking honestly at the overarching problems in western society and government which got us into this mess of a situation, the movie avoids any introspection in favor of just dunking on trump supporters (oh and Facebook. or Apple? Spacex? not too sure about that. again foregoing any kind of actual insight in favor of dunking at something we don't like.). So. This is why I felt it was mostly democrats still bitter over losing to Trump. It doesn't offer a honest account of how we got here, it sees no way forward, it mocks anyone who douse not completely agree with it while pretending to not have any agenda other than literally saving the world. But hey, at least we have thanksgiving and Jesus.
Thank you so much for bringing up the National Security Act with Kant Sae-byeok. I feel like a lot of people missed the point of her silence without having knowledge of that law.
I've really enjoyed your media critiques and am glad you made a video focusing on Squid Games. Most of the other videos I'd seen didn't touch on North Korean defectors and their treatment, and it was something I'd never heard of before. Thank you for continuing to create and share videos.
Yeah, basically no one mentioned that one interaction but it was like a gunshot when I heard it. Clear as day. South Korean capitalism is no better than North Korean dictatorship.
Wait. How much we actually know about North Korea if it's illegal to say anything positive about it and the majority of things we know come from South Korean sources ?
Bro, I really wanna talk to the "this is a critique of communism, actually". I'm literally a capitalist bro, but man, you dumb. People are a little better when on good communist societies, by sharing anything they can. Up until famine. :/
"co-opted by bs takes" in my experience from my surounding in germany: "Dude! Did u see episode x. That was so cool. I thought Y would not make it. I hate Z. He/ She is so stupid. Well, when i would be playing it, i would totally own everyone." Currently most people see it with the lense of a spectacle for the spectacles sake. Sadly. 😰
Your description of Gi-hun being the union man has brought me to tears without any buildup in a moment's notice, thank you for saying this values out loud so much. I've never heard of this concept, but I always had an identity of a union man and I forgot about how lonely it feels without like-minded people. Living in an overly-competitive and struggle-endorsing society segment have me repressing these values since childhood. Capitalism really does induce suffering as a system, wish more people saw into it.
This was a great breakdown of this fantastic show. I also wanted to mention the episode titled “Hell” which happens entirely out of the game, in real life. Like the Squid Game while brutal and awful are more honest than real life. And after most of them wanting out after Green Light, Red Light, most of them come back to the games. I also think a lot about the PTSD scene. It really gave another depth to the protagonist. Of course he was likable before but after this scene, you really sympathize with him. I mean there should be more essay about this show.
Squid Game: comes a hair's breadth away from a character straight-up saying "capitalism is bad" shitty think pieces: actually i think it's saying that capitalism is actually very good!
"Is Squid Game actually about Communism?" No. No it isn't. Just because you paint communism as the condition that late stage capitalism brings about doesn't mean that it is about your caricature of it. These thinkpieces are so dang dense.
Was the patriot act patriotic? Seriously... squid game shows nothing even close to resembling a free market, the entire premise that their ability to quit = death. You ever been murdered for quitting your job? Yeah, didn't think so.
@@g00gleisgayerthanaids56 hey pal, you know that a metaphor isn't literal right? just because someone doesn't literally shoot you when you loose your job doesn't mean that the effects aren't as serious. Gi-Hun couldn't hold down stable employment and when his mother became sick he couldn't pay for her healthcare, which was he reason to return to the games but by the time it's over she's already dead. She died (of a preventable illness) due to her lack of capital. It's extremely not subtle but somehow you still missed it.
The detail I probably like the most is how Il-nam (player 1 who owns the game) wants to "play" the game just like the victims do, but is never under any actual threat, thereby he's not really playing and doesn't and can't understand what it's like to be one of the players. To him, it really is just a game, and all the people who are murdered throughout? He doesn't give them a second thought.
@@rabidrabids5348 no, he could have died in the tug of war, and during the violent night. He already thought he was going to die. He took risks knowing two things. 1. He would not be “eliminated.” And 2. He know that this game was designed so that everyone but one would be eliminated. He was not concerned with the odds of survival.
I know a lot of people (esp in the west) don’t like it but I personally loved the ending and the choice he made, a second season feels like it would be doomer inducing that shot of him turning away from boarding the plane tells you so much about his character and his reignited motivation to not just give in
I fully agree with you, but our ape brains want to see Giyun (?) reunite with his daughter, he doesn't have to sacrifice his mission, just acknowledge that he still loves her, but that may slow down the pace of the final scene.
@@Nimonacore no I meant that I discussed it with a couple of friends and they all seemed to be mad at the ending for him not taking his individual success and leaving relax a little and realise that most people have actual friends and family who they talk to and realise common themes with (plus my kr online friends all seemed to have no problem and didn’t want a sequel)
To me it also very much looks like sequel bait which considering it's perception in the West I'm not too hopeful will have the same strong messaging if there's a second season
Omg I related to Seong Gi-Hyun IMMEDiATELY. As a unemployed Man - child who lost my job in a failed industry to middle class parents I immediately related
Thank you for making this. I had a feeling there were some politics and historical references that flew over my head in the show (like the auto strike), and I don't think I've seen any other reviewers touch on that.
@@angela_merkeIespecially since it was very common at the time for any “this and that man” to refer specifically to just men and maybe there’s a female version
I find it interesting how a lot of people sympathized with Sang-Woo, who represents the capitalist perspective, and even wanted him to win, despite the fact that Sang-Woo stole money from his mother, tricked and killed Ali, and also killed the North Korean girl. People say “oh he’s just doing whatever it takes to win” but I think the point the show is making is that throwing away your morality in pursuit of victory and material gain ends up making you into a monster. I also think it’s interesting how Sang-Woo had the ideal capitalistic life - great education, prestigious degree and job, but through illegal activity and bad investments he loses it all. As opposed to Gi-Hun, whose life is ruined largely by the system of capitalism destroying his life because he dared protest it. So I find it interesting because it makes sense that those with a capitalist mindset would view Sang-Woo - a prototypical capitalist who kills, cheats, exploits the system and ruthlessly aims to win the game so he can use that money to “make more money” - is seen by those viewers as more sympathetic, while they view Gi-Hun as a failure and deride him for putting unity and morality over monetary wealth. It goes to show how capitalism has caused many to think that individual achievement no matter the consequences is just and ideal, and that altruistic unity is “weakness”.
I think a lot of people just view the world through the eyes of a capitalist, whether they're aware of it or not. Though if this show can't make people reconsider their perspective, I don't know what will lol it's not subtle.
@@anthonyhuaman2795 its the other way around social democracy is basically a social welfare state that still supports the capitalist mindset in society, its been evident how these social democracy states like norway or any social democratic state is sucombing to capitalistism.
Just watched this again after a man who wrote a poem that praised NK in the south was imprisoned for 14 months on the basis of the national security law. Only a couple of news outlets gave it even a mention.
I really need to check out SquibGame; knowing vaguely how it turns out doesn't really spoil it for me, if anything it actually makes me want to see it more. Death game media is popular, but knowing that there's meaning behind the blood helps. I should have known by now, but I'm also very relieved that your discussion of topics like the Soviet Union and North Korea resisted easy thought-terminating cliches that are relentlessly drilled into us here in The West. Until a few years ago, "bread lines billions dead" memes were literally my only opinions on actually existing socialism. And I was only given reason to question these hegemonic narratives with worsening conditions and poor outcomes here in the "free world". We're all subject to circumstances.
stalin himself said “one death is tragedy a millions is just a statistic. that tells you all ypu need to know. The soviet union didnt give a shit about its people. infact tons of evidence points that out. It not just western propaganda.
I remember having a conversation with a co-worker about this show and he kept implying it was their fault for "choosing," to go back. I kept trying to point-out they were in ruinous debt and were exploited. I even tried to say "Come on how much "choice" do we have in coming to work?" For context the guy wasn't even trying to be mean it's a very "low-skill," job so it attracts a lot of special needs people. But he just looked off blankly murmuring, "Yeah, but... they chose to go back." We're so hypnotized that it can never be capitalism's fault. It's not that it's rigged you're just not "trying," hard enough.
Me: very drunkenly trying to explain the connection between Ali’s inability to know Korean playground games as a comparison to how US IQ tests viewed those who did not know popular culture as being stupider. My friend who deals with my BS: I get it are you wanting another drink, Me: you’re god damn right.
That scene where the masked guy reveals himself to his brother and shoots him off a cliff, it was impossible not for me to feel like I hope my real life brother would stand up and never for any reason shoot me off a cliff like that in real life. Scared the shit out of me for a moment
Those hot takes at 0:23 are so frighteningly off-base. As metaphorically rich as Squid Game is, it is never subtle. The symbolism is deliberately inelegant and *blunt...* almost to the point of condescending. The only way to get it _that_ wrong is for someone to pay you to get it that wrong. Which I see as the best news of all: the capitalists are getting scared.
