Zionism and The Last of Us

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKO3lFq4pC8

[00:00] A majority of Gen Z have an unfavorable impression of Israel.
[00:06] And my friends, I think the reason for that is that we're losing the digital war.
[00:09] Some of you may have found it harder to access this video.
[00:12] video.
[00:12] Recently, the UK government passed an act heavily restricting access to online content deemed potentially unsafe to children.
[00:18] This possibly includes information relating to Palestine and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
[00:24] So, it was probably a bad financial decision for me to bring up Palestine and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza in almost every video I've made for the past year.
[00:33] Currently, the best way to get around this is a VPN.
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[01:40] Why not just talk?
[01:45] Talk to whom?
[01:46] Talk to the Israeli leaders.
[01:48] That's kind of conversation between the sword and the neck.
[01:50] You mean and the moss?
[01:54] So, first let's talk about I'm just I'm curious how he can have a
[02:02] I'm just I'm curious how he can have a negative spin on this because by the end of this game, doesn't it say that vengeance doesn't give anything good anyway and that we should all just stop killing each other?
[02:11] Correct. Oh, but there but the position for a lot of these people is that all Israelis and Jews should just be killed.
[02:16] So that's the bad thing.
[02:26] Uh, basically the conclusion of this video is that The Last of Us is a coherent and meaningful work that also reflects a kind of liberal Zionist perspective with the general point that often the ruling class justify atrocities not through making things simple, but making them seem too overly complicated for any well-meaning person to oppose.
[02:43] so that anyone who does try to simplify it can be written off as an extremist justifying terrorism uh and in this case anti-semitism.
[02:53] Now, here's that but for an hour.
[02:57] The Last of Us is a series centered around zombies made out of mushrooms and also empathy, specifically who we choose
[03:03] also empathy, specifically who we choose to extend empathy to and what we're to extend empathy to and what we're willing to do for the people we care about.
[03:06] willing to do for the people we care about. Circling around the question of who is us.
[03:08] about. Circling around the question of who is us. I made a previous video mainly discussing this idea before being rudely interrupted.
[03:13] mainly discussing this idea before being rudely interrupted. But I also introduced a second theme that had been explicitly stated numerous times by series lead writer Neil Duckman.
[03:16] introduced a second theme that had been explicitly stated numerous times by series lead writer Neil Duckman.
[03:18] explicitly stated numerous times by series lead writer Neil Duckman. Cycles of violence specifically through the lens of the Israel Palestine conflict.
[03:20] Cycles of violence specifically through the lens of the Israel Palestine conflict.
[03:22] of violence specifically through the lens of the Israel Palestine conflict.
[03:25] lens of the Israel Palestine conflict. >> And then they cheered afterward. Drman, who grew up in Israel, recalls, "It was the cheering that was really chilling to me.
[03:27] >> And then they cheered afterward. Drman, who grew up in Israel, recalls, "It was the cheering that was really chilling to me.
[03:29] who grew up in Israel, recalls, "It was the cheering that was really chilling to me. In my mind, I thought, "Oh man, if I could just push a button and kill all these people that committed this horrible act, I would make them feel the same pain that they [music] inflicted on these people."
[03:31] the cheering that was really chilling to me. In my mind, I thought, "Oh man, if I could just push a button and kill all these people that committed this horrible act, I would make them feel the same pain that they [music] inflicted on these people."
[03:34] me. In my mind, I thought, "Oh man, if I could just push a button and kill all these people that committed this horrible act, I would make them feel the same pain that they [music] inflicted on these people."
[03:36] could just push a button and kill all these people that committed this horrible act, I would make them feel the same pain that they [music] inflicted on these people.
[03:38] these people that committed this horrible act, I would make them feel the same pain that they [music] inflicted on these people.
[03:40] horrible act, I would make them feel the same pain that they [music] inflicted on these people.
[03:43] same pain that they [music] inflicted on these people." At the last minute, I pulled a lot of the bigger Israel Palestine stuff out of that intro video, mostly cuz I didn't really like what I'd written and and then I had a kid.
[03:45] these people." At the last minute, I pulled a lot of the bigger Israel Palestine stuff out of that intro video, mostly cuz I didn't really like what I'd written and and then I had a kid.
[03:47] pulled a lot of the bigger Israel Palestine stuff out of that intro video, mostly cuz I didn't really like what I'd written and and then I had a kid.
[03:50] Palestine stuff out of that intro video, mostly cuz I didn't really like what I'd written and and then I had a kid.
[03:51] mostly cuz I didn't really like what I'd written and and then I had a kid. Uh, and it ended up making that intro video feel annoyingly teasy.
[03:53] written and and then I had a kid. Uh, and it ended up making that intro video feel annoyingly teasy.
[03:55] and it ended up making that intro video feel annoyingly teasy.
[04:00] feel annoyingly teasy. I'm sorry.
[04:03] I'm sorry. The Second Last of Us, in Duckman's own
[04:05] The Second Last of Us, in Duckman's own words, was an inverted take on what the first story had already been about.
[04:09] In the original, we see what people are willing to do in the name of love, epitomized by Joel killing the Fireflies to save Ellie.
[04:16] And in The Last of Us Part Two, we see what people are willing to do out of hate.
[04:20] Abby getting revenge on Joel, Ellie getting revenge on Abby.
[04:22] Again, the first video was more about that.
[04:25] And even then, I pointed out something.
[04:27] It's hard to get into this topic without addressing.
[04:29] Many stories revolve around revenge and cycles of violence.
[04:34] Many historical conflicts can be related to revenge and cycles of violence outside of Israel and Palestine.
[04:38] Um, one thing I will say that a lot of people don't know is when it comes to cycles of violence, this stuff actually has happened before outside of Israel Palestine.
[04:50] A lot of people don't know this.
[04:53] That's a theme that um, arguably has been in at least three or four other major conflicts in human history.
[04:57] at least three or four.
[04:59] Whether or not Duckman, who is from Israel, sees connections between the themes of his story and his own education and life experiences doesn't mean those
[05:07] experiences doesn't mean those connections are very strong.
[05:09] Frankly, a lot of people just saw him post the words Israel forever on Instagram after October 7th and then labeled his work as Zionist without really looking at it in depth.
[05:18] With this video, there's really three questions.
[05:20] What are the connections between The Last of Us and the Israel Palestine conflict?
[05:25] What are the connections between The Last of Us and Zionist ideology specifically?
[05:30] And is The Last of Us overall a representation or rejection of Zionism?
[05:34] So, right now, I'm going to run through pretty much every connection people have made between The Last of Us and Israel or Palestine uh and then argue about them.
[05:42] And in the process, we can address what Zionist ideology is and how it's distinct from just a story that's an analogy for Israel and Palestine.
[05:53] Uh yeah.
[05:55] [music]
[05:57] In the story of Old Yeller, a family takes in a stray dog and become attached when it saves them from the wrath of an angry mother, Black Bear.
[06:02] Over time, they grow close until old Jella fights off a wolf in the night and ends up going raid.
[06:06] The oldest son is left with
[06:08] going raid.
[06:10] The oldest son is left with the difficult decision to kill his close companion, after which his dad shows up to give him some reassurance.
[06:14] That was as rough a thing as I ever heard tell of happening to a boy, and I'm mighty proud to learn how my boy stood up to it.
[06:19] Couldn't ask any more of a grown man.
[06:23] It's not a thing you can forget.
[06:25] I don't guess it's a thing you ought to forget.
[06:27] What I mean is things like that happen.
[06:28] They may seem mighty cruel and unfair, but that's how life is.
[06:33] life is.
[06:34] One of the things the opening of The Last of Us 2 highlights is the sheer weight of shame that Joel carries with him for his actions.
[06:41] Shame separate from regret.
[06:43] Joel is not an unchanging character.
[06:45] From the beginning to end, not just of the first game, but even his brief time in the second.
[06:48] We see him soften to those around him to the point where he goes from abandoning a family on the side of the road in his first scenes to in his final scenes getting himself killed because he went out of his way to help a stranger.
[06:59] Still, despite this, there are certain convictions in Joel he can't shake.
[07:03] Certain values and priorities that are static and unflinching, as fixed as the broken watch that has become emblematic
[07:09] broken watch that has become emblematic of the character.
[07:11] In Joel's own words, I saved her.
[07:14] And as we later find out, given the same choice, he would have done all of it again, despite also being unwilling to admit to his actions until absolutely forced to.
[07:21] If you lie to me one more time, I'm gone again.
[07:28] He has softened to the point of feeling shame for his brutality, but he still can't bring himself to feel remorseful for what he did.
[07:32] He still feels fundamentally that he made not just the right choice, but the only choice he could have.
[07:41] we land on an idea that even in difficult situations, certain values can't be compromised.
[07:46] This is something both games play with a lot, that sometimes what's necessary isn't necessarily nice or fair.
[07:54] These are often the same moral dilemmas you'll see in a lot of stories with zombies.
[07:58] Sometimes a person is bit, and being that there's no known cure, the only reasonable response is to either abandon or kill them.
[08:03] This happens with Tess.
[08:06] It happens with Sam.
[08:07] And it's heavily implied Ellie had to make the same
[08:09] implied Ellie had to make the same choice with Riley, something outright
[08:11] choice with Riley, something outright stated in the show adaptation.
[08:13] Being that a mushroom zombie bite has a
[08:15] standard survival rate of zero, it's a
[08:17] pretty soft version of this particular
[08:19] dilemma, like a trolley problem where
[08:21] the crowd of people will get hit by a
[08:22] second trolley anyway. Or, you know,
[08:25] like a story about having the maturity
[08:27] to put down an old sick dog. But a lot
[08:29] of apocalyptic fiction tropes featured
[08:31] in The Last of Us also fit the category
[08:33] of what if you had no choice but to do a
[08:36] bad thing to survive. Be it stealing
[08:38] resources, mercenary work, or just
[08:40] killing the routine mobs of generic
[08:42] raider NPCs. And this relatively benol
[08:45] theme is where I want to start this
[08:47] analysis because even here, it's easy to
[08:49] see how a writer speaking from his
[08:50] perspective on the Israel Palestine
[08:52] conflict might fit these ideas into a
[08:55] story like The Last of Us. In an episode
[08:57] of the official Last of Us podcast, I
[08:59] drman again relates themes of the story
[09:01] and specifically of Joel's choices to
[09:03] political debates he heard throughout
[09:05] his childhood.
[09:05] >> I'm originally from Israel, so I follow
[09:07] a lot of Israeli politics. And there was
[09:09] this guy, Gilad Shalit, a soldier who
[09:12] this guy, Gilad Shalit, a soldier who was kidnapped and held prisoner for years by Hamas.
[09:18] And then there was um an exchange of hundreds of prisoners for this one soldier.
[09:23] And some of the prisoners that were exchanged had blood on their hands, like committed terrorist, horrible terrorist acts.
[09:29] And there was a big debate in Israel, was it right to like exchange so many people that were in prison for this one soldier to bring him back?
[09:37] And I remember I talked with my dad about it.
[09:38] And I'm like, do you what do you think?
[09:39] Do you think that was the right decision?
[09:41] And he says, are you asking me as like the soldier's dad or as the prime minister of Israel?
[09:47] Cuz I would make two very different decisions.
[09:51] As the prime minister in Israel, I think they made the wrong decision.
[09:54] I think they're now less safe because they made this thing.
[09:56] As the guy's dad, I would have traded every prisoner in every like prison for this guy.
[10:03] And that's really what the story is about.
[10:04] Do the ants justify the means?
[10:06] And it's really so much about perspective.
[10:08] This is a moral framework I think is understandable to most people.
[10:10] There are rational
[10:12] most people.
[10:14] There are rational arguments for why something should or shouldn't be done.
[10:16] And then there's what must be done.
[10:18] I can't really imagine a version of The Last of Us that didn't end with Joel and an unstoppable rampage to save Ellie.
[10:22] Being a new parent, I absolutely would make that choice.
[10:25] Other characters in the story also admit this.
[10:27] Can't say I'd have done different.
[10:36] I'll take you to the grave if I have to.
[10:38] Even Duckman has repeatedly [music] said the same.
[10:40] We have different opinions about this.
[10:42] I believe Joel was right.
[10:44] If I were in Joel's position, I hope I'd be able to do what [music] he did to save my daughter.
[10:48] If I had to kill a random person to save who knows how many lives, in the abstract, you would say, "Well, yeah, [music] that makes sense.
[10:55] Remove it from being a random person and it's your kid."
[10:57] Now, the answer is very different.
[11:00] Bella Ramsay would add, "Yeah, he saved his world, just not the world."
[11:06] And I think even if Dman hadn't said this, the second game clearly indicates sympathy and understanding of Joel's decision.
[11:09] The story as a whole
[11:13] Joel's decision.
[11:14] The story as a whole revolves around Ellie and the player's commitment to avenging him despite his actions.
[11:18] And the moment Ellie remembers that last interaction is also the moment she decides to let Abby live.
[11:23] Frankly, it would make no sense for the game to dismiss Joel completely and then directly link Ellie's decision to try and forgive him with her actual forgiveness of another lead character.
[11:32] I think it's clear that both characters are being linked as similarly human and having made similarly human choices.
[11:39] I don't think it's a coincidence that a lot of players who accuse the game of lacking sympathy for Joel also don't get why Ellie didn't just drown Abby.
[11:47] Before the release of The Last of Us 2, Joel's choice was easily the most debated part of the story.
[11:51] I've seen Joel called brave, principled, a model of old-fashioned protective fatherhood and masculinity.
[11:56] I've seen Joel called a comfort character, informing the rage so many felts on learning about his death.
[12:02] And I've seen Joel called a coward, a selfish, brutal thug, a narcissist, and a sociopath.
[12:10] The question is always the same.
[12:11] How could this degree of calculated violence possibly be
[12:14] calculated violence possibly be justified?
[12:16] I think sometimes when people justified?
[12:18] I think sometimes when people first learn about Israel's treatment of Palestinians, they wonder how anyone could continue to side with Israel given the obviously disproportionate cruelty.
[12:24] the obviously disproportionate cruelty.
[12:26] As defined by the International Federation for Human Rights, Human Rights Watch, Doctors Without Borders, Amnesty International, the United Nations, and many other agencies, Israel was committing a genocide.
[12:35] was committing a genocide.
[12:37] Death estimates vary a lot between sources, which you can expect from such a politically divisive conflict, but few dispute that significantly more innocent Palestinians have been killed, like at least 10 times more.
[12:41] politically divisive conflict, but few dispute that significantly more innocent Palestinians have been killed, like at least 10 times more.
[12:47] Palestinians have been killed, like at least 10 times more.
[12:50] And that's only deaths.
[12:52] deaths.
[12:55] If we expanded this to casualties, starvation due to Israel's blocking of aid, and then lying about it, widespread displacement, it looks much worse.
[12:57] blocking of aid, and then lying about it, widespread displacement, it looks much worse.
[13:00] it, widespread displacement, it looks much worse.
[13:02] In the more recent conflict in Gaza, at least 84,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed, only counting up to the beginning of this year.
[13:05] in Gaza, at least 84,000 Palestinian civilians have been killed, only counting up to the beginning of this year.
[13:07] civilians have been killed, only counting up to the beginning of this year.
[13:09] Again, this is not including the millions who've been starved, injured,
[13:12] year.
[13:14] millions who've been starved, injured, or displaced.
[13:17] or displaced.
[13:20] But if you understand Joel's decision, you fundamentally understand this logic.
[13:23] you fundamentally understand this logic.
[13:25] Justice and morality can be defined by more than just proportion.
[13:27] What is the value of a potential cure to a plague put up against Ellie's life?
[13:29] What is the value of 84,000 innocent people put up against your own family?
[13:35] Of note here is the characterization of Eugene, the unseen Jackson patrolman who really likes weed and dies shortly before the start of The Last of Us 2.
[13:37] the characterization of Eugene, the unseen Jackson patrolman who really likes weed and dies shortly before the start of The Last of Us 2.
[13:39] While he is sparingly defined, we find a letter from his wife early on revealing that not only was he a member of the Fireflies, the group Joel slaughters to save Ellie's life.
[13:41] sparingly defined, we find a letter from his wife early on revealing that not only was he a member of the Fireflies, the group Joel slaughters to save Ellie's life.
[13:44] But he himself had abandoned his wife and child to be a part of their movement.
[13:46] abandoned his wife and child to be a part of their movement.
[13:48] The Fireflies want to save the world.
[13:49] I say let them.
[13:51] Let them go after the military, the politicians.
[13:53] Let them develop a vaccine to save mankind.
[13:55] Until then, I have to put our daughter first.
[13:57] The Fireflies will be fine without you.
[13:59] Your daughter won't.
[14:02] Letters from parents and children
[14:14] won't. Letters from parents and children broken apart by the apocalypse are not hard to find in The Last of Us.
[14:19] Here we can find one almost the start while Ellie and Dena are poking into old ruined houses.
[14:24] A child asks Santa for a dog and a gun to help him protect his father from the monsters.
[14:28] Later we find a note about a boy abandoning his father out of shame for his refusal to stand up against violent military occupation.
[14:36] Two things destroy families in The Last of Us.
[14:40] Zombies and moral conviction.
[14:42] Speaking on the release of IDF soldier Gilead Shalid that Draman had mentioned, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "Now Gilead has returned home to his family, his people, and his country.
[14:51] A short time ago, I embraced him as he came off the helicopter and escorted him to his parents, Aviva and Noam, and I said, "I have brought your son back home."
[15:03] But this is also a hard day. Even if the price had been smaller, it still would have been heavy.
[15:07] Uh, I will note that in this case, Netanyahu isn't talking about Palestinian civilian deaths when he talks about hard days and heavy prices.
[15:14] Here he means the heavy
[15:16] heavy prices.
[15:18] Here he means the heavy price of being pressured to release hundreds of Palestinians in captivity,
[15:21] knowing many of them had a deep and open resentment of the Israeli government.
