Mark Fisher (1968-2017), aka k-punk, was one of the most sensitive and original Leftist writers the internet age has yet produced. In both his major work, Capitalist Realism, and his many essays and blog posts, Fisher expounded on literature, technology, and pop culture from a class-conscious but undogmatic perspective. For his gentle but firm critique of the pseudo-progressive call-out culture that still dominates online spaces, "Exiting the Vampire Castle," he was viciously - but predictably - attacked by petulant children obsessed by a bourgeois sense of proprietary, disguised as liberal political sentiment. In this episode, Joe & Josh discuss his legacy and ask how his thought and writing offer an alternative to both the toxicity of the Alt-Right and the narcissism of the fake Left.

“Exiting the Vampire Castle” by Mark Fisher, The North Star, 2013
http://www.thenorthstar.info/?p=11299

“Mark Fisher, 1968-2017” by Alex Niven, Jacobin, 2017
https://www.jacobinmag.com/2017/01/mark-fisher-capitalist-realism-vampire-castle/

“The Safety Pin and The Swastika” by Shuja Haider, Viewpoint, 2017
https://www.viewpointmag.com/2017/01/04/the-safety-pin-and-the-swastika/

Let us know what you think: essayquestionspodcast@gmail.com