@@RoyalFusilier, oh absolutely. I adore subtlety and the bravery to risk going over the viewer's head. But in a world where even Paul Verhoven's caustic satire in _Starship Troopers_ went unnoticed by so many, bluntness stopped being something I held against a work, and become something I admired just as much as subtlety.
The age of metaphors and subtext is over. Now is the time of writing your message on a brick and hitting someone in the face with it. Look at what happened when reactionaries watched The Matrix they co-opted the red pill and while claiming they’re awakened they just say shit sounding like Agent Smith.
The strikers being penalised and fined resonates with me. Here in South Africa after the Marikana miners were massacred by the police, a number of the surviving strike leaders were charged with manslaughter or incitement of violence, I can't remember which. There was such a public outcry when this became public knowledge that the charges was dropped.
I had sympathy for the main character from the very begining because of 3 years of unemployment i suffered from ... although not similar mental health, poverty, lack of support makes you do shit that you will bot consider in a normal condition
Thank you for explaining the actual history and real-world significance of these plot points. You actually clarified a lot for me. I had no idea that the strike in the show was real until now. This was better than yet another video pointing out obvious “easter eggs.”
The old man, Oh Il-nam, along with the other spectator-sponsors seem like a pretty direct metaphor to the corporate people who sponsor the show, as well as a large part of its audience. People who watch the show for the spectacle of the desperation of the exploited poor. I think it anticipates the dehumanizing racial-capitalist view of South Koreans dying for American entertainment
How are there no views and two likes. I don't think I've ever been this early. But thanks for making the content you do. Found you through your Korra videos, and I have loved everything of yours i've seen since. Especially your Disco elysium video. That video gives me feels.
I'm assuming the "PTSD as a direct result of Capitalism" twist is significant, especially seeing how it affected a couple of people I know, but it also made me realise how beyond needing that I am, at this point. I refused to ever see Gi Hun as anything other than a victim of the system, from the very beginning. Even if all his misery was caused solely by his brain being wired towards short-time rewards and him being unable to overcome it, that is not enough for me to see it as "his fault". That mind being incompatible with capitalism is capitalism's fault, not the minds. It was still useful because I didn't know about the specific incident referenced, so points all around
Honestly, I was completely sold on him the moment that he stopped to help the person he knocked down while **running for his life from the debt-collectors**. If he kept on running and didn't lose so much distance, there's a significant chance that he could've gotten away. But no, he did some harm and stopped to fix it the best he could. That it ended up being Sae-byeok, and that her pickpocketing is what seemingly led to the invitation to the game (signing away his physical rights) makes it all the more powerful that he stuck with her to the end.
@@daniellewasdelayed8921 that was definitely his "save the cat" moment. A very important beat in narrative stortelling, if the author wants us to root for someone grey. So we know, this is not a 100% evil person, they can be redeemed, the humanity inside shines for just a second to let us know. But here's the thing: I guess the real issue I have with these constructs is when we try to apply them in real life narratives: this child murderer, this parent who criminally neglected their kid, this "edgy" celeb who spewed racist screeds -*those* kinds of people are beyond redemption, they deserve all the punishment. And it's not because the crime was necessarily too severe, but because we didn't get a humanising moment of them in the narrative we consumed. We never saw them save the cat. And we can see the reverse when some criminals *are* given humanising moments, especially in front of juries, and suddenly, the crimes don't seem that evil, they don't seem that disconected -suddenly you can empathise. It happens a lot to white boys standing trial for violence -if the defendand can persuade the jury their client did, indeed, save the cat, they've practically won. This fails the people being demonised, but it also fails everyone else, who might fall into the same trap the next time -because this system is a revolving door of people doing the most horrific shit to stay alive or move forward, and someone will always fill that role. And they won't usually get our empathy. We don't see most anyone's "saving the cat" moments, unless we know them personally -but everyone's "sins" are usually on full display, as it's something that capitalism exaggerates. Gi-Hun deserved a fulfilling life even if he had stepped over Sae-byeok, even if he deliberately hurt her to win some time, even if he killed her by doing so -you know what I mean? I don't need anyone to prove to me they're not grey -I believe they deserve to survive even if they're fully coded as "evil" - as beyond redemption, by my mind's narrative, and by society's. Jang Deok-su, for example, deserves to live and flourish just like Gi-Hun does, just like Sae-byeok does. Yes, he's an asshole, only inserted into the narrative to be the most prominent example of normal people doing the kind of evil that justifies severe punishment: and yet, I argue, he deserves a life too. Because I know the real-life Jang Deok-su "saved the cat" at some point, because we all have, because nobody is a souless evil machine. I don't need to see it -this life is not a theatre for my amusement, I just need to make sure everyone gets to live, cuz everyone is alive.
@@icicloui I 100% agree. When it comes to fiction, I'm a little more black-and-white than irl because I know they're written with intenions and mechanics in the plot; Deok-su is there to be a horrible asshole who uses his power of Male Dominance and Being A Misogynist to get ahead, where both of his downfalls (pre-games and in the games) was seeing the consequences when the artifice of hierarchy is pulled away. When put on equal footing with someone else, like when his gender-opposite Han Mi-nyeo (a woman who is loud, manipulative, uses her body, doesn't care about others, all in very similar ways that Deok-su does but is called a bitch because of it), he is easily defeated. If he was a real person, I would want the best for him. Everyone deserves shelter, food, clothes, etc, even assholes and bigots. 'But these aren't real people, they're walking plot machines, so why not look at them like that?' is what I think to myself. A good amount of that is probably my autism taking things at face value or wanting to know how things *mechanically* work in order to feel assured and comforted by the lack of surprise. Gi-hun gets a Save The Cat moment because the show needs us to empathize with him. Deok-su not being as fleshed out is honestly a bit of a shame and it hurts the message at least a little (though for us deeper in this stuff, it's obvious that he probably became this shitheel because of social pressures and financial issues), but it all works pretty well regardless.
It's funny how liberals and other capitalists think this show was a commentary on communism when the director clearly, blatantly, and openly stated it was a commentary on capitalism.
Liberals and other bootlickers just can’t wrap there heads around their system being naturally repressive and shit because otherwise their entire idea of the world and belief system would collapse. It’s like when dumbasses say shit like “oh Vietnam was never fighting for communism”, it just shows how little they know about communist movements and lines of thought as well as having no idea what liberation means. As a communist who often had to deal with liberal family members and friends it’s incredibly difficult for them to understand how the world actually works.
Liberals always project issues of capitalism onto communists. You'll notice that all of their deranged criticisms of the USSR not only exist in capitalism, but often exclusive to capitalism. I suppose it's an easy way for the bourgeoisie to kill two birds with one stone; create propaganda against its enemies while extinguishing criticism of itself.
This sort of "hero fantasy" about the protagonist whose faith in the humanity and kindness of others reaches superheroistic levels was also what got me into anime back as a kid. It always struck me as strange how that kind of messaging differed in our comics here in the US; where because our superheroes are so specifically godlike they are made 'other', where an anime protagonist's unbreakable, unwavering faith seems like an (perhaps unrealistic but) attainable ideal exemplar of virtue. Despite all it's pretty bad messaging, the series stuck with me for that message of no matter how bad things are for someone that they still believe in people. Squid Game reminds me of some of those series.
I FINALLY understand the real message of Gi-Hun (and sorry if I spelled it wrong)! Thanks! You deserve way more success, by the way. It's the kind of perspective we're lacking.
1:55 word "man" as human and word "man" as "male" are two different words in russian, so when it says "Soviet Man" it includes women too, because it is more of a "Soviet Human" by its definition.
Such an awesome Marxist breakdown of this show. Revolutionary optimism in the face of abject misery. No one seemed to get this show like you did, with the correct analysis. Let this be a call to action to unite and take power in order to end this suffering
This is definitely NOT a "Marxist" breakdown. It is anti-capitalist, though. Idealist. Anarchist. Even anti-Marxist. There are lots of pointers in the video. "Middle class", "'Post-Soviet' Man", the PC sneer at the "New Soviet Man" gendering, etc. "Revolutionary optimism" is not unique to Marxism. The most critical give-away is the total absence of a materialist dialectic.