[15:25] In other cases, this has been more of a focus.
[15:26] On Israel's bombing of a Catholic church, Netanyahu said, "Every innocent life lost is a tragedy.
[15:32] We share the grief of the families and the faithful.
[15:36] The idea remains the same.
[15:39] Hard choices are not always kind and they aren't always proportionate.
[15:43] But that still doesn't make them wrong.
[15:45] War is hell.
[15:47] You see, basically the inverse moral in another piece of zombie media that also references Israel and Palestine.
[15:51] In World War Z, Israel is shown warmly and charitably inviting millions of Palestinians inside their walls for their own protection.
[16:01] [sighs]
[16:03] And then the Palestinians start grabbing microphones and chanting which causes everyone except Brad Pitt to die.
[16:07] An echo of this is also found in The Last of Us 2 with a hotel flashback culminating in the discovery of a dead couple who' left Joel and Ellie settlement.
[16:17] settlement.
[16:19] By their own admission, they'd left the wonderful walled city of Jackson out of guilt, hearing stories of suffering everywhere else, only to be overrun by infected within an hour of leaving safety.
[16:29] different wording of the same conclusion.
[16:32] What is kind and easy may be foolish.
[16:35] What is hard and cruel may be the only option.
[16:36] I know you wish things were different.
[16:38] I wish things were different,
[16:41] but they ain't.
[16:42] All this to say, it isn't really a surprise that when Duckman thinks of Joel's choice to kill dozens of militia members as well as some doctors as collateral damage to save one of his own, his mind immediately goes to the story of an IDF prisoner of war.
[16:56] Given the repeated rhetoric from Israeli officials that the mass death of Palestinians will not stop until every single Israeli hostage is accounted for, and given the fact that the IDF has also repeatedly treated medics as collateral damage, if not directly targeted them, yeah, I I think there's a strong comparison.
[17:13] And given that the lead writer himself made this comparison, I'd agree this is a framing that perfectly
[17:18] agree this is a framing that perfectly sets up a player viewpoint, if not sympathetic to Israeli government rhetoric, at least understanding of it.
[17:24] I may even go as far as to say Joel's choice, the choice that the second Last of Us is almost entirely built around, happens to be a perfect encapsulation of how Israel's defense force justifies itself.
[17:38] Okay, now we can talk about Joel dying.
[17:41] I like to go back to the Gillite story, the one Dman referenced as an inspiration for Joel's choice in the first game.
[17:48] In the same statement on the captured IDF soldier, Netanyahu continued, "The state of Israel is different from its enemies.
[17:53] Here we do not celebrate the release of murderers.
[17:57] Here we do not applaud those who took life.
[17:59] On the contrary, we believe in the sanctity of life.
[18:02] We sanctify life."
[18:04] Shortly before Shalid's capture, Israel would breach a ceasefire agreement, firing artillery shells repeatedly at a civilian beach in Gaza, killing eight people, including a father and five of his children, ranging from their late teens to 8-month-old Hayam.
[18:17] A video briefly circulated of
[18:19] Hayam.
[18:20] A video briefly circulated of their daughter, Huda, one of the few survivors, breaking down over the murder of her family.
[18:24] There have been some posts online that Huda has now died in the current bombings of Garzen civilians, but I've also read this was a confusion with a different civilian of the same name.
[18:33] In any case, Israel denied responsibility for the killings, investigating themselves and assigning blame to Hamas.
[18:39] According to the findings of an independent review, this was a lie.
[18:43] Israel has since closed the possibility of any future investigations.
[18:47] A few weeks later, Palestinian civilian Ali Mamar and his two sons were assaulted at their home and kidnapped by Israeli soldiers for alleged ties to Hamas.
[18:54] This would be the key inciting event to the capture of Gillad Shalid.
[18:59] As is regularly the case with Palestinians held by the IDF, the family was never given a chance to argue their case.
[19:05] As far as I can tell, there was never any agreement for them to be released.
[19:09] Even years after Shal had been returned home, just as with thousands of other Palestinians still illegally held by Israel, the fate of the Mama brothers remained unknown.
[19:15] But this disappearing of two Palestinian civilians made almost
[19:20] of two Palestinian civilians made almost no headlines compared to the many
[19:22] no headlines compared to the many written for one captured Israeli
[19:24] written for one captured Israeli soldier.
[19:27] soldier. On this case, Namchky argued apologists for state crimes claim that
[19:28] apologists for state crimes claim that the kidnapping of the Gaza civilians is
[19:30] the kidnapping of the Gaza civilians is justified by IDF claims that they are
[19:33] justified by IDF claims that they are Hamas militants or were planning crimes.
[19:35] Hamas militants or were planning crimes. By their logic, they should therefore be
[19:37] By their logic, they should therefore be lording the capture of Gillad Shalit, a
[19:39] lording the capture of Gillad Shalit, a soldier in an army that was
[19:41] soldier in an army that was uncontroversially shelling and bombing
[19:43] uncontroversially shelling and bombing Gaza. The mentality seems to be this.
[19:46] Gaza. The mentality seems to be this. captured Israeli soldiers, even while in
[19:48] captured Israeli soldiers, even while in the process of actively invading a
[19:50] the process of actively invading a foreign territory, kidnapping and
[19:52] foreign territory, kidnapping and murdering its inhabitants, are victims.
[19:55] murdering its inhabitants, are victims. Palestinian civilians, on the other
[19:57] Palestinian civilians, on the other hand, can be assumed guilty simply by
[19:59] hand, can be assumed guilty simply by the fact that they were targeted in the
[20:00] the fact that they were targeted in the first place, at which point their lives
[20:02] first place, at which point their lives become irrelevant. In another speech,
[20:04] become irrelevant. In another speech, Chsky summed up the difference plainly.
[20:06] Chsky summed up the difference plainly. I haven't a clue what happened to them.
[20:08] I haven't a clue what happened to them. I've never seen a word about it. And as
[20:10] I've never seen a word about it. And as far as I know, nobody cares, which makes
[20:12] far as I know, nobody cares, which makes sense. Israeli Jews are people.
[20:15] sense. Israeli Jews are people. Palestinians are unp people. The concept
[20:19] Palestinians are unp people. The concept of games about killing people, trying to
[20:21] of games about killing people, trying to make the player feel bad for killing
[20:23] make the player feel bad for killing people, has always been slightly
[20:24] people, has always been slightly controversial. 2012 Spec Ops: The Lion
[20:26] controversial. 2012 Spec Ops: The Lion is almost entirely defined by a moment
[20:29] is almost entirely defined by a moment early on where you shoot your way
[20:30] early on where you shoot your way through terrorists in Dubai and are
[20:32] through terrorists in Dubai and are directed to deploy white phosphorus over
[20:34] directed to deploy white phosphorus over an enemy camp.
[20:34] an enemy camp. >> You've seen what this [ __ ] does. You
[20:36] >> You've seen what this [ __ ] does. You know, we can't have a choice, Lugo.
[20:37] know, we can't have a choice, Lugo. >> There's always a choice.
[20:40] >> There's always a choice. >> No, there's really not. The camp, it
[20:43] >> No, there's really not. The camp, it turns out, is full of cowering
[20:44] turns out, is full of cowering civilians. Don't you feel bad? To be
[20:47] civilians. Don't you feel bad? To be honest, I only played Spec Ops: The Lion
[20:48] honest, I only played Spec Ops: The Lion after getting spoiled on this twist and
[20:51] after getting spoiled on this twist and found 16-year-old me getting weirdly
[20:53] found 16-year-old me getting weirdly annoyed once I got to that part and
[20:55] annoyed once I got to that part and realized I had no way as a player to
[20:57] realized I had no way as a player to refuse it. Why should I feel bad at a
[20:59] refuse it. Why should I feel bad at a segment of the game that gives me no
[21:01] segment of the game that gives me no alternative choice except turning it
[21:03] alternative choice except turning it off, which I mean, I I paid for the
[21:07] off, which I mean, I I paid for the [ __ ] game. Okay, my mom paid for the
[21:08] [ __ ] game. Okay, my mom paid for the game. Sorry, mom. The Last of Us Part
[21:10] game. Sorry, mom. The Last of Us Part Two has probably gotten more criticism
[21:12] Two has probably gotten more criticism than any game for doing this. As Ellie
[21:14] than any game for doing this. As Ellie goes about avenging Joel's death, she
[21:16] goes about avenging Joel's death, she stumbles on random enemies with
[21:18] stumbles on random enemies with relationships and names and sometimes
[21:20] relationships and names and sometimes dogs. And there are both optional and
[21:21] dogs. And there are both optional and non-optional moments to kill them. I
[21:23] non-optional moments to kill them. I have very little footage of me killing
[21:25] have very little footage of me killing dogs in this game because I avoid doing
[21:26] dogs in this game because I avoid doing it and usually reload the game if I do
[21:28] it and usually reload the game if I do it by accident. I promise I haven't lost
[21:30] it by accident. I promise I haven't lost the thread on this point. In a medium
[21:32] the thread on this point. In a medium article, YouTuber Pixel a Day argues for
[21:34] article, YouTuber Pixel a Day argues for this mechanic. As hard as I bounced off
[21:36] this mechanic. As hard as I bounced off The Last of Us 2, I need to defend
[21:38] The Last of Us 2, I need to defend Naughty Dog here. I don't think that the
[21:40] Naughty Dog here. I don't think that the devs were so silly that they believed
[21:41] devs were so silly that they believed you, the player, should feel bad because
[21:43] you, the player, should feel bad because you chose to kill the dog, which by any
[21:46] you chose to kill the dog, which by any reasonable standard, you did not. But
[21:47] reasonable standard, you did not. But there is a sense in which a player could
[21:49] there is a sense in which a player could feel bad. That is, if they wanted to
[21:51] feel bad. That is, if they wanted to kill the dog. When is a game justified
[21:53] kill the dog. When is a game justified in trying to make you feel guilty for
[21:54] in trying to make you feel guilty for something you had no control over? My
[21:57] something you had no control over? My answer is when you were rooting for that
[21:59] answer is when you were rooting for that thing to happen. I may not feel
[22:00] thing to happen. I may not feel complicit simply for sitting through all
[22:02] complicit simply for sitting through all of Breaking Bad, but if I was cheering
[22:04] of Breaking Bad, but if I was cheering for Walt when he poisoned that kid, it
[22:06] for Walt when he poisoned that kid, it may well prompt me to take a long hard
[22:07] may well prompt me to take a long hard look at myself.
[22:08] look at myself. >> She ends up concluding that the mechanic
[22:10] >> She ends up concluding that the mechanic didn't fully work because she was never
[22:12] didn't fully work because she was never on board with Ellie going on a blood
[22:14] on board with Ellie going on a blood craze revenge quest. So, this point
[22:16] craze revenge quest. So, this point never really landed with her and just
[22:18] never really landed with her and just made the experience much more
[22:19] made the experience much more unpleasant. I'd argue the mechanic works
[22:22] unpleasant. I'd argue the mechanic works specifically because it separates us
[22:25] specifically because it separates us from Ellie. This is the part where if it
[22:27] from Ellie. This is the part where if it isn't obvious yet, I reveal that I'm a
[22:29] isn't obvious yet, I reveal that I'm a bit of a Last of Us 2 contrarian. When I
[22:31] bit of a Last of Us 2 contrarian. When I first played the game on release, I
[22:32] first played the game on release, I didn't like it that much. But annoyingly
[22:34] didn't like it that much. But annoyingly not for any of the reasons everyone else
[22:36] not for any of the reasons everyone else seemed to be complaining about. I
[22:38] seemed to be complaining about. I thought Killing Joel was a narratively
[22:41] thought Killing Joel was a narratively exciting direction. I thought Abby,
[22:44] exciting direction. I thought Abby, Ellie, Dena, and Lev were all likable
[22:47] Ellie, Dena, and Lev were all likable characters, and I thought the attempt to
[22:49] characters, and I thought the attempt to build player empathy for the same
[22:50] build player empathy for the same enemies they killed attached me more to
[22:53] enemies they killed attached me more to this world. It makes killing when you do
[22:55] this world. It makes killing when you do do it feel like an integrated part of
[22:56] do it feel like an integrated part of Ellie and Aby's stories. It adds a
[22:58] Ellie and Aby's stories. It adds a feeling of weight, possibly making me as
[23:00] feeling of weight, possibly making me as a player feel more distant, but also
[23:02] a player feel more distant, but also making me experience the momentto moment
[23:04] making me experience the momentto moment reasoning of these characters. This is
[23:06] reasoning of these characters. This is an embodiment of that core Last of Us
[23:08] an embodiment of that core Last of Us theme, who we choose to include and
[23:11] theme, who we choose to include and exclude. This is how people are
[23:14] exclude. This is how people are unpeople,
[23:15] unpeople, except for the part where enemy NPCs
[23:17] except for the part where enemy NPCs literally just have a few predetermined
[23:18] literally just have a few predetermined lines they repeat like robots. And if
[23:20] lines they repeat like robots. And if you try to do anything as complicated as
[23:22] you try to do anything as complicated as letting a begging captive leave, you
[23:23] letting a begging captive leave, you have to kill them anyway. To be fair,
[23:25] have to kill them anyway. To be fair, the odds they would just leave with the
[23:26] the odds they would just leave with the repercussions to you would be pretty
[23:27] repercussions to you would be pretty low. Who said that? Aby's dad at the
[23:29] low. Who said that? Aby's dad at the time of the first Last of Us was a
[23:31] time of the first Last of Us was a literal unperson. An NPC so easily
[23:34] literal unperson. An NPC so easily dismissed he didn't even have a
[23:36] dismissed he didn't even have a consistent character model between games
[23:38] consistent character model between games and certainly no mention of a daughter
[23:40] and certainly no mention of a daughter around Ellie's age. Suddenly, he is not
[23:42] around Ellie's age. Suddenly, he is not only an important person, but the direct
[23:44] only an important person, but the direct reason for the death of the star of this
[23:46] reason for the death of the star of this franchise. This dissonance alone was
[23:48] franchise. This dissonance alone was enough to put many players off feeling a
[23:50] enough to put many players off feeling a disconnect between how inconsequential
[23:52] disconnect between how inconsequential the Firefly Surgeon used to be in
[23:54] the Firefly Surgeon used to be in comparison to in the sequel. This part
[23:56] comparison to in the sequel. This part never bothered me, partly because in
[23:58] never bothered me, partly because in reality, it really isn't uncommon for
[24:00] reality, it really isn't uncommon for seemingly irrelevant people to end up
[24:02] seemingly irrelevant people to end up playing significant roles in a conflict.
[24:04] playing significant roles in a conflict. As a narrative choice, there are
[24:06] As a narrative choice, there are different ways to look at it. You could
[24:07] different ways to look at it. You could say it's somewhat a departure for the
[24:09] say it's somewhat a departure for the series writing, given most of the first
[24:10] series writing, given most of the first game's key characters were obviously
[24:13] game's key characters were obviously signposted. We know about Bill's town
[24:15] signposted. We know about Bill's town long before finding Bill, Joel's brother
[24:17] long before finding Bill, Joel's brother long before meeting up with him, and we
[24:19] long before meeting up with him, and we know Ellie is important because she is
[24:21] know Ellie is important because she is on the cover of the box. Just the nature
[24:22] on the cover of the box. Just the nature of celebrity actors usually makes it
[24:24] of celebrity actors usually makes it obvious who's going to be important the
[24:26] obvious who's going to be important the moment they appear on screen.
[24:28] moment they appear on screen. Particularly notable when The Last of Us
[24:29] Particularly notable when The Last of Us relies heavily on highly detailed mocap
[24:32] relies heavily on highly detailed mocap actors, contrasting weirdly with the
[24:34] actors, contrasting weirdly with the incidental background models.
[24:35] incidental background models. >> No, our kids aren't ready yet.
[24:37] >> No, our kids aren't ready yet. >> Someone please give this child gloves.
[24:39] >> Someone please give this child gloves. But more obviously, this signals the
[24:40] But more obviously, this signals the game's change in perspective. Joel and
[24:42] game's change in perspective. Joel and Ellie may not have had many interactions
[24:44] Ellie may not have had many interactions like this, but a lot of other people had
[24:46] like this, but a lot of other people had these interactions with Joel and Ellie.
[24:49] these interactions with Joel and Ellie. Joel's moment with the surgeon is again
[24:50] Joel's moment with the surgeon is again just a microcosm of a thousand other
[24:53] just a microcosm of a thousand other moments between him and Ellie and the
[24:54] moments between him and Ellie and the many other enemy factions in the first
[24:56] many other enemy factions in the first game. The Last of Us 2 establishes a
[24:58] game. The Last of Us 2 establishes a desire not just to debate ethics and
[25:00] desire not just to debate ethics and morality, but do it through differing
[25:02] morality, but do it through differing perspectives and introducing characters
[25:04] perspectives and introducing characters more in the way relationships are formed
[25:06] more in the way relationships are formed in real life. First an unexpected
[25:08] in real life. First an unexpected meeting with a stranger. Then we learn
[25:10] meeting with a stranger. Then we learn more about them and then we beat their
[25:12] more about them and then we beat their head in with a golf club.