This was phenomenal dude seriously. I've watched your videos but this was incredible and I wish it had more views. It also convinced me to finally watch Squid Games lol
I am a bit surprised by how common the sentiment of "the police detective side story was pointless" is. To me it was a clear message about how the system dehumanizes you to such a degree that if you succeed, you're most likely to become an oppressor yourself because that's all you know by now
Im super late to this discussion, but i want to give my two cents. I saw people talking about how Gi Hun not helping the homeless person himself as undermining to the message, but i dont think so. I think this represents his wavering faith in humanity and in his belief that humans will help each other. After all that he has gone through, he finally started to feel jaded. At this point, he almost became someone who would think "thats not my problem", hence his inaction. But he hasnt been thoroughly broken yet, which leads him to bet in favour of humanity. At that point, after seeing how powerless he is (both from his life and the games), he is probably thinking "even if i help that man today, if humanity is really that bad, whats the point? This same scenario will happen again and again anyways. I alone cant help everyone." Thats why he took that bet, and choose to be a bystander for this one time. If no one helps the man and he dies, then his faith in humanity dies along with the man. "Oh well." He will say, "thats just how life is. My faith in humanity were naive after all." But if someone else helped the homeless man, it would soothe his doubt and confirm to him that he isnt the only one who cares, and that his faith was correct. "I cant change the world alone, but i will not be doing this alone. I can believe that people want to help each other, and will help each other if given the opportunity". The wager isnt just about the money, its also about his ideology.
Adding to this, i think had Gi Hun helped the man himself, it would have actually been a worse story. From a character arc standpoint, it wouldnt have made much sense that after what he had witnessed and experienced, he would still hold steadfast to that faith. And even if he would have still been steadfast to that faith, that would mean the moment isnt a moment of development (since Gi Hun didnt change), but simply a moment of confirmation to the audience that "yeah, this is the kind of person Gi Hun is", which we already know. Or worse, the moment could actually be interpreted as a negative arc, where if he helped the man, it would signal to us that Gi Hun had lost his faith in humanity. He believed that no one would help the homeless man, and so takes the matter into his own hand, because he cant have faith that people would help each other anymore. And from a messaging standpoint, having Gi Hun help the man would defeat the message of the show, that is that "despite everything, good people exist who wants to help each other". If Gi Hun helped the man himself, it sends the message that "we shouldnt hope for people to help each other, we need to actively help other people on our own because other people wont". Which at first glance might seem like a good message, but its missing the "hope" element. If no one will help each other anyways, why bother helping people at all? Even if i give this homeless man some food today, he will go hungry tomorrow again anyways, and i cant keep taking care of him because i need to take care of myself first. Remember that the big emotional conflict here isnt just about "faith in humanity", its also about helplesness and powerlessness (which is also why Gi Hun didnt help the man himself btw, his inaction represents his feeling of helplessness and powerlessness). Its a fact of reality that as it is currently, not everyone can save everyone. What would you think if you are in the position of that homeless man, and someone told you that "you shouldnt hope for people to help each other", that "if you want to see good, be that good". Well, what good could you do? Youre struggling to stay alive yourself, so the only part that would matter to you is the "you shouldnt expect people to help each other" part. Id imagine Despair would be the only thing left. The message of Squid Game is so powerful because it applies to everyone. Even if you are struggling now, its okay, because you can believe that someone will help you. And when you are in a position to help, you can help other people and rest assured that other people will also help them so that the burden wont fall solely upon your back. The message isnt just about "doing good", its also a message about hope.
EXACTLY YOU GET IT. I don't understand how people see that scene and compare Gi-hun to the VIPs like?? The point is that his time in the games had almost left him a broken man with no hope left for humanity. We see him just basically wallow in misery for a whole year. That bet with the old man was his wake up call, the thing that got him back on track. Which is why after that scene, he begins to turn his life around and starts helping people. That bet also gave him the determination to fight back and try to end the games, because he believes in helping humanity again
7:15 "Off-brand Amon" is the perfect description, as soon as you said that I realized that was the vibe I was picking up from him: some masked guy always going on about equality, whilst simultaneously using their own very unequal power to reach their own personal goals.
Thank you so much for making this video. While it presented aspects I wasn't even aware of, deepening my love and appreciation for the show, it also made history much more appealing as someone who was bored of it in high-school :)
Meanwhile, Tim Pool: "I dont think its overtly political", "Its more anticommunist than anything", "It's actually about communism, the creator is really dumb and doesnt know what he's critiquing".
I was gonna be like as someone who didn't watch this show that this was gonna be a spicy take... I think 2 things are to be said: USSR looked to science when science was still seeped in eugenicist colonization (Foucault was indeed responding to the eugenicist policies against queer+ people), you combatted the reaganite-consumerist stereotypes of USSR being about sameness. You handled this very subtly & tactfully. I liked & appreciated that. Thank you!
I don't think he was that much in danger, they could have rigged the game in many ways. In the worst case scenario I think the man could release himself, lighs would have gone off, then a fake body would be dropped on the floor. In fact after writing this comment I checked and there was a clue right there: He doesn't have a padlock on the wrist.
Yup, thats why the only time he was genuinely afraid was when the lights went out. He really thought he was going to die, so he wet himself. His cries and pleas for help is what brought the pink men into the room.
Seems like a good show. I've read so much about it and watched so many videos analyzing it, but I've never actually seen the show because... well, capitalism. Netflix, specifically.
No I will not take this. You, my friend, are a ferret. Find a copy through a jolly roger and drag it to your spot with all your shinies! Ripping off netflix as you do so. In minecraft.
El comunismo es basura, camarada. Vuelve a la gente pobre y la mata. El capitalismo lo ha vencido en cada oportunidad que ha tenido. Si quieres el bien y deseas patear en el trasero al mercantilismo y al corporativismo, abraza el cristianismo y la caridad.
You should also take into account that South Korea was a military dictatorship until 1979. That definitely factored into this film in a way that a western audience might not understand.
But, after all, listening to a child, hearing him speak, hearing him explain what his relations actually were with someone, adult or not, provided one listens with enough sympathy, must allow one to establish more or less what degree of violence if any was used or what degree of consent was given. And to assume that a child is incapable of explaining what happened and was incapable of giving his consent are two abuses that are intolerable, quite unacceptable. - Michel Foucault
I wasn't sure the show "needed" a second season, but i think we needed it to have a second season. To remind people about these messages. As people discover or rediscover the show, hopefully more people are having these conversations and watching and making videos like this.
Splatoon Also I think one of the reasons this show is such an effective critique is because, in a way, it shows a glorified version of capitalism: - Instead of doing some god-awful, boring job, you're playing kids games, which are significantly more fun - While the games are often unfair, the unfairness isn't due to bigotry or "being born wealthy", but rather just kinda arbitrary - Instead of the implicit, slow death of being put into poverty, you're kinda just shot dead on the spot I think this is important because a lot of anti-capitalist media shows a sort of hyper-capitalist dystopia where everything is cranked up to eleven, but this kinda just makes it so the criticism isn't of capitalism as it currently is, but of what it could one day be. Instead, by glorifying capitalism, Squid Game can say "no, you don't need to make capitalism worse to condemn it, you could even fix a lot of its issues and it'll still suck"
didn't know about the details of the specific strike but I'm glad you took the time to talk about it because knowing the circumstances and how far the employers went to ruin their employees life's just for recognizing their worth. The blackball and counter sue puts the show in a new light for gi hun's story
I'm so glad you're educating the American masses on this! Citizens of the American Empire need more edutaining content like this so that they can get their heads out of the gutters of their propagandized selves. They need this kind of deprogramming. To educate the American masses on how South Korea was/is a puppet state of the American Empire for example is absolutely awesome! So glad you did that! To say "Developed Capitalist Nation" in the air-quotes way you did was simply sublime! To talk about Leftist ideology in such a way that is digestable, consumable, and accessible to the American masses is superb! So glad you called out how easily brainwashed the American masses are to hating North Korea especially by highlighting the absurd claims made by that one barbie doll of a defector (I regret to say I've met her before, but I met her pre-plastic-surgery and she was actually more believable then than her now CIA-funded lifestyle "sighs") Absolutely love that line "for the defectors, they're still in prison here with everyone else"!
It annoys me how many people will just listen to Ms Park without checking ANYTHING she says or where her money comes from, or the fact she was from a landed and monied old family. Like two seconds of research if that. :/
@@Sephirajo Shitting on socialism is an evergreen grift here in the states. She can say literally anything bad about the DPRK and get paid butt tons for it & get plastered all over every media outlet in the country. It's effortless money.
"He was MORE than a hero - he was a union man."
*Ear rape solidarity forever intensifies*
“32 bullets he had in him… or was it 34?”
He just watches and have a game rather than help the homeless guy for himself his selfish. Not some union guy
@@Lonewolfdebnf If he helps the guys himself, that would be a violation of the bet, and I also bet some one will help, because if I was there, unlike you south Korean, I would helps the dude himself, because I'm Viet, and not you.
13:14 A major auto company laid off 43% of workers (thousands of people). Police beat them violently for striking, then put them in millions of debt - confiscating homes and assets to pay for it. Then the workers were _barred from working at many other major companies.._
I've seen so many discussions of Squid Game, and this is the first to mention that critical fact. I don't even care if it explains Gi Hun's unemployment and gambling, it also explains how much power South Korea's businesses have.
He probably lost his savings and house. So he had to move in with his mother. Then, he lost his kid.
Finally, a Squid Hame analysis video that examines its capitalist critiques through a regionally-appropriate historical lens. Finally, a take I feel comfortable sharing with friends! Thanks! Great work, as always. My regards to Dr Skittles
Xiran Jay Zhao has a video that goes into the Korean history aspects as well which is quite good: ua-cam.com/video/uKahrLhLNlQ/v-deo.html
Feel the same
Skittles is your typical capitalist who gets paid by sponsors and claims to represent the average working people
I find it meaningful that the guy representing Capitalism dies when the homeless person is saved. A clear message that Capitalism is defeated when we help and care for each other. Although, it's interesting how the police are presented in this (and other) scenes. I was unaware of the S Korean laws against speaking positively about the North and wonder if there is a similar law/custom for the police given how much of an uncritical ride they are given by the show.
Individual cops can be good people, but not when they’re acting out their primary obligation: to protect property, at any cost. The games could never happen without the willing assent of the South Korean government and the laws they enforce (or don’t, as suits the needs of the rulers). That, ultimately, makes the middle rank enforcers (managers, cops, the middle class, etc) also expendable if that means ensuring the integrity of the system overall - which is what happens to the renegade cop looking for his brother.
I must confessed I did laugh when he died
@@aidanking4197 I think we need the insight of someone who lives in skorea or knows it better than us because in some places the police might be assigned with tasks such as helping homeless ppl especially in times like winter, etc. to get to public shelters. I mean, I don't think a cop would bring a homeless to his or her home or whatever lol
@@PesteNegro That’s a fair point, but I’d ask you to consider this: cops are the roles relied on to solve problems people aren’t willing to spend money on for social services; doesn’t matter if it’s delinquency, someone threatening suicide, or homeless encampments. Why? Because cops are easy - force is easy. You just beat the problem out of sight of the broader public. I reiterate, individual cops can be good people - but policing as an institution primarily exists to protect and guard commerce and property relations because that’s primarily what the state is about. If they were about preserving human life, you’d see cops handing out food and water to people living on the streets. You don’t see that.
@@aidanking4197 I totally agree with what you just said. I live in a country with one of the most violent police in the world so I sometimes ask myself what they do in countries where they don't terrorizes ppl's life all the time lol hajajhahah I was literally yesterday smoking a joint in front of a mall and kinda praying no cop would pass by stop and frisk me 😂😂
Once I read that cops in Japan """"struggle"""" with too little to be done, I imagine South Korea might be not so different
Citizen of Russia here. When I watched Squid Game for the first time, I was amazed at how uncanny is similarity between the situation portrayed by the show and the period known in Russia as "the rakish 90s" - basically a timeframe between fall of the Soviet Union and early 2000ths when economy was agonising, organised crime at its highest, racketeering and extrortion widespread, police acting as corrupt enforcers for oligarchs who suddenly found themselves very wealthy and powerful. Judging by the series, it feels as if 90s never ended in South Korea.
I was always curious, and thank you if you take the time to answer this, how different is Putin's Russia compared to Yeltsin's Russia in this regard? And what would you say caused the changes? I've never heard it discussed from a Russian perspective
@@TheMonkeystick
Well, the crime went way down, atlhough corruption still persists; public services are once again reliable; prices are manageable, albeit on the rise lately; infrastructure is in good condition. In my personal view, the living standards are still lower than during any part of the Soviet rule, but at least we are safe and secure, which is not something I would be able to say about the 90s. Turns out having actually competent leadership in charge can do wonders to your country.
Just want to say South Korea isn't a bleak capitalist society portrayed in Squid Game. Sure, it still has many problems but saying '90s never ended in South Korea' isn't quite accurate. Flaws in South Korean society is far more nuanced than Squid Game. If it was such a brutal and oppressive nation, the creative minds of South Korea would never have been allowed to make the show in the first place. In fact, I wonder if places like modern day Russia would allow their artists to make a show like Squid Game that heavily criticizes its society or government. South Korea produces these kinds of media all the time, like Parasite, 1987 When the Day Comes, Taxi Driver (both movies about military dictatorship in 80s that brutally shot down protestors who spoke up for democracy), DP (very recent South Korean show depicting bullying and abuse that occur in Korean military and how government sweeps these problems under the rug), are just one of many example. Vast majority of Korean media is either romance drama or critique of SK society and government. South Korea has numerous problems but it isn't worse than other capitalist countries. It's just that the people there aren't shy about expressing it via movies or tv shows, even if it means the country may look worse to foreigners who may watch these shows.
@@J2Y3S2TH all capitalist societies are bleak
@@basil7292 all societies are bleak since the dawn of society
I think that ending scene with the homeless man made me cry more than anything else in the show. The old dude has built his life around the idea that people will tear each other apart to get ahead, and he brought Gi-Hun there basically to rub that in his face before his death. But he was proven wrong, no matter how bad the world gets, people still want to help each other, and seeing that belief vindicated is what tells Gi-Hun he has to fight back against the games.
But if Gi-Hun was so good, why didn't he immediately help the old man in the streets himself? He could have just gone down there, or if not that, at least made a phone call from where he was standing. I was a bit disappointed, because it showed that a mere conversation with your antagonist was more important than direct interference and taking direct action.
If this scene was symbolic and to be seen as a metaphor, that's still kind of bad. The person who believes in the helpful nature of man is still in dialogue with the person who disputes the helpful nature of man, but the two are still caught in their dialogue and it's keeping them from acting.
In the context of worker unions. Maybe instead of waiting for someone to come along and fix the system, workers should start acting now.
I actually think that, whether intentional or not, in that scene in the tall building, Gi-Hun and the rich man have become the spectators and the old man out in the streets has become the (involuntary) player. By that, Gi-Hun has made himself an accomplice to the rich western investors. I thought that ending was a bit depressing, because it wasn't pointed out to him - you could have just helped the old man outside in the streets yourself.
Very late, but i think Gi Hun not helping the homeless man himself is symbolic of his wavering faith in humanity by that point. Thats why it is a wager, where the stakes are the ideology that he hold. If no one had helped the homeless man, he would have lost that wager, and lost his faith in humanity. But winning that wager lets him keep that ideology and more, restoring his faith in humanity.
@@ever-openingflower8737 its meant to mirror how the vips watch poor people thru their window
The old man seemed to have a soft moment with Gi-hun before he "died."
But, I wonder how much of that was pure manipulation and if some of that was him actually connecting.
He told Gi-hun he spared him because he was fun, but, was there another reason possibly?
The old man also called out Gi-hun when playing the game for taking advantage of the old man's dementia and brain tumor. So, maybe he has some morals. Or it was purely selfishness to call him out because he was putting him in a disadvantage.
If he had no morals, he may have killed him on the spot. So, Idk.
@@dudep504Maybe he would've helped the guy out after the bet was lost?
I think the only thing I would have liked to see was Gi-hun realizing that he could have won the bet by helping the man in the snow himself. The lesson bring that we cannot fall prey to the bystander effect and hope that the world somehow fixes itself on the good will of a presumed, likely fictional, other. But instead the lesson be that we each need to be the change we all want to see in the world.
Yes!
I've thought about this as well.
I think any western storyteller would have made the choice to have Gi-Hun win the bet and complete his arc by rescuing the freezing homeless man.
The reason I think that doesn't work, is that it then individualizes the failings and "successes" of capitalism and undermines much of the show's narrative.
It's more meaningful that someone else save the man, but it's perhaps harder to accept as a western audience because we've been conditioned with capitalist propoganda that conflates wealth and morality.
@@Molly-ml1wn interesting take, cuz I actually thought that the "leave it to someone else" mentality felt very hallmark channel-esque, which of course feels super capitalist. Like those feel good news stories that aren't actually feel good.
Though, if I had my way, I would have had him lose the bet and the guy in the snow dies. Gi-hun would then have to confront the fact that he just let a man die in a game the same way the rich people did.
Then season two he get presented with a nearly identical gamble, but this time he takes the responsibility and saves the person.
Then third season, same thing, but this time he doesn't even need to take the bet because by the time the bet is offered there are already multiple people who Gi-hun has inspired saving whomever it is.
yup! that whole scene i keep thinking, "just go down and help him! screw that old fart!"