[25:13] head in with a golf club. >> Young people, those whose lives are
[25:15] >> Young people, those whose lives are deemed worthless, expendable in the
[25:17] deemed worthless, expendable in the pursuit [music] of power and commercial
[25:19] pursuit [music] of power and commercial gain. They are the modern equivalent of
[25:20] gain. They are the modern equivalent of the savages of the colonial days who
[25:22] the savages of the colonial days who could be moaned down by British guns and
[25:24] could be moaned down by British guns and virtual [music] secrecy or else in
[25:26] virtual [music] secrecy or else in circumstances where the perpetrators
[25:28] circumstances where the perpetrators were hailed as the upholders of
[25:29] were hailed as the upholders of civilization. Arguably Joel is not
[25:31] civilization. Arguably Joel is not unpersoned when he's killed by Abby to
[25:34] unpersoned when he's killed by Abby to avenge her father. To her, he is very
[25:36] avenge her father. To her, he is very much a person defined by his choices
[25:38] much a person defined by his choices which she uses to justify her own. But
[25:41] which she uses to justify her own. But also by this metric, Aby's dad was an
[25:43] also by this metric, Aby's dad was an unpersoned given he was ready to kill a
[25:46] unpersoned given he was ready to kill a teenage girl for the potential chance of
[25:48] teenage girl for the potential chance of a cure. Ellie was unpersoned when her
[25:50] a cure. Ellie was unpersoned when her death was treated like a necessary
[25:52] death was treated like a necessary stepping stone to progress. Joel was
[25:54] stepping stone to progress. Joel was unpersoned when he was unceremoniously
[25:56] unpersoned when he was unceremoniously held at gunpoint by Marleene and
[25:58] held at gunpoint by Marleene and escorted away from Ellie with the heavy
[26:00] escorted away from Ellie with the heavy implication he was going to be quietly
[26:02] implication he was going to be quietly executed. And when he killed Aby's dad,
[26:05] executed. And when he killed Aby's dad, it was Abby who was unpersoned. When
[26:07] it was Abby who was unpersoned. When Joel is killed, Ellie returns to that
[26:09] Joel is killed, Ellie returns to that position, a position she had already
[26:11] position, a position she had already expressed as her deepest and strongest
[26:14] expressed as her deepest and strongest fear. This is what it is to become
[26:16] fear. This is what it is to become unpeople. Not even to be judged by what
[26:18] unpeople. Not even to be judged by what you've done, but to suffer pain, trauma,
[26:21] you've done, but to suffer pain, trauma, and loss because you were simply in the
[26:24] and loss because you were simply in the way. This is the theme that unites both
[26:26] way. This is the theme that unites both the main story of The Last of Us 2 and
[26:28] the main story of The Last of Us 2 and how it handles its encounters. a general
[26:30] how it handles its encounters. a general refusal to see a clear binary between
[26:32] refusal to see a clear binary between the people whose lives matter and whose
[26:34] the people whose lives matter and whose don't up to the mechanical limits of the
[26:36] don't up to the mechanical limits of the game that was being designed. Yes, NPCs
[26:39] game that was being designed. Yes, NPCs can be repetitive and yes, they will
[26:40] can be repetitive and yes, they will never technically become key characters
[26:42] never technically become key characters in the way an orc lord in Shadow of
[26:45] in the way an orc lord in Shadow of Mordor might. And even in writing, there
[26:46] Mordor might. And even in writing, there are plenty of incidental characters
[26:48] are plenty of incidental characters never really offered the potential for
[26:50] never really offered the potential for depth before being epically murdered. In
[26:52] depth before being epically murdered. In an unexpected moment midway through the
[26:54] an unexpected moment midway through the game, Ellie goes to one of her standard
[26:56] game, Ellie goes to one of her standard weapon crafting tables only to be
[26:57] weapon crafting tables only to be violently grabbed by a random group of
[26:59] violently grabbed by a random group of survivors. After taking them out, we can
[27:01] survivors. After taking them out, we can find a note explaining that they were
[27:03] find a note explaining that they were deserters from the local militia who
[27:05] deserters from the local militia who mistakenly took Ellie for a member. She
[27:07] mistakenly took Ellie for a member. She remarks under her breath, "I thought it
[27:10] remarks under her breath, "I thought it was a wolf."
[27:11] was a wolf." >> But with a kind of vague disgust more so
[27:13] >> But with a kind of vague disgust more so than any particular sadness at the
[27:15] than any particular sadness at the situation for Ellie, this is really just
[27:17] situation for Ellie, this is really just one more scrappy combat encounter. And
[27:20] one more scrappy combat encounter. And most players will remember the jump
[27:21] most players will remember the jump scare interruption long after they
[27:23] scare interruption long after they forget why these enemies jumped them in
[27:25] forget why these enemies jumped them in the first place. There's also this man.
[27:28] the first place. There's also this man. Who is this man? Who is this man? Who is
[27:32] Who is this man? Who is this man? Who is this man? And could The Last of Us 3 be
[27:35] this man? And could The Last of Us 3 be about him? But if I had to connect The
[27:37] about him? But if I had to connect The Last of Us 2 to any one theme, I'd say
[27:39] Last of Us 2 to any one theme, I'd say it's exploring this binary long before
[27:41] it's exploring this binary long before I'd say it's about any cycle of
[27:43] I'd say it's about any cycle of violence. I've always found zombies a
[27:45] violence. I've always found zombies a problematic writing tool because in the
[27:47] problematic writing tool because in the way they're often used, they're very
[27:48] way they're often used, they're very impersonal. You can't really get revenge
[27:50] impersonal. You can't really get revenge on a zombie. They are rarely presented
[27:52] on a zombie. They are rarely presented as characters who can make choices. This
[27:55] as characters who can make choices. This in turn takes choice away from the
[27:57] in turn takes choice away from the people killing those zombies. It's a
[27:58] people killing those zombies. It's a narrative that can encourage a kind of
[28:00] narrative that can encourage a kind of morally lazy convenience to a conflict.
[28:03] morally lazy convenience to a conflict. Killing becomes as ethically neutral as
[28:06] Killing becomes as ethically neutral as mowing the grass. In a speech given by
[28:08] mowing the grass. In a speech given by former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali
[28:10] former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett on the ongoing conflict, the
[28:12] Bennett on the ongoing conflict, the media is talking about a heated debate
[28:14] media is talking about a heated debate between two approaches. cutting off
[28:16] between two approaches. cutting off contact with the enemy or creating
[28:18] contact with the enemy or creating continuous contact and receiving
[28:20] continuous contact and receiving long-term security. In our neighborhood,
[28:22] long-term security. In our neighborhood, he who does not mow the grass, the grass
[28:24] he who does not mow the grass, the grass ms him. Revenge stories rely on personal
[28:27] ms him. Revenge stories rely on personal conflict. John Wick wants to kill that
[28:29] conflict. John Wick wants to kill that guy because he very specifically chose
[28:31] guy because he very specifically chose to go out of his way to kill his dog. It
[28:33] to go out of his way to kill his dog. It barely makes sense that this man would
[28:35] barely makes sense that this man would then reveal his face to Jon, but he has
[28:37] then reveal his face to Jon, but he has to in the story because the conflict
[28:39] to in the story because the conflict cannot remain faceless. It must become
[28:42] cannot remain faceless. It must become personal. Now, zombies can excel in
[28:44] personal. Now, zombies can excel in other types of narrative. Man versus
[28:46] other types of narrative. Man versus nature stories about loss of control,
[28:48] nature stories about loss of control, about trying to process grief and regain
[28:50] about trying to process grief and regain agency in a chaotic and impersonally
[28:53] agency in a chaotic and impersonally cruel world. Ironically, John Wick is
[28:55] cruel world. Ironically, John Wick is also a story about a man being denied
[28:57] also a story about a man being denied the right to process his grief.
[28:58] the right to process his grief. >> An opportunity to grieve unalone,
[29:03] and your son
[29:06] and your son took that from me.
[29:07] took that from me. >> But for most of those ideas, The Last of
[29:09] >> But for most of those ideas, The Last of Us one already covered them. The Last of
[29:11] Us one already covered them. The Last of Us 2 is much more narratively detached
[29:13] Us 2 is much more narratively detached from its zombies. Probably the most
[29:15] from its zombies. Probably the most memorable zombie moment is with a giant
[29:17] memorable zombie moment is with a giant Resident Evil boss monster that is never
[29:19] Resident Evil boss monster that is never addressed before or after the encounter
[29:21] addressed before or after the encounter because it's more interested in saying
[29:23] because it's more interested in saying something about personal conflict.
[29:26] something about personal conflict. Because between people, it is always
[29:28] Because between people, it is always personal. There are no real unpeople
[29:30] personal. There are no real unpeople people. It's always a convenient
[29:33] people. It's always a convenient unspoken construction of the mind to
[29:35] unspoken construction of the mind to make us feel more comfortable with a
[29:37] make us feel more comfortable with a choice. be it our own choices or
[29:40] choice. be it our own choices or estates. I still feel a revenge quest to
[29:42] estates. I still feel a revenge quest to go after Joel's killer was the most
[29:44] go after Joel's killer was the most narratively interesting direction The
[29:46] narratively interesting direction The Last of Us could go. I still feel it
[29:48] Last of Us could go. I still feel it opens an opportunity for the games to
[29:50] opens an opportunity for the games to make new commentary and especially
[29:52] make new commentary and especially commentary with modern political
[29:53] commentary with modern political relevance. It's just also the case that
[29:56] relevance. It's just also the case that this new interesting commentary ends up
[29:59] this new interesting commentary ends up leading The Last of Us 2 to some of its
[30:01] leading The Last of Us 2 to some of its worst takes.
[30:05] But before I get to that, [music]
[30:10] >> Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore
[30:13] >> Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou and
[30:15] arise, go over this Jordan, thou and [music] all this people, unto the land
[30:17] [music] all this people, unto the land which I give them, that is to you
[30:20] which I give them, that is to you children of Israel. I posed three
[30:22] children of Israel. I posed three questions at the start of this video.
[30:23] questions at the start of this video. What are the connections between the
[30:25] What are the connections between the Last of Us and the Israel Palestine
[30:26] Last of Us and the Israel Palestine conflict? What are the connections
[30:28] conflict? What are the connections between The Last of Us and Zionism
[30:30] between The Last of Us and Zionism specifically? and whether The Last of Us
[30:32] specifically? and whether The Last of Us itself reflects Zionist ideology. So
[30:35] itself reflects Zionist ideology. So far, we've done a lot to discuss the
[30:36] far, we've done a lot to discuss the first question, but we haven't really
[30:38] first question, but we haven't really defined Zionism. If you're coming into
[30:39] defined Zionism. If you're coming into this video completely in the dark,
[30:42] this video completely in the dark, I'm so sorry, but it's about a 50-50
[30:44] I'm so sorry, but it's about a 50-50 shot. You have at least some definition
[30:46] shot. You have at least some definition roughly in your mind. For some, Zionism
[30:48] roughly in your mind. For some, Zionism is a belief in the total eradication of
[30:50] is a belief in the total eradication of Palestinians. For some, Zionism is
[30:52] Palestinians. For some, Zionism is merely support for the Israeli
[30:54] merely support for the Israeli government. For some, Zionism is the
[30:55] government. For some, Zionism is the belief in the foundation of an Israeli
[30:57] belief in the foundation of an Israeli state in general. And for some, Zionism
[31:00] state in general. And for some, Zionism is inexurably tied to the fate of
[31:02] is inexurably tied to the fate of Judaism. That is to say, to be
[31:04] Judaism. That is to say, to be anti-Zionist is to oppose the right for
[31:06] anti-Zionist is to oppose the right for Jewish people to ever have a home. While
[31:09] Jewish people to ever have a home. While the Zionist political movement is
[31:11] the Zionist political movement is relatively new, Zionism's history dates
[31:13] relatively new, Zionism's history dates back thousands of years, and the ways
[31:15] back thousands of years, and the ways it's grown and changed isn't something I
[31:17] it's grown and changed isn't something I could easily summarize here. For the
[31:19] could easily summarize here. For the sake of this analysis going forward,
[31:21] sake of this analysis going forward, here's what's important. Zionism, as it
[31:23] here's what's important. Zionism, as it has historically existed, is a religious
[31:26] has historically existed, is a religious concept. Zion literally refers to a
[31:28] concept. Zion literally refers to a religious promised land. But the
[31:30] religious promised land. But the formation of that land into a
[31:32] formation of that land into a militarized nation is a separate idea.
[31:34] militarized nation is a separate idea. The project of modern political Zionism
[31:37] The project of modern political Zionism is to convert this religious idea into a
[31:39] is to convert this religious idea into a state. I showed a clip at the start of
[31:41] state. I showed a clip at the start of this video of Cassan Kafani, a
[31:43] this video of Cassan Kafani, a Palestinian scholar who gained
[31:44] Palestinian scholar who gained popularity in the 1960s for his
[31:46] popularity in the 1960s for his criticism of the Israeli state. The
[31:48] criticism of the Israeli state. The first time I learned about Kafani was
[31:50] first time I learned about Kafani was when I was suggested his book on Zionist
[31:51] when I was suggested his book on Zionist literature, which explains at length how
[31:53] literature, which explains at length how political Zionism was constructed and
[31:55] political Zionism was constructed and used to legitimize widespread killing
[31:57] used to legitimize widespread killing and displacement of Palestinians. He
[31:59] and displacement of Palestinians. He explains, and bear with me because this
[32:01] explains, and bear with me because this is kind of a long one, as the movement
[32:02] is kind of a long one, as the movement struggled to transform Judaism into a
[32:04] struggled to transform Judaism into a national bond that was necessary for it
[32:06] national bond that was necessary for it to appeal to Hebrew because it
[32:08] to appeal to Hebrew because it represented the only possibility through
[32:10] represented the only possibility through which such a bond may be forged. Judaism
[32:12] which such a bond may be forged. Judaism had ceased to be a national bond for
[32:14] had ceased to be a national bond for nearly 2,000 years and has since lacked
[32:16] nearly 2,000 years and has since lacked all the requisites of national cohesion.
[32:18] all the requisites of national cohesion. Indeed, there had not been a common
[32:19] Indeed, there had not been a common sense of geography, civilization,
[32:21] sense of geography, civilization, economy, culture, or politics among the
[32:23] economy, culture, or politics among the world's Jews. And there certainly was
[32:25] world's Jews. And there certainly was not an ethnic kinship either. Semitism
[32:28] not an ethnic kinship either. Semitism itself was a negative identity defined
[32:30] itself was a negative identity defined from without. Put differently, it wasn't
[32:33] from without. Put differently, it wasn't the Jews who selfidentified as Semites,
[32:35] the Jews who selfidentified as Semites, but rather how European anti-semites
[32:38] but rather how European anti-semites define Jews. Thus, language became of
[32:40] define Jews. Thus, language became of utmost importance. Hebrew was
[32:42] utmost importance. Hebrew was subordinated to the movement's political
[32:43] subordinated to the movement's political ends and was made for incremental and
[32:45] ends and was made for incremental and constant direction into a justification
[32:47] constant direction into a justification for the movement's existence because it
[32:49] for the movement's existence because it represented the tenuous link that
[32:51] represented the tenuous link that connects the world's Jews. Because
[32:53] connects the world's Jews. Because Hebrew actually reflected a religious
[32:55] Hebrew actually reflected a religious bond and not a national one, Zionism
[32:57] bond and not a national one, Zionism regarded the task of changing that to be
[32:59] regarded the task of changing that to be among its foremost priorities. The
[33:01] among its foremost priorities. The simplest version of this is also the
[33:03] simplest version of this is also the political catchphrase you may have heard
[33:05] political catchphrase you may have heard a lot in pro Palestine communities.
[33:08] a lot in pro Palestine communities. Zionism is not Judaism. Anti-Zionism
[33:12] Zionism is not Judaism. Anti-Zionism is not anti-semitism. Political Zionism
[33:15] is not anti-semitism. Political Zionism was invented to justify a colonial
[33:17] was invented to justify a colonial project and the foundation of a state.
[33:19] project and the foundation of a state. And it used every available means to tie
[33:21] And it used every available means to tie itself to a separate religious identity.
[33:24] itself to a separate religious identity. In this case, the Hebrew language.
[33:26] In this case, the Hebrew language. Kafani notes that Yedish, a popular
[33:28] Kafani notes that Yedish, a popular fusion of Hebrew, German, and Slavic
[33:30] fusion of Hebrew, German, and Slavic dialects, was historically rejected by
[33:32] dialects, was historically rejected by the Israeli state. It represented the
[33:34] the Israeli state. It represented the Jewish identity as an international one.
[33:36] Jewish identity as an international one. not so convenient when you're trying to
[33:38] not so convenient when you're trying to tie it to one national regime.
[33:42] tie it to one national regime. So, there's this YouTuber that after I
[33:45] So, there's this YouTuber that after I put out my first Last of Us video, uh, I
[33:47] put out my first Last of Us video, uh, I got compared to a few times.
[33:49] got compared to a few times. >> When The Last of Us debuted in 2013, it
[33:51] >> When The Last of Us debuted in 2013, it certainly had some woke moments, but
[33:53] certainly had some woke moments, but overall, it was a solid story about a
[33:56] overall, it was a solid story about a man on a path to redemption. And I can't
[33:57] man on a path to redemption. And I can't really show a lot of their Last of Us
[33:59] really show a lot of their Last of Us video uh because when they put it up,
[34:02] video uh because when they put it up, the video was removed for bigotry,
[34:06] the video was removed for bigotry, which is a really hard thing to get your
[34:08] which is a really hard thing to get your YouTube video removed for.
[34:09] YouTube video removed for. >> They took the liberty of making Jackson,
[34:11] >> They took the liberty of making Jackson, Wyoming quite ethnically diverse. Now,
[34:14] Wyoming quite ethnically diverse. Now, technically, Jackson County doesn't
[34:15] technically, Jackson County doesn't exist.
[34:16] exist. >> At one point early in Ellie's quest to
[34:17] >> At one point early in Ellie's quest to avenge Joel, she ends up in a synagogue.
[34:20] avenge Joel, she ends up in a synagogue. And during this section, Dena, Ellie's
[34:22] And during this section, Dena, Ellie's main love interest in the story, reveals
[34:24] main love interest in the story, reveals that she is Jewish, explaining a few
[34:25] that she is Jewish, explaining a few things to Ellie about her faith and her
[34:27] things to Ellie about her faith and her relationship to her.
[34:28] relationship to her. >> My sister used to drag me [music] to a
[34:30] >> My sister used to drag me [music] to a synagogue all the time.
[34:32] synagogue all the time. >> Do you still pray?