@@Molly-ml1wn that could be one possible interpretation of Gi Hun saving the man, I would see it more as an analogy of gaining class conciousness and engaging in direct action.
i really appreciate how kind you were about addicts. idk if the bar is low but thank you for being so understanding of gihuns addiction. it was really frustrating to watch ppl react to it as if it was pathetic and stuff
It seems like people don't like people enough to set illness aside.
Yeah, it was fucked up seeing so many people genuinely unsympathetic to Gi Hun. I thought he was likeable from the moment that we learn that all the money he had made he had made with his daughter in mind.
Capitalism often relies on killing empathy - training people to scrutinize for reasons *not* to help others. Those who'd criticize Gi Hun clearly didn't get the point.
It was rough to see in part, too because his gambling behavior is so contextually rational. Gi-hun wanted to get something nice for his daughter's birthday, and he didn't have the ability to do so in the way he felt she deserved before winning some money. So many "unsavory" behaviors like this that are so common among the poor are present because living in poverty actively encourages them. Even the gift that he gives his daughter was won, emphasizing his need to gamble in order to have anything that resembles the ability to financially provide for her.
@@monsieurdorgat6864 I know exactly what you mean- just the other day, I was approached by a beggar asking me for $4, and though I gave it to her, I couldn't stop thinking about whether or not she was lying about her circumstances, and/or would spend the money on drugs or other luxuries instead of food, bills, medicine, etc.. And the thought alarmed me; why should my generosity be so conditional? Why can't I have faith in others that my aid will truly help them?
I love how so many people asked “What was the symbolism behind him dyeing his hair red?” and the creator was like “Don’t worry about it lol.”
Nah but seriously. What was it?
Do you know what ideology the color red usually represented?
If he says it outright, might be in problem cause can be seen as pro NK.
there’s something reassuring about the growing number of explicitly anticapitalist films captivating the public consciousness, even if it does not provide any material contributions to revolution, it is at least comforting knowing people are still capable of understanding the sheer immorality of capitalist oppression
Another vaguely anticapitalist film is “Dont Look Up” its really good
@@christiana5453 Is it? To me it felt mostly like democrats crying over loosing to Trump..
@@idomarek4259 Did we watch the same movie??? Because it was a pretty overt allegory to the looming impact of climate change and how misinformation, political complacency, and capitalism will lead to the destruction of our world.
But sure if you have the media literacy of a toddler, i can understand how that might’ve flown over your head
@@christiana5453 Ok. forgot this is the internet. my apology.
Here is what I meant by that:
The Allegory was indeed very overt, to the degree that it was almost insulting. It also lacked any depth or complexity, as allegories often do, and so its interpretation (as I see it) is as follows- the world is literally going to end, the republican party is just dumb people (very subtle references, we are so much cleverer than these sheep- like MAGA people) manipulated by corporations (not like us of course, we just do the reasonable things and listen to science), and in general there is nothing we can do about it because people are just to stupid to listen to science. That's it.
In my opinion, even if we turn a blind eye to the very obvious contempt towards the masses this movie contains (which we probably shouldn't), this kind of reduction is unhelpful at best and dangerous at worst.
Trump didn't come out of nowhere with a cult following of idiot MAGA conspiracists. He, along with his supporters, came from years of neglect by both the liberal and conservative establishment. They have a good reason to be skeptical of 'science' which to often is used to justify cruelty. they have a good reason to be unreasonable and cling to strongman leaders against the established status quo.
But instead of looking honestly at the overarching problems in western society and government which got us into this mess of a situation, the movie avoids any introspection in favor of just dunking on trump supporters (oh and Facebook. or Apple? Spacex? not too sure about that. again foregoing any kind of actual insight in favor of dunking at something we don't like.).
So. This is why I felt it was mostly democrats still bitter over losing to Trump. It doesn't offer a honest account of how we got here, it sees no way forward, it mocks anyone who douse not completely agree with it while pretending to not have any agenda other than literally saving the world.
But hey, at least we have thanksgiving and Jesus.
We have to counter decades of intense propaganda first.
Thank you so much for bringing up the National Security Act with Kant Sae-byeok. I feel like a lot of people missed the point of her silence without having knowledge of that law.
The puppet regime in Seoul is really afraid of alternative opinions.
I normally let videos sit in my Watch Later for like a month, but as soon as I got this notification I was like "OOOOH" so i'm watching now lol
Wtf i was literally just hating on myself for doing this?? So relatable
I am not alone
I've really enjoyed your media critiques and am glad you made a video focusing on Squid Games. Most of the other videos I'd seen didn't touch on North Korean defectors and their treatment, and it was something I'd never heard of before. Thank you for continuing to create and share videos.
Yeah, basically no one mentioned that one interaction but it was like a gunshot when I heard it. Clear as day. South Korean capitalism is no better than North Korean dictatorship.
@@IshtarNike I mean you surely cant actually believe this
@@IshtarNike yeah man, totally 🙄
Wait. How much we actually know about North Korea if it's illegal to say anything positive about it and the majority of things we know come from South Korean sources ?
So glad you made this. This show really deepened an important conversation only to be co-opted by bs takes. Always love your uploads. Thanks again
Bro, I really wanna talk to the "this is a critique of communism, actually". I'm literally a capitalist bro, but man, you dumb.
People are a little better when on good communist societies, by sharing anything they can. Up until famine. :/
@@randomstranger623 don't nobody care about whatever you're saying
"co-opted by bs takes"
in my experience from my surounding in germany:
"Dude! Did u see episode x. That was so cool. I thought Y would not make it. I hate Z. He/ She is so stupid. Well, when i would be playing it, i would totally own everyone."
Currently most people see it with the lense of a spectacle for the spectacles sake. Sadly. 😰
Your description of Gi-hun being the union man has brought me to tears without any buildup in a moment's notice, thank you for saying this values out loud so much. I've never heard of this concept, but I always had an identity of a union man and I forgot about how lonely it feels without like-minded people. Living in an overly-competitive and struggle-endorsing society segment have me repressing these values since childhood. Capitalism really does induce suffering as a system, wish more people saw into it.
This dude makes the most rousing content off of shit that usually yields a feeling of hopelessness for me. Please never stop.
This was a great breakdown of this fantastic show. I also wanted to mention the episode titled “Hell” which happens entirely out of the game, in real life. Like the Squid Game while brutal and awful are more honest than real life. And after most of them wanting out after Green Light, Red Light, most of them come back to the games.
I also think a lot about the PTSD scene. It really gave another depth to the protagonist. Of course he was likable before but after this scene, you really sympathize with him.
I mean there should be more essay about this show.
Notice how his hair was dyed red in the end? Almost like he has class consciousness on the mind ;)
Ugly as fuck, I was literally screaming "No! Don't go see your daughter with that hair! What are you thinking?"
@@castillogrande8926 that lasted one scene. He immediately changed it back. 😒
@@jasonq7504he did gain class consciousness though
@@jasonq7504 i mean 2 years had passed since that scene and start of s2
Red represents his rage.
Squid Game: comes a hair's breadth away from a character straight-up saying "capitalism is bad"
shitty think pieces: actually i think it's saying that capitalism is actually very good!
My brain leaked out my ears when I read that shit.
"Communism is when Capitalism does a bad!"
--Pim Tool, et al
"Is Squid Game actually about Communism?" No. No it isn't. Just because you paint communism as the condition that late stage capitalism brings about doesn't mean that it is about your caricature of it. These thinkpieces are so dang dense.
Was the patriot act patriotic? Seriously... squid game shows nothing even close to resembling a free market, the entire premise that their ability to quit = death. You ever been murdered for quitting your job? Yeah, didn't think so.
@@g00gleisgayerthanaids56 hey pal, you know that a metaphor isn't literal right? just because someone doesn't literally shoot you when you loose your job doesn't mean that the effects aren't as serious. Gi-Hun couldn't hold down stable employment and when his mother became sick he couldn't pay for her healthcare, which was he reason to return to the games but by the time it's over she's already dead. She died (of a preventable illness) due to her lack of capital. It's extremely not subtle but somehow you still missed it.
The detail I probably like the most is how Il-nam (player 1 who owns the game) wants to "play" the game just like the victims do, but is never under any actual threat, thereby he's not really playing and doesn't and can't understand what it's like to be one of the players. To him, it really is just a game, and all the people who are murdered throughout? He doesn't give them a second thought.
@@rabidrabids5348 no, he could have died in the tug of war, and during the violent night. He already thought he was going to die. He took risks knowing two things. 1. He would not be “eliminated.” And 2. He know that this game was designed so that everyone but one would be eliminated. He was not concerned with the odds of survival.
I know a lot of people (esp in the west) don’t like it but I personally loved the ending and the choice he made, a second season feels like it would be doomer inducing
that shot of him turning away from boarding the plane tells you so much about his character and his reignited motivation to not just give in
It's like Danganronpa V3, where the creator realized there was only one genuinely hopeful way to end a series about death games.
I fully agree with you, but our ape brains want to see Giyun (?) reunite with his daughter, he doesn't have to sacrifice his mission, just acknowledge that he still loves her, but that may slow down the pace of the final scene.
I am the only big brained westerner for understanding the ending of squid game
@@Nimonacore no I meant that I discussed it with a couple of friends and they all seemed to be mad at the ending for him not taking his individual success and leaving
relax a little and realise that most people have actual friends and family who they talk to and realise common themes with
(plus my kr online friends all seemed to have no problem and didn’t want a sequel)
To me it also very much looks like sequel bait which considering it's perception in the West I'm not too hopeful will have the same strong messaging if there's a second season
Omg I related to Seong Gi-Hyun IMMEDiATELY. As a unemployed Man - child who lost my job in a failed industry to middle class parents I immediately related
Thank you for making this. I had a feeling there were some politics and historical references that flew over my head in the show (like the auto strike), and I don't think I've seen any other reviewers touch on that.
Thank you for this context. That strike content was huge for this show and nobody is talking about this.
I have seen one video that talked about it.
1:45 I know it's a joke but I wanna pedantically clarify: In Russian it's "Новый советский человек" "new Soviet human/person"
Man can be used to mean human in the english language, think of the word mankind.
@@tyaz6556 I know, but it makes it unclear whether the original says "man" (male human) or human in general.
@@angela_merkeIespecially since it was very common at the time for any “this and that man” to refer specifically to just men and maybe there’s a female version
I find it interesting how a lot of people sympathized with Sang-Woo, who represents the capitalist perspective, and even wanted him to win, despite the fact that Sang-Woo stole money from his mother, tricked and killed Ali, and also killed the North Korean girl. People say “oh he’s just doing whatever it takes to win” but I think the point the show is making is that throwing away your morality in pursuit of victory and material gain ends up making you into a monster. I also think it’s interesting how Sang-Woo had the ideal capitalistic life - great education, prestigious degree and job, but through illegal activity and bad investments he loses it all. As opposed to Gi-Hun, whose life is ruined largely by the system of capitalism destroying his life because he dared protest it. So I find it interesting because it makes sense that those with a capitalist mindset would view Sang-Woo - a prototypical capitalist who kills, cheats, exploits the system and ruthlessly aims to win the game so he can use that money to “make more money” - is seen by those viewers as more sympathetic, while they view Gi-Hun as a failure and deride him for putting unity and morality over monetary wealth. It goes to show how capitalism has caused many to think that individual achievement no matter the consequences is just and ideal, and that altruistic unity is “weakness”.
I think a lot of people just view the world through the eyes of a capitalist, whether they're aware of it or not. Though if this show can't make people reconsider their perspective, I don't know what will lol it's not subtle.
El utilitarismo no es capitalismo, aunque estén relacionados. El comunismo es utilitarista, la socialdemocracia también.
@@anthonyhuaman2795 its the other way around social democracy is basically a social welfare state that still supports the capitalist mindset in society, its been evident how these social democracy states like norway or any social democratic state is sucombing to capitalistism.
Just watched this again after a man who wrote a poem that praised NK in the south was imprisoned for 14 months on the basis of the national security law. Only a couple of news outlets gave it even a mention.
I really need to check out SquibGame; knowing vaguely how it turns out doesn't really spoil it for me, if anything it actually makes me want to see it more. Death game media is popular, but knowing that there's meaning behind the blood helps. I should have known by now, but I'm also very relieved that your discussion of topics like the Soviet Union and North Korea resisted easy thought-terminating cliches that are relentlessly drilled into us here in The West. Until a few years ago, "bread lines billions dead" memes were literally my only opinions on actually existing socialism. And I was only given reason to question these hegemonic narratives with worsening conditions and poor outcomes here in the "free world". We're all subject to circumstances.
stalin himself said “one death is tragedy a millions is just a statistic. that tells you all ypu need to know. The soviet union didnt give a shit about its people. infact tons of evidence points that out. It not just western propaganda.
I get SO EXCITED when there is a new video from KAY & SKITTLES
HELL YEAH
@@KayAndSkittles same
I remember having a conversation with a co-worker about this show and he kept implying it was their fault for "choosing," to go back. I kept trying to point-out they were in ruinous debt and were exploited. I even tried to say "Come on how much "choice" do we have in coming to work?" For context the guy wasn't even trying to be mean it's a very "low-skill," job so it attracts a lot of special needs people. But he just looked off blankly murmuring, "Yeah, but... they chose to go back." We're so hypnotized that it can never be capitalism's fault. It's not that it's rigged you're just not "trying," hard enough.
In season 2 the recruiter literally says the same thing lmao.
He despises the people that choose money.
Me: very drunkenly trying to explain the connection between Ali’s inability to know Korean playground games as a comparison to how US IQ tests viewed those who did not know popular culture as being stupider.
My friend who deals with my BS: I get it are you wanting another drink,
Me: you’re god damn right.
That scene where the masked guy reveals himself to his brother and shoots him off a cliff, it was impossible not for me to feel like I hope my real life brother would stand up and never for any reason shoot me off a cliff like that in real life. Scared the shit out of me for a moment
Those hot takes at 0:23 are so frighteningly off-base.
As metaphorically rich as Squid Game is, it is never subtle. The symbolism is deliberately inelegant and *blunt...* almost to the point of condescending.
The only way to get it _that_ wrong is for someone to pay you to get it that wrong. Which I see as the best news of all: the capitalists are getting scared.
That's why I almost never go after any media for being blunt or dropping anvils.
@@RoyalFusilier, oh absolutely. I adore subtlety and the bravery to risk going over the viewer's head.
But in a world where even Paul Verhoven's caustic satire in _Starship Troopers_ went unnoticed by so many, bluntness stopped being something I held against a work, and become something I admired just as much as subtlety.
scaring the capitalists is my new top bucket list item, thx
The age of metaphors and subtext is over. Now is the time of writing your message on a brick and hitting someone in the face with it.
Look at what happened when reactionaries watched The Matrix they co-opted the red pill and while claiming they’re awakened they just say shit sounding like Agent Smith.
in my opinion they know that it's about capitalisim, but they want to have a contrarian hot take that will make their readers think they are smart.
The strikers being penalised and fined resonates with me. Here in South Africa after the Marikana miners were massacred by the police, a number of the surviving strike leaders were charged with manslaughter or incitement of violence, I can't remember which. There was such a public outcry when this became public knowledge that the charges was dropped.
I had sympathy for the main character from the very begining because of 3 years of unemployment i suffered from ... although not similar mental health, poverty, lack of support makes you do shit that you will bot consider in a normal condition
Thank you for explaining the actual history and real-world significance of these plot points. You actually clarified a lot for me. I had no idea that the strike in the show was real until now. This was better than yet another video pointing out obvious “easter eggs.”
This video deserves far more attention. This is definitely the best Squid Game video I've seen on the platform.
The old man, Oh Il-nam, along with the other spectator-sponsors seem like a pretty direct metaphor to the corporate people who sponsor the show, as well as a large part of its audience. People who watch the show for the spectacle of the desperation of the exploited poor. I think it anticipates the dehumanizing racial-capitalist view of South Koreans dying for American entertainment
How are there no views and two likes. I don't think I've ever been this early. But thanks for making the content you do. Found you through your Korra videos, and I have loved everything of yours i've seen since. Especially your Disco elysium video. That video gives me feels.
I'm assuming the "PTSD as a direct result of Capitalism" twist is significant, especially seeing how it affected a couple of people I know, but it also made me realise how beyond needing that I am, at this point. I refused to ever see Gi Hun as anything other than a victim of the system, from the very beginning. Even if all his misery was caused solely by his brain being wired towards short-time rewards and him being unable to overcome it, that is not enough for me to see it as "his fault". That mind being incompatible with capitalism is capitalism's fault, not the minds.
It was still useful because I didn't know about the specific incident referenced, so points all around
Honestly, I was completely sold on him the moment that he stopped to help the person he knocked down while **running for his life from the debt-collectors**. If he kept on running and didn't lose so much distance, there's a significant chance that he could've gotten away. But no, he did some harm and stopped to fix it the best he could. That it ended up being Sae-byeok, and that her pickpocketing is what seemingly led to the invitation to the game (signing away his physical rights) makes it all the more powerful that he stuck with her to the end.
@@daniellewasdelayed8921 that was definitely his "save the cat" moment. A very important beat in narrative stortelling, if the author wants us to root for someone grey. So we know, this is not a 100% evil person, they can be redeemed, the humanity inside shines for just a second to let us know.