[34:34] >> Do you still pray? Sometimes. Really? When?
[34:37] Sometimes. Really? When? >> I said when we left Jackson. I said one
[34:40] >> I said when we left Jackson. I said one at [music] Joel's grave.
[34:42] at [music] Joel's grave. Sometimes I just say little ones to
[34:45] Sometimes I just say little ones to myself. When I first encountered this
[34:47] myself. When I first encountered this scene, I thought it was interesting as a
[34:48] scene, I thought it was interesting as a reminder of what this apocalyptic
[34:50] reminder of what this apocalyptic setting had forced these characters to
[34:52] setting had forced these characters to leave behind. In a lot of ways, this
[34:53] leave behind. In a lot of ways, this section isn't that different from
[34:54] section isn't that different from occasions we've seen Ellie wander
[34:56] occasions we've seen Ellie wander through shopping malls or mess with
[34:57] through shopping malls or mess with arcade machines. To her, the Jewish
[34:59] arcade machines. To her, the Jewish faith is just another curious artifact
[35:02] faith is just another curious artifact of an older, gentler time. The kind of
[35:04] of an older, gentler time. The kind of time when people could concern
[35:05] time when people could concern themselves with vast temples and
[35:07] themselves with vast temples and scripture over basic survival. It also
[35:09] scripture over basic survival. It also gave context to Dena as a character. the
[35:12] gave context to Dena as a character. the nurturing relationship she had with her
[35:13] nurturing relationship she had with her family built on a deep connection to
[35:15] family built on a deep connection to their faith. Very different to the
[35:17] their faith. Very different to the pragmatic lessons Ellie learned from the
[35:19] pragmatic lessons Ellie learned from the world and from Joel. On the subject both
[35:22] world and from Joel. On the subject both of Dena and the synagogue, this YouTuber
[35:24] of Dena and the synagogue, this YouTuber had criticisms.
[35:25] had criticisms. >> The issue I have here is the very
[35:27] >> The issue I have here is the very particular and self-serving Jewish
[35:29] particular and self-serving Jewish framing. Curiously, you literally can't
[35:31] framing. Curiously, you literally can't shoot any religious items in the
[35:33] shoot any religious items in the synagogue. And no, I didn't think to do
[35:35] synagogue. And no, I didn't think to do this myself. I saw someone else's video
[35:37] this myself. I saw someone else's video on it and decided to test it out. Why
[35:39] on it and decided to test it out. Why did he choose a white Christian father
[35:41] did he choose a white Christian father as the anchor point and then prop up an
[35:43] as the anchor point and then prop up an overtly Jewish character as the game's
[35:45] overtly Jewish character as the game's moral compass? The insinuation here is
[35:47] moral compass? The insinuation here is that all the boys were jealous of Ellie
[35:49] that all the boys were jealous of Ellie because she was able to garner the
[35:51] because she was able to garner the attention of the town's glorious Jews.
[35:53] attention of the town's glorious Jews. >> And that's the last clip I can show on
[35:54] >> And that's the last clip I can show on this video.
[35:59] [sighs]
[36:16] And that's the last clip I can show on
[36:18] And that's the last clip I can show on this video. When I was coming up with
[36:19] this video. When I was coming up with connections between The Last of Us and
[36:21] connections between The Last of Us and Israel or Palestine or Zionism, visiting
[36:24] Israel or Palestine or Zionism, visiting a synagogue or the game having a Jewish
[36:26] a synagogue or the game having a Jewish girlfriend was honestly not that high on
[36:28] girlfriend was honestly not that high on the list. Not so much because I'm afraid
[36:30] the list. Not so much because I'm afraid of being accused of anti-semitism.
[36:32] of being accused of anti-semitism. That's pretty much been guaranteed since
[36:33] That's pretty much been guaranteed since I said there was a genocide in Gaza. But
[36:35] I said there was a genocide in Gaza. But because it's entirely my point that
[36:37] because it's entirely my point that Zionist ideology really has little to do
[36:40] Zionist ideology really has little to do with Judaism, it conflates Judaism with
[36:43] with Judaism, it conflates Judaism with Israel to turn a religious identity into
[36:45] Israel to turn a religious identity into a national one to tie the strength of
[36:47] a national one to tie the strength of that state to the existence of that
[36:49] that state to the existence of that religion and criticism of that state to
[36:52] religion and criticism of that state to intolerance of that religion. And I'm
[36:53] intolerance of that religion. And I'm telling you as a Jewish person what how
[36:57] telling you as a Jewish person what how painful it is for us to say and it hurts
[37:00] painful it is for us to say and it hurts my stomach to say this and you're going
[37:01] my stomach to say this and you're going to say I disagree. I disagree that this
[37:04] to say I disagree. I disagree that this is a genocide. This is feels like a
[37:06] is a genocide. This is feels like a stain on our history and it feels like
[37:09] stain on our history and it feels like it's changed what being Jewish is
[37:12] it's changed what being Jewish is because what being Jewish is isn't
[37:14] because what being Jewish is isn't Israel. The thing is writers like Kafani
[37:17] Israel. The thing is writers like Kafani have been saying things like this for
[37:18] have been saying things like this for well over 60 years and it's been a
[37:20] well over 60 years and it's been a surprise to many modern activists that
[37:22] surprise to many modern activists that especially a lot of younger people in
[37:24] especially a lot of younger people in the west have suddenly become so
[37:26] the west have suddenly become so invested in this conflict. The reason I
[37:28] invested in this conflict. The reason I don't think it's a surprise at all is
[37:29] don't think it's a surprise at all is because of a part of western education
[37:31] because of a part of western education that's long been concealed and was
[37:33] that's long been concealed and was particularly highlighted by the
[37:34] particularly highlighted by the internet. the invention of manifest
[37:36] internet. the invention of manifest destiny. Theologian John Cotton, one of
[37:39] destiny. Theologian John Cotton, one of the first Christian ministers to
[37:40] the first Christian ministers to immigrate to the American colonies, gave
[37:42] immigrate to the American colonies, gave a sermon after his arrival in which he
[37:44] a sermon after his arrival in which he partially quoted 2 Samuel 7:10. I will
[37:47] partially quoted 2 Samuel 7:10. I will appoint a place for my people Israel.
[37:50] appoint a place for my people Israel. Build him a house renowned forever. He
[37:52] Build him a house renowned forever. He will be a father to his son. He will
[37:54] will be a father to his son. He will establish the throne of his house
[37:56] establish the throne of his house forever. Manifest destiny was the main
[37:58] forever. Manifest destiny was the main justifying belief for the European
[38:00] justifying belief for the European conquest of America and the eventual
[38:02] conquest of America and the eventual genocide of its indigenous population.
[38:04] genocide of its indigenous population. It combined Christian teachings and
[38:06] It combined Christian teachings and nationalism to basically argue it was
[38:08] nationalism to basically argue it was the responsibility of the new Americans
[38:10] the responsibility of the new Americans to pursue their own state which would
[38:12] to pursue their own state which would represent their moral values. That this
[38:14] represent their moral values. That this had been divinely ordained and that God
[38:16] had been divinely ordained and that God himself believed in this mission. Many
[38:18] himself believed in this mission. Many people now are well aware of the
[38:19] people now are well aware of the genocide of the Native Americans and as
[38:21] genocide of the Native Americans and as a result well aware of the propaganda
[38:23] a result well aware of the propaganda that was used to justify that genocide.
[38:25] that was used to justify that genocide. Uncomfortably close to many other
[38:27] Uncomfortably close to many other historical empires. I mean I literally
[38:31] historical empires. I mean I literally come from a country that has a divine
[38:32] come from a country that has a divine right of kings. the way Christianity was
[38:34] right of kings. the way Christianity was cynically used to rhetorically and
[38:36] cynically used to rhetorically and aesthetically tie these mass killings
[38:37] aesthetically tie these mass killings and displacement to the survival of a
[38:39] and displacement to the survival of a faith and its adherence. And through
[38:41] faith and its adherence. And through that lens, it's way easier to see
[38:44] that lens, it's way easier to see through Zionists and the Israeli
[38:45] through Zionists and the Israeli government attempting the exact same
[38:47] government attempting the exact same thing with Judaism, as put by William
[38:49] thing with Judaism, as put by William Albbright in defense of the Israeli
[38:51] Albbright in defense of the Israeli state. We Americans have perhaps less
[38:53] state. We Americans have perhaps less right than most modern nations to sit in
[38:54] right than most modern nations to sit in judgment on the Israelites of the 13th
[38:56] judgment on the Israelites of the 13th century BC. Since we have intentionally
[38:59] century BC. Since we have intentionally or otherwise exterminated scores of
[39:01] or otherwise exterminated scores of thousands of Indians in every corner of
[39:03] thousands of Indians in every corner of our great nation and have crowded the
[39:04] our great nation and have crowded the rest into great concentration camps.
[39:06] rest into great concentration camps. From the impartial standpoint of a
[39:08] From the impartial standpoint of a philosopher of history, it often seems
[39:10] philosopher of history, it often seems necessary that a people of marketkedly
[39:12] necessary that a people of marketkedly inferior type should vanish before a
[39:14] inferior type should vanish before a people of superior potentialities. Since
[39:16] people of superior potentialities. Since there is a point beyond which racial
[39:18] there is a point beyond which racial mixture cannot go without disaster. Thus
[39:20] mixture cannot go without disaster. Thus the Canaanites with their orastic nature
[39:23] the Canaanites with their orastic nature worship, their cult of fertility in the
[39:25] worship, their cult of fertility in the form of serpent symbols and sensuous
[39:26] form of serpent symbols and sensuous nudity and their gross mythology were
[39:29] nudity and their gross mythology were replaced by Israel with its nomadic
[39:31] replaced by Israel with its nomadic simplicity and purity of life, its lofty
[39:34] simplicity and purity of life, its lofty monotheism, and its severe code of
[39:36] monotheism, and its severe code of ethics. This has been probably the
[39:38] ethics. This has been probably the longest tangent away from The Last of Us
[39:40] longest tangent away from The Last of Us in this video, but it sets out two
[39:41] in this video, but it sets out two things important both to Zionism and
[39:44] things important both to Zionism and this analysis. First, that it's
[39:46] this analysis. First, that it's absolutely valid to criticize how The
[39:48] absolutely valid to criticize how The Last of Us addresses religion,
[39:49] Last of Us addresses religion, especially as we reach the half of the
[39:51] especially as we reach the half of the game where a religious cult are the main
[39:53] game where a religious cult are the main antagonist. And second, that it's really
[39:56] antagonist. And second, that it's really kind of blatant special pleading to try
[39:58] kind of blatant special pleading to try to take these critiques of Zionism and
[40:00] to take these critiques of Zionism and then act like the real problem of the
[40:02] then act like the real problem of the game is depicting a nice attractive
[40:04] game is depicting a nice attractive Jewish person or or the fact that this
[40:06] Jewish person or or the fact that this manora isn't part of the destructible
[40:09] manora isn't part of the destructible environment. Uh there are a lot of
[40:11] environment. Uh there are a lot of non-destructible parts of The Last of
[40:13] non-destructible parts of The Last of Us's environment. uh this isn't Red
[40:15] Us's environment. uh this isn't Red Faction, although I kind of wish it was.
[40:18] Faction, although I kind of wish it was. And it would be entirely missing the
[40:19] And it would be entirely missing the point of those criticisms of Zionism to
[40:22] point of those criticisms of Zionism to then get upset because the game wasn't
[40:24] then get upset because the game wasn't meaner to Jewish people. Now, there are
[40:26] meaner to Jewish people. Now, there are moments in the game when Dena criticizes
[40:28] moments in the game when Dena criticizes the WLF. I can't help but draw an
[40:30] the WLF. I can't help but draw an analogy between her character and a
[40:33] analogy between her character and a liberal diaspora Jew who asserts that
[40:35] liberal diaspora Jew who asserts that Judaism and Zionism are completely
[40:37] Judaism and Zionism are completely divorced from one another and that the
[40:40] divorced from one another and that the former doesn't inform the latter. It's
[40:42] former doesn't inform the latter. It's fine for a note from a rabbi in the game
[40:44] fine for a note from a rabbi in the game to reference the Holocaust and relate it
[40:46] to reference the Holocaust and relate it to fleeing the Cordiceps plague. It
[40:48] to fleeing the Cordiceps plague. It would be a very natural human comparison
[40:49] would be a very natural human comparison to make and again calls back to the ways
[40:51] to make and again calls back to the ways this harsh setting has stripped away
[40:53] this harsh setting has stripped away parts of society and culture. Now you
[40:56] parts of society and culture. Now you can, as Emanuel Mayberg did in his
[40:58] can, as Emanuel Mayberg did in his article on The Last of Us 2 point out
[40:59] article on The Last of Us 2 point out that Zionism has historically reduced
[41:02] that Zionism has historically reduced much of Jewish identity to the Holocaust
[41:04] much of Jewish identity to the Holocaust and other atrocities suffered by Jewish
[41:06] and other atrocities suffered by Jewish people. By defining Jewish identity as
[41:09] people. By defining Jewish identity as largely based on victimhood, Zionism can
[41:11] largely based on victimhood, Zionism can then assign Israel the character of a
[41:13] then assign Israel the character of a marginalized victim, an underdog status.
[41:16] marginalized victim, an underdog status. Despite the fact that is demonstrabably
[41:18] Despite the fact that is demonstrabably infinitely more powerful than the groups
[41:20] infinitely more powerful than the groups it's currently genociding, The Last of
[41:22] it's currently genociding, The Last of Us Part Two doesn't spend any time
[41:23] Us Part Two doesn't spend any time exploring, for instance, Tolmadic
[41:25] exploring, for instance, Tolmadic traditions which define so much of
[41:27] traditions which define so much of Jewish notions of justice and
[41:29] Jewish notions of justice and scholarship. Instead, in a non-optional
[41:31] scholarship. Instead, in a non-optional section of the game, it spends a
[41:32] section of the game, it spends a significant amount of time telling the
[41:34] significant amount of time telling the player that Jews are always persecuted
[41:36] player that Jews are always persecuted and fighting for survival. This is not
[41:38] and fighting for survival. This is not wrong, but it is serving a specific
[41:40] wrong, but it is serving a specific purpose in the hamfisted allegory about
[41:42] purpose in the hamfisted allegory about Israel and Palestine that is The Last of
[41:44] Israel and Palestine that is The Last of Us Part Two. Much like the Holocaust is
[41:47] Us Part Two. Much like the Holocaust is cynically leveraged by some to justify
[41:49] cynically leveraged by some to justify Israel's actions. It is completely fair
[41:51] Israel's actions. It is completely fair to point out that in the limited time
[41:53] to point out that in the limited time The Last of Us addresses Judaism
[41:56] The Last of Us addresses Judaism specifically, it almost exclusively
[41:58] specifically, it almost exclusively frames it in the same context Zionism
[42:00] frames it in the same context Zionism does. A generalized wandering people
[42:03] does. A generalized wandering people fighting for a permanent homeland. This
[42:05] fighting for a permanent homeland. This is especially relevant for a couple of
[42:06] is especially relevant for a couple of reasons. First, because it is one of the
[42:09] reasons. First, because it is one of the only times The Last of Us openly
[42:10] only times The Last of Us openly discusses a realworld religion. Joel was
[42:13] discusses a realworld religion. Joel was most likely a Christian, especially
[42:15] most likely a Christian, especially given his reference to the Lord in the
[42:17] given his reference to the Lord in the game's pivotal last scene. But he
[42:18] game's pivotal last scene. But he neither addresses this, nor does he seem
[42:20] neither addresses this, nor does he seem to display any Christian symbols at
[42:22] to display any Christian symbols at home. And second, because the game will
[42:24] home. And second, because the game will later depict an extremely generalized
[42:26] later depict an extremely generalized version of Israel's religious enemies,
[42:29] version of Israel's religious enemies, and Smartly never specifically relates
[42:31] and Smartly never specifically relates it to any existing faith, aside arguably
[42:34] it to any existing faith, aside arguably from the root word of saraph in serif,
[42:36] from the root word of saraph in serif, which refers to heavenly beings in
[42:38] which refers to heavenly beings in Christian, Islamic, and Jewish context.
[42:41] Christian, Islamic, and Jewish context. But to be blunt, I can't think of
[42:43] But to be blunt, I can't think of anything that plays more into the hands
[42:45] anything that plays more into the hands of Zionists than for the guy who tried
[42:47] of Zionists than for the guy who tried to mod black people out of Fallout to
[42:49] to mod black people out of Fallout to show up and start ranting about the
[42:51] show up and start ranting about the glorious Jews. Judaism has existed in
[42:53] glorious Jews. Judaism has existed in some form for millennia. Its history is
[42:56] some form for millennia. Its history is complex and muddy, as is the case for
[42:58] complex and muddy, as is the case for many old religions. And if I had to say
[43:00] many old religions. And if I had to say one aspect that unites them, it's how
[43:02] one aspect that unites them, it's how tyrants seeking to dominate land and
[43:03] tyrants seeking to dominate land and people will constantly exploit those
[43:05] people will constantly exploit those religions to fuel their conquest. And
[43:07] religions to fuel their conquest. And it's completely counterproductive in my
[43:09] it's completely counterproductive in my opinion to reduce this criticism only to
[43:12] opinion to reduce this criticism only to one faith. I don't doubt the same people
[43:14] one faith. I don't doubt the same people praising this video would have been way
[43:16] praising this video would have been way more outraged if Joel had been depicted
[43:18] more outraged if Joel had been depicted as more explicitly Christian because it
[43:20] as more explicitly Christian because it would have made them immediately see his
[43:22] would have made them immediately see his gruesome death as an attack on Christian
[43:24] gruesome death as an attack on Christian values.
[43:26] values. Okay, they might already be saying that.