But here's the thing: I guess the real issue I have with these constructs is when we try to apply them in real life narratives: this child murderer, this parent who criminally neglected their kid, this "edgy" celeb who spewed racist screeds -*those* kinds of people are beyond redemption, they deserve all the punishment. And it's not because the crime was necessarily too severe, but because we didn't get a humanising moment of them in the narrative we consumed. We never saw them save the cat.
And we can see the reverse when some criminals *are* given humanising moments, especially in front of juries, and suddenly, the crimes don't seem that evil, they don't seem that disconected -suddenly you can empathise. It happens a lot to white boys standing trial for violence -if the defendand can persuade the jury their client did, indeed, save the cat, they've practically won.
This fails the people being demonised, but it also fails everyone else, who might fall into the same trap the next time -because this system is a revolving door of people doing the most horrific shit to stay alive or move forward, and someone will always fill that role.
And they won't usually get our empathy. We don't see most anyone's "saving the cat" moments, unless we know them personally -but everyone's "sins" are usually on full display, as it's something that capitalism exaggerates.
Gi-Hun deserved a fulfilling life even if he had stepped over Sae-byeok, even if he deliberately hurt her to win some time, even if he killed her by doing so -you know what I mean? I don't need anyone to prove to me they're not grey -I believe they deserve to survive even if they're fully coded as "evil" - as beyond redemption, by my mind's narrative, and by society's.
Jang Deok-su, for example, deserves to live and flourish just like Gi-Hun does, just like Sae-byeok does. Yes, he's an asshole, only inserted into the narrative to be the most prominent example of normal people doing the kind of evil that justifies severe punishment: and yet, I argue, he deserves a life too.
Because I know the real-life Jang Deok-su "saved the cat" at some point, because we all have, because nobody is a souless evil machine. I don't need to see it -this life is not a theatre for my amusement, I just need to make sure everyone gets to live, cuz everyone is alive.
@@icicloui I 100% agree. When it comes to fiction, I'm a little more black-and-white than irl because I know they're written with intenions and mechanics in the plot; Deok-su is there to be a horrible asshole who uses his power of Male Dominance and Being A Misogynist to get ahead, where both of his downfalls (pre-games and in the games) was seeing the consequences when the artifice of hierarchy is pulled away. When put on equal footing with someone else, like when his gender-opposite Han Mi-nyeo (a woman who is loud, manipulative, uses her body, doesn't care about others, all in very similar ways that Deok-su does but is called a bitch because of it), he is easily defeated.
If he was a real person, I would want the best for him. Everyone deserves shelter, food, clothes, etc, even assholes and bigots. 'But these aren't real people, they're walking plot machines, so why not look at them like that?' is what I think to myself. A good amount of that is probably my autism taking things at face value or wanting to know how things *mechanically* work in order to feel assured and comforted by the lack of surprise. Gi-hun gets a Save The Cat moment because the show needs us to empathize with him. Deok-su not being as fleshed out is honestly a bit of a shame and it hurts the message at least a little (though for us deeper in this stuff, it's obvious that he probably became this shitheel because of social pressures and financial issues), but it all works pretty well regardless.
This was such a good break down. Probably the best I've seen yet
It's funny how liberals and other capitalists think this show was a commentary on communism when the director clearly, blatantly, and openly stated it was a commentary on capitalism.
Wackaz -- Because there is profit in fake-Liberalism and capitalism.
Liberals and other bootlickers just can’t wrap there heads around their system being naturally repressive and shit because otherwise their entire idea of the world and belief system would collapse. It’s like when dumbasses say shit like “oh Vietnam was never fighting for communism”, it just shows how little they know about communist movements and lines of thought as well as having no idea what liberation means. As a communist who often had to deal with liberal family members and friends it’s incredibly difficult for them to understand how the world actually works.
It's just pathetic coping mechanism
media literacy is dying
Liberals always project issues of capitalism onto communists. You'll notice that all of their deranged criticisms of the USSR not only exist in capitalism, but often exclusive to capitalism. I suppose it's an easy way for the bourgeoisie to kill two birds with one stone; create propaganda against its enemies while extinguishing criticism of itself.
As the Grand Archpriest of the Church of the Algorithm, I comment you to engage with this video.
That name is rad
Preach!
All hail.
This sort of "hero fantasy" about the protagonist whose faith in the humanity and kindness of others reaches superheroistic levels was also what got me into anime back as a kid. It always struck me as strange how that kind of messaging differed in our comics here in the US; where because our superheroes are so specifically godlike they are made 'other', where an anime protagonist's unbreakable, unwavering faith seems like an (perhaps unrealistic but) attainable ideal exemplar of virtue. Despite all it's pretty bad messaging, the series stuck with me for that message of no matter how bad things are for someone that they still believe in people. Squid Game reminds me of some of those series.
So wait you're saying that North Koreans aren't forced to all share one singular toothbrush? What other lies have I been taught about North Korea? /s
I FINALLY understand the real message of Gi-Hun (and sorry if I spelled it wrong)! Thanks!
You deserve way more success, by the way. It's the kind of perspective we're lacking.
That union story. Had my eyes open in the night. I have to look it up. Oh. My. God.
1:55 word "man" as human and word "man" as "male" are two different words in russian, so when it says "Soviet Man" it includes women too, because it is more of a "Soviet Human" by its definition.
Such an awesome Marxist breakdown of this show. Revolutionary optimism in the face of abject misery. No one seemed to get this show like you did, with the correct analysis. Let this be a call to action to unite and take power in order to end this suffering
This is definitely NOT a "Marxist" breakdown. It is anti-capitalist, though. Idealist. Anarchist. Even anti-Marxist. There are lots of pointers in the video. "Middle class", "'Post-Soviet' Man", the PC sneer at the "New Soviet Man" gendering, etc. "Revolutionary optimism" is not unique to Marxism. The most critical give-away is the total absence of a materialist dialectic.
This was phenomenal dude seriously. I've watched your videos but this was incredible and I wish it had more views. It also convinced me to finally watch Squid Games lol
I am a bit surprised by how common the sentiment of "the police detective side story was pointless" is. To me it was a clear message about how the system dehumanizes you to such a degree that if you succeed, you're most likely to become an oppressor yourself because that's all you know by now
This is probably the best video on squid game I have seen
Brilliantly said! Your videos are just the most thoughtful and enlightening, I really appreciate the effort you always put into them.
Exceptional video! Lots to chew on with this show, a tru masterpiece of visual media, Squid Game arrived at the perfect time.
Jessie Gender sent me here, and couldn't be happier about it.
Jesus Christ, this was one of the best analysis I've ever seen! Keep up the amazing work!
Im super late to this discussion, but i want to give my two cents.
I saw people talking about how Gi Hun not helping the homeless person himself as undermining to the message, but i dont think so.
I think this represents his wavering faith in humanity and in his belief that humans will help each other. After all that he has gone through, he finally started to feel jaded. At this point, he almost became someone who would think "thats not my problem", hence his inaction. But he hasnt been thoroughly broken yet, which leads him to bet in favour of humanity.
At that point, after seeing how powerless he is (both from his life and the games), he is probably thinking "even if i help that man today, if humanity is really that bad, whats the point? This same scenario will happen again and again anyways. I alone cant help everyone."
Thats why he took that bet, and choose to be a bystander for this one time. If no one helps the man and he dies, then his faith in humanity dies along with the man. "Oh well." He will say, "thats just how life is. My faith in humanity were naive after all."
But if someone else helped the homeless man, it would soothe his doubt and confirm to him that he isnt the only one who cares, and that his faith was correct. "I cant change the world alone, but i will not be doing this alone. I can believe that people want to help each other, and will help each other if given the opportunity".
The wager isnt just about the money, its also about his ideology.
Adding to this, i think had Gi Hun helped the man himself, it would have actually been a worse story. From a character arc standpoint, it wouldnt have made much sense that after what he had witnessed and experienced, he would still hold steadfast to that faith. And even if he would have still been steadfast to that faith, that would mean the moment isnt a moment of development (since Gi Hun didnt change), but simply a moment of confirmation to the audience that "yeah, this is the kind of person Gi Hun is", which we already know. Or worse, the moment could actually be interpreted as a negative arc, where if he helped the man, it would signal to us that Gi Hun had lost his faith in humanity. He believed that no one would help the homeless man, and so takes the matter into his own hand, because he cant have faith that people would help each other anymore.
And from a messaging standpoint, having Gi Hun help the man would defeat the message of the show, that is that "despite everything, good people exist who wants to help each other". If Gi Hun helped the man himself, it sends the message that "we shouldnt hope for people to help each other, we need to actively help other people on our own because other people wont". Which at first glance might seem like a good message, but its missing the "hope" element. If no one will help each other anyways, why bother helping people at all? Even if i give this homeless man some food today, he will go hungry tomorrow again anyways, and i cant keep taking care of him because i need to take care of myself first.