[43:27] Okay, they might already be saying that. That's why I feel this criticism is
[43:29] That's why I feel this criticism is something worth addressing, but with a
[43:30] something worth addressing, but with a lot of caveats. It's why criticism of
[43:33] lot of caveats. It's why criticism of Zionism in this video will not extend to
[43:35] Zionism in this video will not extend to criticism of Judaism being depicted or
[43:38] criticism of Judaism being depicted or Jewish characters being shown as morally
[43:40] Jewish characters being shown as morally virtuous. Good people can be Jewish or
[43:43] virtuous. Good people can be Jewish or Christian or atheists or Muslims. And
[43:45] Christian or atheists or Muslims. And again, I don't avoid this criticism
[43:47] again, I don't avoid this criticism because I'm worried about seeming
[43:49] because I'm worried about seeming anti-semitic. I do it because pretending
[43:52] anti-semitic. I do it because pretending criticism of Israel or Zionism requires
[43:55] criticism of Israel or Zionism requires an attack on Judaism is a very old trap
[43:58] an attack on Judaism is a very old trap set by political Zionists. one I don't
[44:01] set by political Zionists. one I don't personally plan on falling into.
[44:05] personally plan on falling into. [music]
[44:07] [music] In the 1923 essay about the Iron Wall
[44:09] In the 1923 essay about the Iron Wall written by Zev Jebatinsky, a founder of
[44:12] written by Zev Jebatinsky, a founder of Zionist revisionism, he responds to
[44:14] Zionist revisionism, he responds to criticism about the desire of some
[44:15] criticism about the desire of some Zionists to use military force in the
[44:17] Zionists to use military force in the formation of Israel. His response is
[44:19] formation of Israel. His response is pretty simple. Yes, force is necessary
[44:22] pretty simple. Yes, force is necessary and no, he won't feel bad about it. We
[44:24] and no, he won't feel bad about it. We may tell them whatever we like about the
[44:26] may tell them whatever we like about the innocence of our aims, watering them
[44:28] innocence of our aims, watering them down and sweetening them with honeyed
[44:30] down and sweetening them with honeyed words to make them palatable, but they
[44:33] words to make them palatable, but they know what we want, as well as we know
[44:35] know what we want, as well as we know what they do not want. Every native
[44:37] what they do not want. Every native population in the world resists
[44:39] population in the world resists colonists as long as it has the
[44:41] colonists as long as it has the slightest hope of being able to rid
[44:43] slightest hope of being able to rid itself of the danger of being colonized.
[44:45] itself of the danger of being colonized. That is what the Arabs in Palestine are
[44:48] That is what the Arabs in Palestine are doing and what they will persist in
[44:49] doing and what they will persist in doing as long as there remains a
[44:51] doing as long as there remains a solitary spark of hope that they will be
[44:53] solitary spark of hope that they will be able to prevent the transformation of
[44:55] able to prevent the transformation of Palestine into the land of Israel.
[44:58] Palestine into the land of Israel. Colonization can have only one aim and
[45:01] Colonization can have only one aim and Palestine Arabs cannot accept this aim.
[45:04] Palestine Arabs cannot accept this aim. It lies in the very nature of things and
[45:06] It lies in the very nature of things and in this particular regard nature cannot
[45:08] in this particular regard nature cannot be changed. We cannot offer any adequate
[45:12] be changed. We cannot offer any adequate compensation to the Palestinian Arabs in
[45:14] compensation to the Palestinian Arabs in return for Palestine. And therefore,
[45:16] return for Palestine. And therefore, there is no likelihood of any voluntary
[45:18] there is no likelihood of any voluntary agreement being reached. So that all
[45:21] agreement being reached. So that all those who regard such an agreement as a
[45:23] those who regard such an agreement as a necessary condition for Zionism may as
[45:26] necessary condition for Zionism may as well say no and withdraw from Zionism.
[45:29] well say no and withdraw from Zionism. Jebatinsky wasn't ostracized for openly
[45:32] Jebatinsky wasn't ostracized for openly admitting that in his view there was no
[45:34] admitting that in his view there was no Israel without lethal suppression of
[45:36] Israel without lethal suppression of Palestinians. In fact, the iron wall
[45:38] Palestinians. In fact, the iron wall that lines the Gaza Israel border was
[45:40] that lines the Gaza Israel border was nicknamed after this essay. And on
[45:43] nicknamed after this essay. And on Jabatinsky, Prime Minister Netanyahu
[45:45] Jabatinsky, Prime Minister Netanyahu would say, "100 years after the iron
[45:47] would say, "100 years after the iron wall was stamped in Jabotinsky's
[45:49] wall was stamped in Jabotinsky's writings, we are continuing to
[45:51] writings, we are continuing to successfully implement these
[45:52] successfully implement these principles." Jabotinsky would have
[45:54] principles." Jabotinsky would have strongly opposed those who incite
[45:56] strongly opposed those who incite rebellion to destroy everything that
[45:57] rebellion to destroy everything that we've built. He wrote, "A Jewish state
[46:00] we've built. He wrote, "A Jewish state is like light and air. It is mine."
[46:03] is like light and air. It is mine." It may be a surprise it took this long
[46:05] It may be a surprise it took this long to get to this part of the Last of Us 2.
[46:07] to get to this part of the Last of Us 2. The parallels between the waring
[46:08] The parallels between the waring Washington liberation front aka WLF aka
[46:12] Washington liberation front aka WLF aka wolves and sarafite or scar factions and
[46:15] wolves and sarafite or scar factions and the IDF and Hamas have been probably the
[46:17] the IDF and Hamas have been probably the most discussed associations between the
[46:19] most discussed associations between the story and world politics. As I summed up
[46:22] story and world politics. As I summed up in the first video, the WLF are a modern
[46:24] in the first video, the WLF are a modern militarized pseudocular group defined by
[46:26] militarized pseudocular group defined by pragmatic, often heavy-handed control of
[46:29] pragmatic, often heavy-handed control of the territory surrounding Seattle to the
[46:31] the territory surrounding Seattle to the point where they maintain a wall around
[46:32] point where they maintain a wall around the city that is literally the Iron
[46:35] the city that is literally the Iron Wall. It'd be easy to say these are just
[46:37] Wall. It'd be easy to say these are just generic border walls like that between
[46:38] generic border walls like that between the US and Mexico. But as Mayber pointed
[46:41] the US and Mexico. But as Mayber pointed out in his article, you can just Google
[46:43] out in his article, you can just Google them and see they really don't look like
[46:45] them and see they really don't look like that. Uh Seattle is Palestine. Uh,
[46:47] that. Uh Seattle is Palestine. Uh, incidentally, I say pseudocular as while
[46:50] incidentally, I say pseudocular as while the WLF rarely express explicit
[46:52] the WLF rarely express explicit religious motives, they do still share a
[46:54] religious motives, they do still share a prayer most times they interact,
[46:56] prayer most times they interact, indicating shared faith. Also, the show
[46:59] indicating shared faith. Also, the show I know how to say pseudo correctly. And
[47:01] I know how to say pseudo correctly. And on the flip side, the Sarapites are a
[47:02] on the flip side, the Sarapites are a savage, tribal, self-mutilating,
[47:05] savage, tribal, self-mutilating, intolerant religious cult who live
[47:06] intolerant religious cult who live without basic amenities, engage in
[47:08] without basic amenities, engage in forced underage marriage, stoning and
[47:10] forced underage marriage, stoning and lynching apostates, and are constantly
[47:12] lynching apostates, and are constantly intruding on WLF land via secret
[47:15] intruding on WLF land via secret tunnels. Sorry, I mean bridges to
[47:16] tunnels. Sorry, I mean bridges to butcher its people in the name of their
[47:18] butcher its people in the name of their blessed prophet, says one note left at a
[47:20] blessed prophet, says one note left at a sacred site of worship. Prophet, I am a
[47:23] sacred site of worship. Prophet, I am a good soldier. I have already freed two
[47:25] good soldier. I have already freed two wolves in your name. I will send you
[47:27] wolves in your name. I will send you many more. Please honor me by letting me
[47:29] many more. Please honor me by letting me live long enough to see your salvation
[47:31] live long enough to see your salvation spread across the land. At the time of
[47:33] spread across the land. At the time of The Last of Us 2, at least according to
[47:35] The Last of Us 2, at least according to WLF leader Isaac, the wolves are on the
[47:37] WLF leader Isaac, the wolves are on the back foot with Sarafites encroaching
[47:39] back foot with Sarafites encroaching more and more beyond their previously
[47:40] more and more beyond their previously agreed territories. When Ellie arrives
[47:42] agreed territories. When Ellie arrives in Seattle in search of Abby, it's
[47:44] in Seattle in search of Abby, it's actually this power struggle that causes
[47:46] actually this power struggle that causes her a lot of her early problems. The WLF
[47:48] her a lot of her early problems. The WLF assume she's a Scar and the Sarafites
[47:50] assume she's a Scar and the Sarafites assume she's a wolf. They are locked in
[47:52] assume she's a wolf. They are locked in such heated conflict that Ellie is not
[47:54] such heated conflict that Ellie is not once in the game even given an
[47:56] once in the game even given an opportunity to clarify this. Across
[47:58] opportunity to clarify this. Across multiple days, her interactions with
[48:00] multiple days, her interactions with members of each faction are exclusively
[48:02] members of each faction are exclusively being shot at on site. And even when we
[48:04] being shot at on site. And even when we switch over to Abby, a character who has
[48:06] switch over to Abby, a character who has at this point been aligned with the WLF
[48:09] at this point been aligned with the WLF for years. It's immediately before her
[48:11] for years. It's immediately before her ex-boyfriend Owen defects from the
[48:12] ex-boyfriend Owen defects from the group, making her another valid target
[48:14] group, making her another valid target for both sides. Her story then
[48:16] for both sides. Her story then increasingly centers around protecting
[48:18] increasingly centers around protecting exterite heretics Leara targeted both by
[48:21] exterite heretics Leara targeted both by the bigoted barbarous scars and the
[48:24] the bigoted barbarous scars and the brutal cutthroat WLF. I think the
[48:26] brutal cutthroat WLF. I think the overall sentiment is pretty clear. Both
[48:29] overall sentiment is pretty clear. Both sides are in fact bad.
[48:31] sides are in fact bad. >> Those are your [ __ ] people. You're my
[48:34] >> Those are your [ __ ] people. You're my people. So, I also made a big point in
[48:36] people. So, I also made a big point in my last video about the unique role
[48:37] my last video about the unique role video games play as a storytelling
[48:39] video games play as a storytelling medium and how that relates to The Last
[48:41] medium and how that relates to The Last of Us, a series that's always been
[48:43] of Us, a series that's always been fairly dedicated to emulating parts of
[48:45] fairly dedicated to emulating parts of TV and cinema. And I am a channel that
[48:47] TV and cinema. And I am a channel that mostly talks about TV and movies. So, up
[48:50] mostly talks about TV and movies. So, up to this point, I've talked about The
[48:51] to this point, I've talked about The Last of Us in much the same way. That's
[48:53] Last of Us in much the same way. That's to say, as if the product of The Last of
[48:55] to say, as if the product of The Last of Us is just one thing that's shared by
[48:57] Us is just one thing that's shared by everyone who experiences it. But this
[49:00] everyone who experiences it. But this isn't really the case. The Last of Us
[49:02] isn't really the case. The Last of Us games are littered with optional lore
[49:05] games are littered with optional lore and side areas and environmental
[49:07] and side areas and environmental storytelling that's often obscured in
[49:09] storytelling that's often obscured in the design. I don't generally like
[49:11] the design. I don't generally like replaying long games. So, I tend to be a
[49:13] replaying long games. So, I tend to be a bit of a completionist in finding and
[49:15] bit of a completionist in finding and reading as many notes as I can the first
[49:17] reading as many notes as I can the first time through, but many players are more
[49:19] time through, but many players are more concerned with, you know,
[49:22] concerned with, you know, the game play of a video game. Someone
[49:24] the game play of a video game. Someone who plays The Last of Us this way might
[49:26] who plays The Last of Us this way might not know, for instance, about how Isaac
[49:28] not know, for instance, about how Isaac used to be a member of Fedra, which held
[49:30] used to be a member of Fedra, which held dominion over Seattle until the WLF
[49:32] dominion over Seattle until the WLF overwhelmed them in a series of ambush
[49:34] overwhelmed them in a series of ambush attacks heavily reminiscent of current
[49:36] attacks heavily reminiscent of current Sarafite activities. They may not know
[49:38] Sarafite activities. They may not know about the SCAR's history of needlessly
[49:40] about the SCAR's history of needlessly killing civilians, including children,
[49:42] killing civilians, including children, and also these two bros who just wanted
[49:45] and also these two bros who just wanted to hang out on their roof drinking vodka
[49:46] to hang out on their roof drinking vodka and eating barbecue until the Scars
[49:48] and eating barbecue until the Scars showed up and murdered them. Or by
[49:50] showed up and murdered them. Or by contrast, you may not know Jimmy, the
[49:52] contrast, you may not know Jimmy, the Sarafite convert who stole from his
[49:54] Sarafite convert who stole from his neighbors out of desperation and was
[49:56] neighbors out of desperation and was caught by the WLF only to be shot and
[49:58] caught by the WLF only to be shot and killed in the street like a dog to the
[50:00] killed in the street like a dog to the protest of those neighbors. They may not
[50:02] protest of those neighbors. They may not know the story of Sophia Legos, a
[50:04] know the story of Sophia Legos, a teenage girl who vandalized WLF signs
[50:07] teenage girl who vandalized WLF signs out of protest for the institution of
[50:08] out of protest for the institution of curfews and displacement of families
[50:10] curfews and displacement of families within Seattle, who was then shot and
[50:12] within Seattle, who was then shot and killed in the street like a dog by WLF
[50:15] killed in the street like a dog by WLF members. tragically leading more
[50:17] members. tragically leading more families to fall in line with the WLF
[50:19] families to fall in line with the WLF out of fear and eventually to the
[50:21] out of fear and eventually to the breakdown of community leader Boris
[50:22] breakdown of community leader Boris Legos. Maybe they don't know about the
[50:24] Legos. Maybe they don't know about the martyrdom of the Sarafi prophet who once
[50:27] martyrdom of the Sarafi prophet who once said, "The world is not in balance, but
[50:29] said, "The world is not in balance, but I have done my part to write it. You
[50:31] I have done my part to write it. You have led me through the storm. Now I
[50:33] have led me through the storm. Now I must rest. May the current be calm. May
[50:35] must rest. May the current be calm. May you guide me home." And then was
[50:36] you guide me home." And then was executed by Isaac, despite the
[50:38] executed by Isaac, despite the widespread knowledge that she and her
[50:40] widespread knowledge that she and her teachings both espoused peace. A large
[50:42] teachings both espoused peace. A large part of the reason scars have become
[50:44] part of the reason scars have become increasingly bitter, violent, and
[50:46] increasingly bitter, violent, and unruly. Or maybe they don't know about
[50:48] unruly. Or maybe they don't know about the trading card for tormentor.
[50:50] the trading card for tormentor. Everything changed when a latent genetic
[50:52] Everything changed when a latent genetic mutation emerged, allowing her to
[50:54] mutation emerged, allowing her to convert the mental anguish of others
[50:55] convert the mental anguish of others into kinetic energy. The worse the pain,
[50:58] into kinetic energy. The worse the pain, the more powerful the result. Now her
[51:00] the more powerful the result. Now her day job as a criminal psychologist
[51:01] day job as a criminal psychologist allows her to absorb the worst things in
[51:03] allows her to absorb the worst things in people's lives and use it as literal
[51:06] people's lives and use it as literal ammo against those who persecuted her.
[51:08] ammo against those who persecuted her. Many suspect or mentor of feeding off
[51:10] Many suspect or mentor of feeding off the hurt of those who got in the way of
[51:11] the hurt of those who got in the way of her prior outbursts, creating a
[51:13] her prior outbursts, creating a neverending cycle of suffering. Neutral
[51:16] neverending cycle of suffering. Neutral villain or the trading card for Kazak
[51:18] villain or the trading card for Kazak Brite. Orphaned by the civil war on
[51:20] Brite. Orphaned by the civil war on Titan, young Kazak Bright vowed revenge
[51:23] Titan, young Kazak Bright vowed revenge on the future alliance whom he held
[51:25] on the future alliance whom he held responsible for initiating the conflict.
[51:27] responsible for initiating the conflict. Boosting his quantum communicator to
[51:29] Boosting his quantum communicator to reach far beyond our star system, Kazak
[51:31] reach far beyond our star system, Kazak now tries to contact someone or
[51:33] now tries to contact someone or something capable of helping him seek
[51:36] something capable of helping him seek his revenge. neutral villain or the
[51:38] his revenge. neutral villain or the trading card for Kinard Esquire. A
[51:41] trading card for Kinard Esquire. A brilliant lawyer with a stringent
[51:42] brilliant lawyer with a stringent adherence to the rule of law. Kinard is
[51:44] adherence to the rule of law. Kinard is the best known defense lawyer for heroes
[51:46] the best known defense lawyer for heroes who are accused of negligence, excessive
[51:49] who are accused of negligence, excessive force, destruction of property, and
[51:51] force, destruction of property, and reckless endangerment. Her notoriety has
[51:53] reckless endangerment. Her notoriety has brought her a fair share of unwanted
[51:55] brought her a fair share of unwanted attention. But between her black belt
[51:56] attention. But between her black belt and Io and having the entire society of
[51:59] and Io and having the entire society of champions on speed dial, most are wise
[52:02] champions on speed dial, most are wise enough to let her pursue justice
[52:03] enough to let her pursue justice undisturbed. Hero
[52:07] undisturbed. Hero or the trading card for Dr. Daniela Star
[52:09] or the trading card for Dr. Daniela Star where she found out her research was
[52:11] where she found out her research was being used to make weapons. Okay, I'll
[52:13] being used to make weapons. Okay, I'll stop.
[52:15] stop. But you should read that one. The
[52:17] But you should read that one. The completionist playthrough doesn't
[52:18] completionist playthrough doesn't necessarily make it clearer what the
[52:21] necessarily make it clearer what the intentions were with The Last of Us 2.
[52:24] intentions were with The Last of Us 2. Uh but they definitely give us more to
[52:25] Uh but they definitely give us more to talk about because taking just the
[52:27] talk about because taking just the straightforward linear path through the
[52:29] straightforward linear path through the game story, most will simply come away
[52:31] game story, most will simply come away thinking both these groups suck. And
[52:33] thinking both these groups suck. And it's a sad but probably inevitable thing
[52:35] it's a sad but probably inevitable thing that they'd end up destroying each
[52:37] that they'd end up destroying each other. Scars seem to just kill people
[52:39] other. Scars seem to just kill people for no reason. And their society seems
[52:41] for no reason. And their society seems like a weird, repressed, hypocritical
[52:43] like a weird, repressed, hypocritical mess. WLF seem to just kill people for
[52:45] mess. WLF seem to just kill people for no reason. And their society seems like
[52:47] no reason. And their society seems like a weird authoritarian and torturing
[52:49] a weird authoritarian and torturing mess. And both of them really want to
[52:52] mess. And both of them really want to kill children. I would still argue the
[52:53] kill children. I would still argue the game is more aggressively anti-WLF in
[52:56] game is more aggressively anti-WLF in the completionist playthrough. In
[52:58] the completionist playthrough. In standard gameplay, you do see a lot of
[53:00] standard gameplay, you do see a lot of WLF members in a relaxed WLF environment
[53:03] WLF members in a relaxed WLF environment through Abby. And a lot of them are just
[53:05] through Abby. And a lot of them are just regular sympathetic people. They have
[53:07] regular sympathetic people. They have kids they teach history to at schools.
[53:10] kids they teach history to at schools. They play games together and have little
[53:12] They play games together and have little snarky conversations with each other.
[53:14] snarky conversations with each other. And they love their dogs. And they give
[53:16] And they love their dogs. And they give each other special soaps and they wait
[53:20] each other special soaps and they wait in line for burritos.
[53:21] in line for burritos. >> Hey man, there's a line.
[53:23] >> Hey man, there's a line. >> What the [ __ ]
[53:24] >> What the [ __ ] >> Hey, that's private.
[53:25] >> Hey, that's private. >> Oh my god. This is your place. How many
[53:29] >> Oh my god. This is your place. How many sex sts do you have in this QZ?
[53:31] sex sts do you have in this QZ? >> Okay.
[53:33] >> Okay. >> And even as Ellie, when you're just
[53:34] >> And even as Ellie, when you're just overhearing WLF soldiers, they're
[53:36] overhearing WLF soldiers, they're frequently expressing explicit remorse
[53:38] frequently expressing explicit remorse for their role in active combat or even
[53:41] for their role in active combat or even openly challenging the orders of Isaac.
[53:43] openly challenging the orders of Isaac. Orders which are often less calculated
[53:45] Orders which are often less calculated than their IDF counterpart. There is,
[53:47] than their IDF counterpart. There is, for instance, no mention of a WLF
[53:49] for instance, no mention of a WLF equivalent of the Hannibal directive, an
[53:51] equivalent of the Hannibal directive, an explicit strategy in Israel's military
[53:54] explicit strategy in Israel's military to kill its own citizens if it could
[53:56] to kill its own citizens if it could provide a strategic advantage.
[53:57] provide a strategic advantage. Meanwhile, every single time you
[53:59] Meanwhile, every single time you overhear Sarapites, they are having
[54:02] overhear Sarapites, they are having extremely sinister cult conversations.
[54:05] extremely sinister cult conversations. >> So many monuments to their excess. What
[54:08] >> So many monuments to their excess. What a waste.
[54:09] a waste. >> They brought on their own downfall.
[54:13] >> They brought on their own downfall. Just she's ready.
[54:22] >> They are with sin.
[54:24] >> They are with sin. >> I didn't want to free.
[54:25] >> I didn't want to free. >> Holy [ __ ]
[54:28] >> Holy [ __ ] >> No. No.
[54:30] >> No. No. [groaning]
[54:32] >> Now he is free. Now he is free.
[54:35] >> Now he is free. Now he is free. >> Oh, not a word. I
[54:37] >> Oh, not a word. I >> can't stand the dead. Isaac is willing
[54:40] >> can't stand the dead. Isaac is willing to kill a 16-year-old and a defector,
[54:42] to kill a 16-year-old and a defector, but he also comes off as sincerely
[54:44] but he also comes off as sincerely concerned with putting a stop to a
[54:46] concerned with putting a stop to a conflict that seems to be killing more
[54:48] conflict that seems to be killing more and more people who come under the WLF's
[54:50] and more people who come under the WLF's protection, innocence or not. And again,
[54:52] protection, innocence or not. And again, this is in contrast to a relentless,
[54:55] this is in contrast to a relentless, bloodthirsty, hateful invading cult who
[54:58] bloodthirsty, hateful invading cult who have no sympathetic characters aside
[55:00] have no sympathetic characters aside from Levvenara, characters that very
[55:03] from Levvenara, characters that very explicitly are no longer Sarapites and
[55:05] explicitly are no longer Sarapites and exist in total opposition to them. I
[55:08] exist in total opposition to them. I would absolutely make the argument that
[55:10] would absolutely make the argument that in a standard playthrough, the dynamic
[55:12] in a standard playthrough, the dynamic of the Washington Liberation Front and
[55:14] of the Washington Liberation Front and the Sarafites is basically the same
[55:16] the Sarafites is basically the same dynamic we heard when talking about the
[55:18] dynamic we heard when talking about the IDF's hard but necessary choices at the
[55:21] IDF's hard but necessary choices at the start apologetically, but ultimately
[55:24] start apologetically, but ultimately skewed to the WLF's perspective. I think
[55:26] skewed to the WLF's perspective. I think it puts it in a new light when Duckman
[55:28] it puts it in a new light when Duckman admitted he basically sides with Joel,
[55:31] admitted he basically sides with Joel, knowing it was that line of logic that
[55:33] knowing it was that line of logic that inspired him to make a sequel story
[55:35] inspired him to make a sequel story inspired by feelings on the Israel
[55:37] inspired by feelings on the Israel Palestine conflict. A lot of Joel
[55:40] Palestine conflict. A lot of Joel characteristics are part of the game's
[55:42] characteristics are part of the game's framing of the WLF. Yes, they will kill
[55:44] framing of the WLF. Yes, they will kill traitors or anyone else who stands
[55:46] traitors or anyone else who stands between them and the potential safety of
[55:48] between them and the potential safety of their tribe. Nobody is going free.
[55:51] their tribe. Nobody is going free. They'd just come after them. and torture
[55:53] They'd just come after them. and torture is absolutely on the table if needed.
[55:56] is absolutely on the table if needed. This is their shared mentality. Blunt's
[55:59] This is their shared mentality. Blunt's brutal pragmatism and a material
[56:02] brutal pragmatism and a material understanding of what is necessary to
[56:04] understanding of what is necessary to assure your family's safety. Uh except
[56:07] assure your family's safety. Uh except in general, torture doesn't actually
[56:08] in general, torture doesn't actually work in part because people who
[56:09] work in part because people who experience it will just say whatever
[56:11] experience it will just say whatever [ __ ] you want to hear to make it stop.
[56:12] [ __ ] you want to hear to make it stop. And actual memory retrieval is severely
[56:14] And actual memory retrieval is severely hampered by being tortured. Not that
[56:17] hampered by being tortured. Not that this is the reason you shouldn't torture
[56:18] this is the reason you shouldn't torture people, but its justifications are
[56:20] people, but its justifications are definitely more emotional than
[56:21] definitely more emotional than pragmatic. Who said that? Aby's major
[56:23] pragmatic. Who said that? Aby's major shift against the WLF comes after she
[56:26] shift against the WLF comes after she finds Owen. And he explains what made
[56:27] finds Owen. And he explains what made him defect in the first place. An
[56:29] him defect in the first place. An encounter in which he and another
[56:31] encounter in which he and another soldier were clearing out a small scar
[56:33] soldier were clearing out a small scar camp only for him to knock an old man
[56:34] camp only for him to knock an old man down and see him unwilling to defend
[56:36] down and see him unwilling to defend himself. I couldn't do it.
[56:39] himself. I couldn't do it. >> We later learn why this most likely
[56:41] >> We later learn why this most likely occurred. In an interaction between Abby
[56:43] occurred. In an interaction between Abby and ex- Seraphy Lev, he explains that a
[56:46] and ex- Seraphy Lev, he explains that a lot of the things Abby hates most about
[56:47] lot of the things Abby hates most about the Saraphites, the militants and the
[56:49] the Saraphites, the militants and the intolerance and the violence within
[56:51] intolerance and the violence within their society goes completely against
[56:53] their society goes completely against the teachings of the Sarafite prophet.
[56:55] the teachings of the Sarafite prophet. We might not know the details of those
[56:57] We might not know the details of those teachings or the prophet's fate in a
[56:58] teachings or the prophet's fate in a casual playthrough. But here, Lev tells
[57:01] casual playthrough. But here, Lev tells us outright the prophet preached
[57:03] us outright the prophet preached nonviolence.
[57:04] nonviolence. >> So, you like this prophet even though
[57:06] >> So, you like this prophet even though her followers want to kill you in her
[57:08] her followers want to kill you in her name?
[57:09] name? >> She wouldn't want any of this. Her
[57:11] >> She wouldn't want any of this. Her writings don't have violence in them.
[57:14] writings don't have violence in them. >> You should tell that to your people.
[57:16] >> You should tell that to your people. >> We weren't stoning or hanging people
[57:18] >> We weren't stoning or hanging people until after she died. They're taking her
[57:21] until after she died. They're taking her words and twisting them. Read the text.
[57:25] words and twisting them. Read the text. >> Okay.
[57:26] >> Okay. >> Modern scars are a distortion of what
[57:28] >> Modern scars are a distortion of what the Sarafite faith really means. It's
[57:31] the Sarafite faith really means. It's why at times Lev still slips into
[57:34] why at times Lev still slips into referring to the Sarapites as a
[57:35] referring to the Sarapites as a collective we. No matter how many people
[57:37] collective we. No matter how many people or guns you have, we'll find a way
[57:40] or guns you have, we'll find a way around you. Maybe you should stop saying
[57:42] around you. Maybe you should stop saying we since they're trying to kill you.
[57:45] we since they're trying to kill you. >> In his heart, Lev is still deeply
[57:47] >> In his heart, Lev is still deeply invested in the prophet's lessons, even
[57:49] invested in the prophet's lessons, even if he dislikes what the fan club has
[57:51] if he dislikes what the fan club has turned into. In his eyes, the apostates
[57:53] turned into. In his eyes, the apostates are the ones coming after him for being
[57:55] are the ones coming after him for being trans. These are the good Arabs. They
[57:58] trans. These are the good Arabs. They criticize the government and the police.
[58:00] criticize the government and the police. They complain about discrimination, but
[58:01] They complain about discrimination, but their words are more sedate, more
[58:03] their words are more sedate, more moderate, easier to digest. Some of them
[58:05] moderate, easier to digest. Some of them implicitly or even explicitly point a
[58:08] implicitly or even explicitly point a blaming finger at the young
[58:09] blaming finger at the young demonstrators. The protagonists of Mariv
[58:12] demonstrators. The protagonists of Mariv story for instance are sorry that Jewish
[58:14] story for instance are sorry that Jewish customers no longer feel safe to shop in
[58:16] customers no longer feel safe to shop in Faradays. Our inflamed youths have
[58:18] Faradays. Our inflamed youths have crossed the red line. One of them says
[58:19] crossed the red line. One of them says and another explains look who took to
[58:22] and another explains look who took to the streets. Hotheaded youths. But
[58:24] the streets. Hotheaded youths. But there's a telling irony that Lev himself
[58:26] there's a telling irony that Lev himself is not nonviolent. He is also very quick
[58:29] is not nonviolent. He is also very quick to kill in the defense of himself and
[58:31] to kill in the defense of himself and the people he cares about. He executes
[58:33] the people he cares about. He executes one Saraphi enforcer to save Yara and
[58:35] one Saraphi enforcer to save Yara and kills dozens more in the process of
[58:37] kills dozens more in the process of escorting Abby to find medicine. Lev
[58:39] escorting Abby to find medicine. Lev himself can't quite match up to the
[58:41] himself can't quite match up to the idealized image of past Sarapites that
[58:43] idealized image of past Sarapites that the writing is trying to conjure. See, I
[58:46] the writing is trying to conjure. See, I think it's easy to interpret Lev's
[58:48] think it's easy to interpret Lev's statement about the prophet's teachings
[58:50] statement about the prophet's teachings as moderating our view on the conflict.
[58:52] as moderating our view on the conflict. The Scars might seem like a cartoonish
[58:54] The Scars might seem like a cartoonish horde of stereotypical monsters, but
[58:57] horde of stereotypical monsters, but don't you realize they used to be a
[58:58] don't you realize they used to be a model minority group treehugging
[59:01] model minority group treehugging egalitarian pacifists that would sooner
[59:03] egalitarian pacifists that would sooner lay down and die than turn a gun on
[59:05] lay down and die than turn a gun on their enemies. As if the Sarapites could
[59:07] their enemies. As if the Sarapites could have just stuck by the lessons they'd
[59:09] have just stuck by the lessons they'd learned, the WLF wouldn't have been
[59:11] learned, the WLF wouldn't have been forced to wage war with them. It's not
[59:13] forced to wage war with them. It's not like they didn't have the capacity to
[59:15] like they didn't have the capacity to have humanity.
[59:16] have humanity. They just currently don't. There's a
[59:18] They just currently don't. There's a real sincerity to this moment with Owen.
[59:20] real sincerity to this moment with Owen. I don't want to fight over land that I
[59:22] I don't want to fight over land that I don't give a [ __ ] about anymore is one
[59:24] don't give a [ __ ] about anymore is one of the most brazen and direct political
[59:26] of the most brazen and direct political statements in the entire game. And while
[59:28] statements in the entire game. And while I think the scene makes sense both in
[59:29] I think the scene makes sense both in terms of his character and the general
[59:32] terms of his character and the general turn the other cheek anti-war messaging
[59:34] turn the other cheek anti-war messaging of the writing, I'd argue it's one of
[59:36] of the writing, I'd argue it's one of the most insulting parts of The Last of
[59:38] the most insulting parts of The Last of Us 2.
[59:40] Us 2. [music]
[59:43] Once again, we witness that the
[59:45] Once again, we witness that the narrative has been arrested in order to
[59:46] narrative has been arrested in order to keep it from the decisive confrontation.
[59:49] keep it from the decisive confrontation. The Arab is still carefully chosen to
[59:51] The Arab is still carefully chosen to fit a predefined Zionist mold. He
[59:53] fit a predefined Zionist mold. He represents an innocent fool and
[59:55] represents an innocent fool and innocence here is an enormous burden
[59:57] innocence here is an enormous burden under the conditions of war to which he
[59:59] under the conditions of war to which he remains entirely oblivious. He is, in
[01:00:01] remains entirely oblivious. He is, in other words, not a confrontational Arab.
[01:00:04] other words, not a confrontational Arab. The space in which the Zionist author
[01:00:06] The space in which the Zionist author can operate is minuscule and
[01:00:07] can operate is minuscule and superficial, tightly confined to the
[01:00:09] superficial, tightly confined to the idea of the acceptable and justified
[01:00:12] idea of the acceptable and justified war. The Demure protestations are
[01:00:14] war. The Demure protestations are likewise confined to secondary details
[01:00:16] likewise confined to secondary details and not the heart of the matter. As a
[01:00:18] and not the heart of the matter. As a reminder, Joel's position is that of
[01:00:20] reminder, Joel's position is that of ruthless pragmatism in the pursuit of
[01:00:22] ruthless pragmatism in the pursuit of his family's safety. The kind of
[01:00:24] his family's safety. The kind of position that would make someone at
[01:00:25] position that would make someone at least tempted to kill the old man Owen
[01:00:27] least tempted to kill the old man Owen hesitated to out of the necessity of
[01:00:30] hesitated to out of the necessity of ensuring nobody came back for revenge.
[01:00:32] ensuring nobody came back for revenge. But because this is also the position
[01:00:34] But because this is also the position much of the writing assigns to Isaac and
[01:00:36] much of the writing assigns to Isaac and the WLF, and because the story is
[01:00:38] the WLF, and because the story is ultimately unwilling to fully condemn
[01:00:40] ultimately unwilling to fully condemn Joel's decisions, we still have to give
[01:00:42] Joel's decisions, we still have to give them an out. Yes, in this particular
[01:00:44] them an out. Yes, in this particular case, this one exceptional Sarafite of a
[01:00:47] case, this one exceptional Sarafite of a bygone age gave little practical
[01:00:49] bygone age gave little practical justification [music] to be killed. Owen
[01:00:51] justification [music] to be killed. Owen still could have for the reasons I
[01:00:53] still could have for the reasons I mentioned for the same reason Joel kills
[01:00:55] mentioned for the same reason Joel kills scouts from David's group in the first
[01:00:57] scouts from David's group in the first game despite them begging for mercy. For
[01:00:59] game despite them begging for mercy. For the same reason Joel kills Marlene, but
[01:01:01] the same reason Joel kills Marlene, but that's the point. He's an exception
[01:01:03] that's the point. He's an exception against waves of deranged invaders
[01:01:05] against waves of deranged invaders desperate for wolf blood who've
[01:01:07] desperate for wolf blood who've completely taken over the faction by the
[01:01:09] completely taken over the faction by the admission of its most devout adherence.
[01:01:12] admission of its most devout adherence. They have effectively become old Yella.