Remember that the big emotional conflict here isnt just about "faith in humanity", its also about helplesness and powerlessness (which is also why Gi Hun didnt help the man himself btw, his inaction represents his feeling of helplessness and powerlessness). Its a fact of reality that as it is currently, not everyone can save everyone. What would you think if you are in the position of that homeless man, and someone told you that "you shouldnt hope for people to help each other", that "if you want to see good, be that good". Well, what good could you do? Youre struggling to stay alive yourself, so the only part that would matter to you is the "you shouldnt expect people to help each other" part. Id imagine Despair would be the only thing left.
The message of Squid Game is so powerful because it applies to everyone. Even if you are struggling now, its okay, because you can believe that someone will help you. And when you are in a position to help, you can help other people and rest assured that other people will also help them so that the burden wont fall solely upon your back.
The message isnt just about "doing good", its also a message about hope.
EXACTLY YOU GET IT. I don't understand how people see that scene and compare Gi-hun to the VIPs like?? The point is that his time in the games had almost left him a broken man with no hope left for humanity. We see him just basically wallow in misery for a whole year. That bet with the old man was his wake up call, the thing that got him back on track.
Which is why after that scene, he begins to turn his life around and starts helping people. That bet also gave him the determination to fight back and try to end the games, because he believes in helping humanity again
7:15 "Off-brand Amon" is the perfect description, as soon as you said that I realized that was the vibe I was picking up from him: some masked guy always going on about equality, whilst simultaneously using their own very unequal power to reach their own personal goals.
Your analysis is always leagues above that of even some of my favorite media critics on this platform and it is very much appreciated, sir.
Your videos are so so f'n good and make me feel smarter. I thank Skittles for the in depth analysis and Kay for the amazing narration!
Thank you so much for making this video. While it presented aspects I wasn't even aware of, deepening my love and appreciation for the show, it also made history much more appealing as someone who was bored of it in high-school :)
man, always such a pleasure watching your content... we need more of this in these dark times
Meanwhile, Tim Pool: "I dont think its overtly political", "Its more anticommunist than anything", "It's actually about communism, the creator is really dumb and doesnt know what he's critiquing".
I was gonna be like as someone who didn't watch this show that this was gonna be a spicy take... I think 2 things are to be said: USSR looked to science when science was still seeped in eugenicist colonization (Foucault was indeed responding to the eugenicist policies against queer+ people), you combatted the reaganite-consumerist stereotypes of USSR being about sameness.
You handled this very subtly & tactfully. I liked & appreciated that. Thank you!
To be fair, the old man was in danger in the night time fights and the tug-of-war game
I don't think he was that much in danger, they could have rigged the game in many ways. In the worst case scenario I think the man could release himself, lighs would have gone off, then a fake body would be dropped on the floor. In fact after writing this comment I checked and there was a clue right there: He doesn't have a padlock on the wrist.
Yup, thats why the only time he was genuinely afraid was when the lights went out. He really thought he was going to die, so he wet himself. His cries and pleas for help is what brought the pink men into the room.
I believe this is probably the most important TV show of our times. Great vid as always! thank you!
Never give up on believing in the best of the human condition. I like that message. We have no other choice. Great video Kay ❤
I really need an analysis from you of season 2 😭 nobody talks about the actual plot anymore like it tackles so many things!!
Seems like a good show. I've read so much about it and watched so many videos analyzing it, but I've never actually seen the show because... well, capitalism. Netflix, specifically.
No I will not take this. You, my friend, are a ferret. Find a copy through a jolly roger and drag it to your spot with all your shinies! Ripping off netflix as you do so. In minecraft.
Been anticipating this one, buzzing to watch it!
I love how Joe Rogan just accepts that story uncritically. No thoughts head empty.
I couldn't help but scream at the the scene with the homeless man. "you are someone! You! You could call for help right now and win the bet!"
watching this again and almost cried
we must create a new world, comrade
El comunismo es basura, camarada. Vuelve a la gente pobre y la mata. El capitalismo lo ha vencido en cada oportunidad que ha tenido. Si quieres el bien y deseas patear en el trasero al mercantilismo y al corporativismo, abraza el cristianismo y la caridad.
Always love new takes when they are this well thought out cheers mate
Doing my part for the algorithm, one of the best video essays I've ever seen
You should also take into account that South Korea was a military dictatorship until 1979. That definitely factored into this film in a way that a western audience might not understand.
My slow transition to radical leftism got me questioning practically all the shit I was raised to believe, bruh.
happens to all of us, takes a while for reality to kick in
This is the best take I've heard on squid game, great job
I've seen a few of those "North Korean tells us how great the USA is" videos and my god are they so fake
Schools are like prisons, which are in turn like factories, which are in turn like hospitals, which are, in turn, like schools. - Michel Foucault
But, after all, listening to a child, hearing him
speak, hearing him explain what his relations actually were with someone, adult or not,
provided one listens with enough sympathy, must allow one to establish more or less what degree of violence if any was used or what degree of consent was given. And to assume that a child is incapable of explaining what happened and was incapable of giving his consent are two abuses that are intolerable, quite unacceptable. - Michel Foucault
Wow I have yet to see this take. Thank you for the new info. 🖤 Love your videos
Season 2 is here! I've loved this analysis and can't wait to see how the new season stacks up with what we've seen so far. Hope we get another video
amazing video. thank you for making it (and thanks to jessie for leading me here).
Another great vid man! Thank you so much for your contributions 👏👏
All the colorful jumpsuit, bright playground are like the neon lights, that hides what's underneath.
I wasn't sure the show "needed" a second season, but i think we needed it to have a second season. To remind people about these messages. As people discover or rediscover the show, hopefully more people are having these conversations and watching and making videos like this.
It's incredible coming back to this one two years later.
After Mr.Beast's capitalist realism trying to subsume the post-soviet man and reboot him.
Forever still quoting that specific O'Brian line
Alright I have now watched so many videos about squid game that I might as well watch it. Thanks!
Splatoon
Also I think one of the reasons this show is such an effective critique is because, in a way, it shows a glorified version of capitalism:
- Instead of doing some god-awful, boring job, you're playing kids games, which are significantly more fun
- While the games are often unfair, the unfairness isn't due to bigotry or "being born wealthy", but rather just kinda arbitrary
- Instead of the implicit, slow death of being put into poverty, you're kinda just shot dead on the spot
I think this is important because a lot of anti-capitalist media shows a sort of hyper-capitalist dystopia where everything is cranked up to eleven, but this kinda just makes it so the criticism isn't of capitalism as it currently is, but of what it could one day be. Instead, by glorifying capitalism, Squid Game can say "no, you don't need to make capitalism worse to condemn it, you could even fix a lot of its issues and it'll still suck"
"We all live in the same country - CAPITALISM"
Your videos always give me hope
This was the best analysis of Squid game I've seen bar none.
This is the kind of content that I subscribed for
didn't know about the details of the specific strike but I'm glad you took the time to talk about it because knowing the circumstances and how far the employers went to ruin their employees life's just for recognizing their worth. The blackball and counter sue puts the show in a new light for gi hun's story
Great essay! Always look forward to your work, with this one may have outdone yourself.
This channel is really underrated.
Ok that story about thousands of South Koreans protesting being laid off is really sad and infuriating.
The pink jumpsuits stay in Munger Hall
I'm so glad you're educating the American masses on this! Citizens of the American Empire need more edutaining content like this so that they can get their heads out of the gutters of their propagandized selves. They need this kind of deprogramming.
To educate the American masses on how South Korea was/is a puppet state of the American Empire for example is absolutely awesome! So glad you did that!
To say "Developed Capitalist Nation" in the air-quotes way you did was simply sublime!
To talk about Leftist ideology in such a way that is digestable, consumable, and accessible to the American masses is superb!
So glad you called out how easily brainwashed the American masses are to hating North Korea especially by highlighting the absurd claims made by that one barbie doll of a defector (I regret to say I've met her before, but I met her pre-plastic-surgery and she was actually more believable then than her now CIA-funded lifestyle "sighs")
Absolutely love that line "for the defectors, they're still in prison here with everyone else"!
It annoys me how many people will just listen to Ms Park without checking ANYTHING she says or where her money comes from, or the fact she was from a landed and monied old family. Like two seconds of research if that. :/
@@Sephirajo Can't agree more! Next thing you know she's going to start saying North Korea bans breathing and people are going to believe her.
@@Sephirajo Shitting on socialism is an evergreen grift here in the states. She can say literally anything bad about the DPRK and get paid butt tons for it & get plastered all over every media outlet in the country. It's effortless money.
Cope and seethe and go ahead and live in North Korea if you think it’s so great