[01:01:15] They have effectively become old Yella. As political metaphor, the story gets to
[01:01:17] As political metaphor, the story gets to have its cake and eat it too. Through
[01:01:19] have its cake and eat it too. Through Owen and eventually Abby, the whole sad
[01:01:21] Owen and eventually Abby, the whole sad political situation is condemned. The
[01:01:23] political situation is condemned. The scars have gone too far, but the WLF
[01:01:25] scars have gone too far, but the WLF have gone too far as well. And we can
[01:01:27] have gone too far as well. And we can even express a feeling of radical
[01:01:29] even express a feeling of radical empathy to the other side. In the
[01:01:31] empathy to the other side. In the abstract, not specifically the hundreds
[01:01:33] abstract, not specifically the hundreds we kill in the game. Those are the bad
[01:01:35] we kill in the game. Those are the bad ones who gleefully butcher sinners and
[01:01:38] ones who gleefully butcher sinners and talk in horror movie dialogue and just
[01:01:40] talk in horror movie dialogue and just so happen to also represent the
[01:01:41] so happen to also represent the overwhelming majority of Saraphites we
[01:01:44] overwhelming majority of Saraphites we come across. But if we imagine a perfect
[01:01:46] come across. But if we imagine a perfect victim, a scar who shows no indication
[01:01:48] victim, a scar who shows no indication of self-preservation or protectiveness
[01:01:50] of self-preservation or protectiveness for the people they love, a scar willing
[01:01:53] for the people they love, a scar willing to die in the name of nonviolent
[01:01:55] to die in the name of nonviolent submission, that's the one that deserves
[01:01:57] submission, that's the one that deserves our empathy and understanding. There's a
[01:01:59] our empathy and understanding. There's a simple phrase for the way The Last of Us
[01:02:01] simple phrase for the way The Last of Us 2 comes to argue for a saraph deserving
[01:02:04] 2 comes to argue for a saraph deserving of humanity. Moral convenience. It's a
[01:02:06] of humanity. Moral convenience. It's a little too perfect that even from all of
[01:02:08] little too perfect that even from all of this, Owen's conclusion has nothing to
[01:02:11] this, Owen's conclusion has nothing to do with trying to stop any kind of
[01:02:13] do with trying to stop any kind of injustice. The man just wants to retire
[01:02:15] injustice. The man just wants to retire to California.
[01:02:17] to California. >> To repeat Jabbatinsk's words from the
[01:02:19] >> To repeat Jabbatinsk's words from the start of this section, every native
[01:02:21] start of this section, every native population in the world resists
[01:02:22] population in the world resists colonists as long as it has the
[01:02:24] colonists as long as it has the slightest hope of being able to rid
[01:02:26] slightest hope of being able to rid itself of being colonized. To add even
[01:02:28] itself of being colonized. To add even more moral convenience, the story goes a
[01:02:30] more moral convenience, the story goes a step further, ridding the obvious
[01:02:32] step further, ridding the obvious Palestinian metaphor of their indigenous
[01:02:34] Palestinian metaphor of their indigenous native status. Here there's another echo
[01:02:36] native status. Here there's another echo to Zionist rhetoric around Palestine,
[01:02:38] to Zionist rhetoric around Palestine, specifically the idea that, as former
[01:02:40] specifically the idea that, as former Israeli Prime Minister Golden put it,
[01:02:42] Israeli Prime Minister Golden put it, there was no such thing as Palestinians.
[01:02:45] there was no such thing as Palestinians. The obliteration of the history of
[01:02:46] The obliteration of the history of Palestine is now attempted by
[01:02:48] Palestine is now attempted by deformationation of historical facts.
[01:02:50] deformationation of historical facts. Zionist apologists have reached a new
[01:02:52] Zionist apologists have reached a new stage in deceit by suggesting that not
[01:02:54] stage in deceit by suggesting that not only the Palestinians did not exist in
[01:02:56] only the Palestinians did not exist in Palestine, but that Palestine was
[01:02:58] Palestine, but that Palestine was essentially uninhabited by Arabs before
[01:03:01] essentially uninhabited by Arabs before the Zionist movement began towards the
[01:03:02] the Zionist movement began towards the end of the 19th century and that the
[01:03:04] end of the 19th century and that the Arabs came in large numbers after that
[01:03:06] Arabs came in large numbers after that from nearby countries drawn by the
[01:03:08] from nearby countries drawn by the economic benefits of Jewish settlements.
[01:03:10] economic benefits of Jewish settlements. Of course, this is an obvious lie which
[01:03:12] Of course, this is an obvious lie which can be as easily contradicted as reading
[01:03:15] can be as easily contradicted as reading the words of the people who helped found
[01:03:17] the words of the people who helped found the modern Israeli state, openly
[01:03:19] the modern Israeli state, openly admitting that this is a conflict
[01:03:20] admitting that this is a conflict between an indigenous and colonizing
[01:03:23] between an indigenous and colonizing population. Even Mia was later forced to
[01:03:25] population. Even Mia was later forced to clarify her statements. Instead,
[01:03:27] clarify her statements. Instead, arguing, "I didn't say there are no
[01:03:28] arguing, "I didn't say there are no Palestinians, but I say there is no such
[01:03:31] Palestinians, but I say there is no such thing as a distinct Palestinian people."
[01:03:34] thing as a distinct Palestinian people." effectively arguing that Palestinians
[01:03:35] effectively arguing that Palestinians might have some claim on the land being
[01:03:38] might have some claim on the land being that they had actively lived there for
[01:03:39] that they had actively lived there for generations, but they have no special
[01:03:41] generations, but they have no special claim and could just as easily be
[01:03:43] claim and could just as easily be transferred anywhere else where Arabs
[01:03:46] transferred anywhere else where Arabs live. This is again a matter of
[01:03:48] live. This is again a matter of convenience, not so much to the open
[01:03:50] convenience, not so much to the open colonists who are completely transparent
[01:03:52] colonists who are completely transparent on their motives, but to anyone who in
[01:03:54] on their motives, but to anyone who in their actions wants to feel less morally
[01:03:56] their actions wants to feel less morally responsible. This then is transplanted
[01:03:59] responsible. This then is transplanted over to the Sarapites. I do want to make
[01:04:01] over to the Sarapites. I do want to make a side note here over comments. I feel
[01:04:03] a side note here over comments. I feel like I'll be reading specifically the
[01:04:05] like I'll be reading specifically the differences between Sarapites and
[01:04:06] differences between Sarapites and Palestinians aren't so much a criticism
[01:04:09] Palestinians aren't so much a criticism as just evidence the Sarapites aren't
[01:04:11] as just evidence the Sarapites aren't based on Palestinians. What I'm pointing
[01:04:13] based on Palestinians. What I'm pointing out is the incredible convenience that
[01:04:15] out is the incredible convenience that every time there is a difference between
[01:04:17] every time there is a difference between Sarapites and Palestinians. It happens
[01:04:19] Sarapites and Palestinians. It happens to link directly with something made up
[01:04:21] to link directly with something made up about Palestinians. Palestinians don't
[01:04:24] about Palestinians. Palestinians don't use bows and arrows. They just happen to
[01:04:26] use bows and arrows. They just happen to be regularly characterized as a
[01:04:27] be regularly characterized as a backwards and primitive culture like
[01:04:29] backwards and primitive culture like saraphides. Palestinians don't
[01:04:31] saraphides. Palestinians don't ritualistically lynch people. The story
[01:04:33] ritualistically lynch people. The story is just inspired by a time the director
[01:04:35] is just inspired by a time the director heard about Palestinians lynching people
[01:04:37] heard about Palestinians lynching people like Sarapites. Palestinians don't use
[01:04:39] like Sarapites. Palestinians don't use bridges, they use tunnels. So now the
[01:04:41] bridges, they use tunnels. So now the Sarapites originate from the Queen Anne
[01:04:43] Sarapites originate from the Queen Anne suburb of Seattle, Sarapites Island,
[01:04:46] suburb of Seattle, Sarapites Island, overshadowed by the carcass of the Space
[01:04:48] overshadowed by the carcass of the Space Needle that in their ignorance they
[01:04:49] Needle that in their ignorance they can't even name. And it is them
[01:04:51] can't even name. And it is them deliberately encroaching on the
[01:04:52] deliberately encroaching on the residents of the city and violently
[01:04:54] residents of the city and violently enforcing their own rigid belief
[01:04:56] enforcing their own rigid belief systems. My wife Paige is waiting for me
[01:04:58] systems. My wife Paige is waiting for me back in the old conference center at
[01:05:00] back in the old conference center at Pyon Convention, right across from the
[01:05:02] Pyon Convention, right across from the brew pub. Please take her this medicine.
[01:05:03] brew pub. Please take her this medicine. She's pregnant and could die without it.
[01:05:05] She's pregnant and could die without it. I thought I could make it, but I've lost
[01:05:07] I thought I could make it, but I've lost too much blood. I was sprinting through
[01:05:08] too much blood. I was sprinting through the woods, heard some whistles, and then
[01:05:10] the woods, heard some whistles, and then an arrow pierced my side. If you find
[01:05:12] an arrow pierced my side. If you find Paige, tell her I went peacefully. Tell
[01:05:14] Paige, tell her I went peacefully. Tell her I hope they live happy lives. Tell
[01:05:16] her I hope they live happy lives. Tell her I love her. And when we find a later
[01:05:18] her I love her. And when we find a later note left by Paige, it's been I don't
[01:05:21] note left by Paige, it's been I don't even know how many hours since you left.
[01:05:23] even know how many hours since you left. I went out to look for you and these
[01:05:25] I went out to look for you and these hooded people spotted me. They shouted
[01:05:27] hooded people spotted me. They shouted at me, called me a sinner, then started
[01:05:29] at me, called me a sinner, then started shooting. I ran back in and barricaded
[01:05:31] shooting. I ran back in and barricaded the door. All I can hear is the rain,
[01:05:33] the door. All I can hear is the rain, but I'm worried they're still out there.
[01:05:35] but I'm worried they're still out there. A message can be found near the note,
[01:05:38] A message can be found near the note, painted in blood by the Sarafi.
[01:05:40] painted in blood by the Sarafi. >> Her love
[01:05:43] >> Her love the [ __ ]
[01:05:46] There are obvious criticisms you could
[01:05:48] There are obvious criticisms you could make of Neil Duckman citing incidents of
[01:05:50] make of Neil Duckman citing incidents of great tragedy around Israel and
[01:05:52] great tragedy around Israel and Palestine and almost always making it
[01:05:54] Palestine and almost always making it about the loss of Israeli soldiers.
[01:05:56] about the loss of Israeli soldiers. Whether this was the influence of Gilead
[01:05:58] Whether this was the influence of Gilead Shalit on Joel's choice in the first
[01:05:59] Shalit on Joel's choice in the first game or the influence of the Raala
[01:06:01] game or the influence of the Raala lynchings of two IDF soldiers in the
[01:06:03] lynchings of two IDF soldiers in the second game, he makes no mention of the
[01:06:05] second game, he makes no mention of the Galia family beach massacre or the Mama
[01:06:07] Galia family beach massacre or the Mama brothers or the funeral for Palestinian
[01:06:09] brothers or the funeral for Palestinian teenager Halil Zaran murdered by the IDF
[01:06:12] teenager Halil Zaran murdered by the IDF which the two soldiers at Ramala had
[01:06:14] which the two soldiers at Ramala had intruded on as directed by their
[01:06:16] intruded on as directed by their commanding officers. From that I
[01:06:17] commanding officers. From that I conclude either that Dman wasn't aware
[01:06:19] conclude either that Dman wasn't aware of these contexts or didn't consider
[01:06:21] of these contexts or didn't consider them relevant. But I do consider them
[01:06:23] them relevant. But I do consider them relevant. I consider them relevant
[01:06:25] relevant. I consider them relevant because they point to a pattern of
[01:06:27] because they point to a pattern of behavior whereby the colonizer is framed
[01:06:29] behavior whereby the colonizer is framed as a flawed protector forced into
[01:06:31] as a flawed protector forced into conflict by a violent invading horde.
[01:06:33] conflict by a violent invading horde. And to his credit, The Last of Us 2 stop
[01:06:36] And to his credit, The Last of Us 2 stop short of this. Like I say, you can have
[01:06:38] short of this. Like I say, you can have a more completionist playthrough of the
[01:06:39] a more completionist playthrough of the game that reveals a context far less
[01:06:41] game that reveals a context far less sympathetic to the wolves. Much of this
[01:06:43] sympathetic to the wolves. Much of this I've mentioned to characters like Jimmy
[01:06:45] I've mentioned to characters like Jimmy and Sophia, a readiness among many WLF
[01:06:48] and Sophia, a readiness among many WLF soldiers to act with just as much
[01:06:49] soldiers to act with just as much callous brutality as any scar would. And
[01:06:52] callous brutality as any scar would. And I think most pivotally, the leadership's
[01:06:54] I think most pivotally, the leadership's treatment of this angelic prophet.
[01:06:56] treatment of this angelic prophet. Everyone says she's crazy, but I'll tell
[01:06:58] Everyone says she's crazy, but I'll tell you what, after hanging out with her, I
[01:06:59] you what, after hanging out with her, I get what she's saying. Don't get me
[01:07:01] get what she's saying. Don't get me wrong, I think her followers are [ __ ]
[01:07:02] wrong, I think her followers are [ __ ] loons. But she has a way about her that
[01:07:04] loons. But she has a way about her that draws you in. As more and more WLF
[01:07:06] draws you in. As more and more WLF members hear her message of peace, more
[01:07:08] members hear her message of peace, more defect, and it seems at least strongly
[01:07:10] defect, and it seems at least strongly implied that this is what motivated
[01:07:12] implied that this is what motivated Isaac to have her executed. Of course,
[01:07:14] Isaac to have her executed. Of course, in both cases, issues remain. Like I
[01:07:16] in both cases, issues remain. Like I say, we already know through regular
[01:07:18] say, we already know through regular gameplay that neither the WLF nor
[01:07:20] gameplay that neither the WLF nor Saraphites have their hands clean. And
[01:07:22] Saraphites have their hands clean. And if the best thing we can say is this
[01:07:24] if the best thing we can say is this cult was narrowly quelled of their
[01:07:26] cult was narrowly quelled of their desire to intrude on neighboring lands
[01:07:28] desire to intrude on neighboring lands and mutilate their pregnant civilians
[01:07:30] and mutilate their pregnant civilians because of this fabricated [music]
[01:07:32] because of this fabricated [music] Freudian Madonna. It doesn't feel like a
[01:07:35] Freudian Madonna. It doesn't feel like a great defense. That's because really
[01:07:37] great defense. That's because really it's not intended as a defense. None of
[01:07:39] it's not intended as a defense. None of it fundamentally changes how we feel
[01:07:41] it fundamentally changes how we feel about the scars or the wolves as they
[01:07:43] about the scars or the wolves as they exist in the story. It is basically as
[01:07:45] exist in the story. It is basically as it first appeared. Two waring sides,
[01:07:48] it first appeared. Two waring sides, both desiring power, neither open to
[01:07:51] both desiring power, neither open to reason. Mutual destruction seems
[01:07:53] reason. Mutual destruction seems inevitable, and that leaves the hopeful
[01:07:55] inevitable, and that leaves the hopeful fireflies of this world to do the only
[01:07:57] fireflies of this world to do the only thing they can. Run away to California.
[01:07:59] thing they can. Run away to California. In terms of Israel or Palestine, there's
[01:08:01] In terms of Israel or Palestine, there's another name I have for this
[01:08:03] another name I have for this perspective. a perspective that says if
[01:08:05] perspective. a perspective that says if we can't find a perfect victim in this
[01:08:07] we can't find a perfect victim in this conflict, if we can't find some beacon
[01:08:09] conflict, if we can't find some beacon of hope free from even the whiff of
[01:08:11] of hope free from even the whiff of violent resistance, then the best course
[01:08:13] violent resistance, then the best course of action is to throw up our hands,
[01:08:15] of action is to throw up our hands, condemn all sides, and escape. A course
[01:08:18] condemn all sides, and escape. A course of action that conveniently frees us of
[01:08:20] of action that conveniently frees us of any moral culpability because we said
[01:08:22] any moral culpability because we said the thing was bad, but doesn't force us
[01:08:24] the thing was bad, but doesn't force us to actually challenge any currently
[01:08:26] to actually challenge any currently existing power dynamic. I call it soft
[01:08:28] existing power dynamic. I call it soft Zionism, a vague permissiveness of a
[01:08:30] Zionism, a vague permissiveness of a colonial project, not out of a refusal
[01:08:32] colonial project, not out of a refusal to see it as more complicated, but a
[01:08:35] to see it as more complicated, but a refusal to see it as less because of its
[01:08:37] refusal to see it as less because of its tendency to rely on moderate and
[01:08:39] tendency to rely on moderate and moralized justifications. I also call
[01:08:41] moralized justifications. I also call this liberal Zionism. The last paradox
[01:08:44] this liberal Zionism. The last paradox is that the tale of Palestine from the
[01:08:46] is that the tale of Palestine from the beginning until today is a simple story
[01:08:48] beginning until today is a simple story of colonialism and dispossession. Yet,
[01:08:50] of colonialism and dispossession. Yet, the world treats it as a multifaceted
[01:08:52] the world treats it as a multifaceted and complex story, hard to understand
[01:08:54] and complex story, hard to understand and even harder to solve. Indeed, the
[01:08:56] and even harder to solve. Indeed, the story of Palestine has been told before.
[01:08:58] story of Palestine has been told before. European settlers coming to a foreign
[01:09:00] European settlers coming to a foreign land, settling there, and either
[01:09:02] land, settling there, and either committing genocide against or expelling
[01:09:04] committing genocide against or expelling the indigenous people. The Zionists have
[01:09:06] the indigenous people. The Zionists have not invented anything new in this
[01:09:08] not invented anything new in this respect. But Israel succeeded
[01:09:10] respect. But Israel succeeded nonetheless with the help of its allies
[01:09:12] nonetheless with the help of its allies everywhere in building a multi-layered
[01:09:13] everywhere in building a multi-layered explanation that is so complex that only
[01:09:16] explanation that is so complex that only Israel can understand it. Any
[01:09:18] Israel can understand it. Any interference from the outside world is
[01:09:19] interference from the outside world is immediately castigated as naive at best
[01:09:21] immediately castigated as naive at best or anti-semitic at worst. This is why in
[01:09:24] or anti-semitic at worst. This is why in my first video I asked the question, is
[01:09:26] my first video I asked the question, is it always better to keep things simple?
[01:09:28] it always better to keep things simple? Because while it is understandable to
[01:09:30] Because while it is understandable to want to simplify complex issues, and
[01:09:31] want to simplify complex issues, and while that can lead us to ignoring
[01:09:33] while that can lead us to ignoring important context, I see just as often a
[01:09:36] important context, I see just as often a desire in people to do the opposite. To
[01:09:38] desire in people to do the opposite. To invent such a deep sense of over
[01:09:40] invent such a deep sense of over complication and complexity to a topic
[01:09:42] complication and complexity to a topic that it disguises just how simple it can
[01:09:45] that it disguises just how simple it can actually turn out to be. I couldn't end
[01:09:47] actually turn out to be. I couldn't end this section without remarking
[01:09:48] this section without remarking specifically on Lev's status as a trans
[01:09:51] specifically on Lev's status as a trans man being hunted down by scars under the
[01:09:53] man being hunted down by scars under the protection of a trained WLF soldier.
[01:09:56] protection of a trained WLF soldier. Sure, Abby is no longer WLF by around
[01:09:58] Sure, Abby is no longer WLF by around the midpoint of her story, but this
[01:10:00] the midpoint of her story, but this still gives us another trope of modern
[01:10:02] still gives us another trope of modern Zionist rhetoric, LGBT people as a
[01:10:05] Zionist rhetoric, LGBT people as a political prop.
[01:10:09] Hi everyone, we are live on YouTube with
[01:10:12] Hi everyone, we are live on YouTube with Colombia Unice News where everyone is
[01:10:15] Colombia Unice News where everyone is welcome. LGBTQ
[01:10:18] welcome. LGBTQ >> H
[01:10:18] >> H >> Hamas.
[01:10:20] >> Hamas. >> Yeah, I'd sol Hamas. It's so trending
[01:10:23] >> Yeah, I'd sol Hamas. It's so trending right now.
[01:10:26] right now. >> That's really funny.
[01:10:27] >> That's really funny. >> I major in queer postc colonial
[01:10:29] >> I major in queer postc colonial astrology.
[01:10:30] astrology. >> That's really funny.
[01:10:32] >> That's really funny. >> Ew.
[01:10:33] >> Ew. Jews makes the world dirty.
[01:10:35] Jews makes the world dirty. >> Viral tweet shows an image of pro
[01:10:37] >> Viral tweet shows an image of pro Palestine protesters holding up a sign
[01:10:39] Palestine protesters holding up a sign reading quiz for Palestine. The post
[01:10:41] reading quiz for Palestine. The post reads, "I dare you to visit Palestine
[01:10:43] reads, "I dare you to visit Palestine and tell Hamas that you actually made
[01:10:45] and tell Hamas that you actually made this sign and held it up high. I won't
[01:10:48] this sign and held it up high. I won't ask you to inform me of their reaction
[01:10:50] ask you to inform me of their reaction because you wouldn't exist." The idea is
[01:10:52] because you wouldn't exist." The idea is that it's nonsensical for gay, by, or
[01:10:54] that it's nonsensical for gay, by, or trans people to oppose the genocide in
[01:10:56] trans people to oppose the genocide in Gaza uh because statistically the people
[01:10:59] Gaza uh because statistically the people there are more likely to be conservative
[01:11:01] there are more likely to be conservative about gay, by or trans people. Wouldn't
[01:11:03] about gay, by or trans people. Wouldn't you prefer to live in Israel, the
[01:11:05] you prefer to live in Israel, the inclusive state doing the genocide
[01:11:08] inclusive state doing the genocide that also has a known history of
[01:11:10] that also has a known history of blackmailing gay Palestinians for
[01:11:11] blackmailing gay Palestinians for information? Most Israelis think that
[01:11:13] information? Most Israelis think that intelligence is pure and slick. He says
[01:11:15] intelligence is pure and slick. He says he came to see IDF intelligence as
[01:11:17] he came to see IDF intelligence as blunt, dirty work, old school things
[01:11:19] blunt, dirty work, old school things like blackmailing gay Palestinians, he
[01:11:21] like blackmailing gay Palestinians, he explains, or threatening to cut off
[01:11:23] explains, or threatening to cut off medical care from people with health
[01:11:25] medical care from people with health problems or threatening the families of
[01:11:27] problems or threatening the families of people with health problems. an
[01:11:28] people with health problems. an inclusive state. Anyone can be
[01:11:30] inclusive state. Anyone can be threatened or just killed. There's
[01:11:33] threatened or just killed. There's always been a very simple and direct
[01:11:35] always been a very simple and direct response to this. You can oppose a
[01:11:37] response to this. You can oppose a genocide whether or not its victims
[01:11:40] genocide whether or not its victims broadly share your values. Maybe it's
[01:11:42] broadly share your values. Maybe it's just the case that one oppressed group
[01:11:44] just the case that one oppressed group is more likely to recognize the
[01:11:46] is more likely to recognize the oppression of another. As Yona Roseman,
[01:11:48] oppression of another. As Yona Roseman, an Israeli transwoman in prisoned for
[01:11:50] an Israeli transwoman in prisoned for refusing to serve with the IDF, said, "A
[01:11:53] refusing to serve with the IDF, said, "A political imprisonment is but a tiny
[01:11:54] political imprisonment is but a tiny price to pay for resisting the terrible
[01:11:56] price to pay for resisting the terrible crime of our time. The state of Israel
[01:11:58] crime of our time. The state of Israel is committing genocide. Its moral
[01:12:00] is committing genocide. Its moral authority is nullified with every child
[01:12:02] authority is nullified with every child it buries underground. After tens of
[01:12:04] it buries underground. After tens of thousands, it disappears as if it never
[01:12:07] thousands, it disappears as if it never existed. Clearly in context, Lev needed
[01:12:09] existed. Clearly in context, Lev needed to have a contentious relationship with
[01:12:11] to have a contentious relationship with the scars because if he had a positive
[01:12:13] the scars because if he had a positive one, it would more clearly skew the
[01:12:14] one, it would more clearly skew the narrative against the WLF. And since
[01:12:16] narrative against the WLF. And since we're talking about a fundamentalist
[01:12:18] we're talking about a fundamentalist religious group, bigotry based on gender
[01:12:20] religious group, bigotry based on gender identity was a pretty obvious choice.
[01:12:23] identity was a pretty obvious choice. The same Zionist framing is adopted for
[01:12:25] The same Zionist framing is adopted for the same basic reason. because we need
[01:12:27] the same basic reason. because we need to have more complicated feelings about
[01:12:30] to have more complicated feelings about this issue. We can't simply oppose one
[01:12:33] this issue. We can't simply oppose one side or the other. I understand some
[01:12:35] side or the other. I understand some people might see it as arrogant to try
[01:12:37] people might see it as arrogant to try to make big bold claims about a
[01:12:39] to make big bold claims about a centuries old conflict and its various
[01:12:40] centuries old conflict and its various complexities in the confines of a video
[01:12:43] complexities in the confines of a video game analysis YouTube video. I can only
[01:12:46] game analysis YouTube video. I can only say that sometimes things might be
[01:12:48] say that sometimes things might be simpler than you think.
[01:12:49] simpler than you think. >> What bred that passion for Israel in
[01:12:51] >> What bred that passion for Israel in you?
[01:12:53] you? Well,
[01:12:55] Well, since I grew up poor my whole life, I
[01:12:57] since I grew up poor my whole life, I never had an opportunity to travel
[01:12:58] never had an opportunity to travel abroad.
[01:13:02] >> By the way, this is a quick reminder
[01:13:03] >> By the way, this is a quick reminder that if you like videos like these,
[01:13:05] that if you like videos like these, please consider supporting me on Patreon
[01:13:08] please consider supporting me on Patreon or sending a tip via the links down
[01:13:10] or sending a tip via the links down below uh so that I can spend more time
[01:13:12] below uh so that I can spend more time making them. Thank you. There there
[01:13:15] making them. Thank you. There there frankly are a lot of Palestinians right
[01:13:16] frankly are a lot of Palestinians right in in the area and once the Palestinians
[01:13:19] in in the area and once the Palestinians outnumber the Jews basically
[01:13:22] outnumber the Jews basically the anything is fair game for the Jews.
[01:13:24] the anything is fair game for the Jews. Anything one state is not going to
[01:13:26] Anything one state is not going to happen and I don't think it's a
[01:13:28] happen and I don't think it's a realistic uh idea either. I think it's
[01:13:31] realistic uh idea either. I think it's kind of silly to even pretend like
[01:13:33] kind of silly to even pretend like that's not just a genocide of the Jews
[01:13:35] that's not just a genocide of the Jews there.
[01:13:35] there. >> Who said that? I haven't really talked
[01:13:37] >> Who said that? I haven't really talked about Ellie or Abby for a while.
[01:13:41] about Ellie or Abby for a while. By the end of the story, Ellie has found
[01:13:43] By the end of the story, Ellie has found and fought Abby face death at her hand
[01:13:46] and fought Abby face death at her hand yet again. But then Abby turns the other
[01:13:48] yet again. But then Abby turns the other cheek at the prompting of Lev, clearly
[01:13:49] cheek at the prompting of Lev, clearly in reference to the prophet's lessons.
[01:13:51] in reference to the prophet's lessons. Ellie seemingly buries her resentment,
[01:13:53] Ellie seemingly buries her resentment, settling into a new life with Dena and
[01:13:55] settling into a new life with Dena and her child with the now dead Jesse. But
[01:13:57] her child with the now dead Jesse. But still, Ellie carries a trauma over her
[01:14:00] still, Ellie carries a trauma over her experiences, so she can't let it go. So
[01:14:02] experiences, so she can't let it go. So when Joel's brother Tommy shows up with
[01:14:04] when Joel's brother Tommy shows up with information that could lead her back to
[01:14:05] information that could lead her back to Abby again, she accepts. Ellie and Abby
[01:14:08] Abby again, she accepts. Ellie and Abby have parallel arcs as characters, but
[01:14:10] have parallel arcs as characters, but they don't necessarily happen at the
[01:14:12] they don't necessarily happen at the same speed. While both will eventually
[01:14:14] same speed. While both will eventually come to abandon their grudges, Abby
[01:14:16] come to abandon their grudges, Abby loses interest way before Ellie does. In
[01:14:19] loses interest way before Ellie does. In part because Abby was able to clear her
[01:14:20] part because Abby was able to clear her conscience in a way that was denied to
[01:14:22] conscience in a way that was denied to Ellie. It's established early on in her
[01:14:24] Ellie. It's established early on in her story that Abby has trouble sleeping.
[01:14:26] story that Abby has trouble sleeping. I'd make a pathy remark about the book
[01:14:28] I'd make a pathy remark about the book she's reading here, but I haven't read
[01:14:30] she's reading here, but I haven't read it. Uh, isn't that the Game of Thrones
[01:14:33] it. Uh, isn't that the Game of Thrones man? And as we learn, it's because she
[01:14:34] man? And as we learn, it's because she hasn't been able to escape visions of
[01:14:36] hasn't been able to escape visions of death after finding and killing Joel.
[01:14:38] death after finding and killing Joel. The death of Joel, the death of her dad,
[01:14:40] The death of Joel, the death of her dad, and eventually the death of Lev and
[01:14:42] and eventually the death of Lev and Yara, the two teenage runaways Abby left
[01:14:44] Yara, the two teenage runaways Abby left behind in the trailer. In saving Yara's
[01:14:46] behind in the trailer. In saving Yara's life, Abby gets to have one more dream.
[01:14:49] life, Abby gets to have one more dream. And this time, her dad is alive and
[01:14:51] And this time, her dad is alive and happy. In her mind, she has now truly
[01:14:54] happy. In her mind, she has now truly made him proud.
[01:14:58] made him proud. Abby was, and I don't say this lightly,
[01:15:03] Abby was, and I don't say this lightly, >> Isaac's top scar killer.
[01:15:05] >> Isaac's top scar killer. >> Isaac's top scar killer.
[01:15:07] >> Isaac's top scar killer. >> I think it's believable that Abby would
[01:15:09] >> I think it's believable that Abby would be able to feel her conscience is clear
[01:15:11] be able to feel her conscience is clear because on this occasion, she did a good
[01:15:13] because on this occasion, she did a good thing. It's worth remembering that Abby
[01:15:15] thing. It's worth remembering that Abby has now been a WLF soldier, at least
[01:15:17] has now been a WLF soldier, at least through her late teens into her early
[01:15:19] through her late teens into her early 20s.
[01:15:20] 20s. >> You crazy [ __ ] Do you even know what
[01:15:22] >> You crazy [ __ ] Do you even know what you were starting? She has been fully
[01:15:24] you were starting? She has been fully trained by the WLF and has clearly
[01:15:26] trained by the WLF and has clearly adopted their mode of thinking. Even in
[01:15:28] adopted their mode of thinking. Even in a flashback, she expresses disbelief
[01:15:30] a flashback, she expresses disbelief that someone would join the Scars insane
[01:15:32] that someone would join the Scars insane cult as retaliation for the WLF
[01:15:35] cult as retaliation for the WLF murdering their mother. When Owen points
[01:15:36] murdering their mother. When Owen points out the Fireflies, which both of them
[01:15:38] out the Fireflies, which both of them were a part of, engaged in many of the
[01:15:40] were a part of, engaged in many of the same tactics as the scars while fighting
[01:15:42] same tactics as the scars while fighting Fedra [music] checkpoints and
[01:15:44] Fedra [music] checkpoints and assassinated soldiers, Abby dismisses
[01:15:46] assassinated soldiers, Abby dismisses him out of hand. Rather than refute the
[01:15:49] him out of hand. Rather than refute the comparison, she defensively tells him
[01:15:51] comparison, she defensively tells him not to repeat it to other members of the
[01:15:53] not to repeat it to other members of the WLF. At one point, she grabs a prayer by
[01:15:55] WLF. At one point, she grabs a prayer by a Saraphy left at the sight of the
[01:15:57] a Saraphy left at the sight of the prophet's execution, reading, "My
[01:15:59] prophet's execution, reading, "My prophet, perhaps what I ask is
[01:16:01] prophet, perhaps what I ask is impossible, but I must ask. Bless the
[01:16:03] impossible, but I must ask. Bless the wolves with your insight, with your
[01:16:05] wolves with your insight, with your wisdom, with your love, that they might
[01:16:07] wisdom, with your love, that they might renounce their selfish ways and lay down
[01:16:09] renounce their selfish ways and lay down their arms. May you bring peace to this
[01:16:11] their arms. May you bring peace to this world." And Abby responds,
[01:16:13] world." And Abby responds, >> "You want peace? Easy. Stay on your
[01:16:16] >> "You want peace? Easy. Stay on your island." Now, a reminder that as far as
[01:16:18] island." Now, a reminder that as far as the game is concerned, the Sarapites did
[01:16:20] the game is concerned, the Sarapites did actually come from that island and
[01:16:22] actually come from that island and agreed to stay on it even after the
[01:16:23] agreed to stay on it even after the death of their prophet. A truce was
[01:16:25] death of their prophet. A truce was broken when some Sarafite teenagers shot
[01:16:27] broken when some Sarafite teenagers shot at some wolves and the wolves killed
[01:16:29] at some wolves and the wolves killed them in return. One side argues the kids
[01:16:31] them in return. One side argues the kids broke the truce. One side argues the WLF
[01:16:33] broke the truce. One side argues the WLF soldiers broke the truce. The important
[01:16:35] soldiers broke the truce. The important thing is it's kind of debatable. It's
[01:16:38] thing is it's kind of debatable. It's kind of debatable if Abby still feels
[01:16:40] kind of debatable if Abby still feels justified for all those scars she killed
[01:16:42] justified for all those scars she killed by the end of her story. I initially
[01:16:43] by the end of her story. I initially read these dream sequences as a
[01:16:45] read these dream sequences as a reflection of Abby feeling she has
[01:16:47] reflection of Abby feeling she has atoned for all the death she's caused,
[01:16:49] atoned for all the death she's caused, but on a second playthrough, I think
[01:16:50] but on a second playthrough, I think that makes little sense given how many
[01:16:53] that makes little sense given how many Saraphites she mercilessly kills on the
[01:16:55] Saraphites she mercilessly kills on the way to getting medicine for Yara. Except
[01:16:57] way to getting medicine for Yara. Except we know those Sarafi are a bunch of
[01:16:58] we know those Sarafi are a bunch of child murdering invading bigots who
[01:17:01] child murdering invading bigots who would think nothing of gutting her and
[01:17:02] would think nothing of gutting her and Lev on site. So, I don't think Abby
[01:17:06] Lev on site. So, I don't think Abby feels that bad. And so it's debatable
[01:17:08] feels that bad. And so it's debatable how much red Abby actually feels is in
[01:17:10] how much red Abby actually feels is in her ledger, which factors into whether
[01:17:12] her ledger, which factors into whether we genuinely believe Abby has had a
[01:17:14] we genuinely believe Abby has had a change of heart based on this one act.
[01:17:16] change of heart based on this one act. Mel definitely doesn't buy it. Uh and
[01:17:18] Mel definitely doesn't buy it. Uh and she's correct about everything.
[01:17:20] she's correct about everything. >> What would you do?
[01:17:21] >> What would you do? >> I don't know. Not real them with
[01:17:22] >> I don't know. Not real them with bullets. Not real them with bullets.
[01:17:25] bullets. Not real them with bullets. >> I do believe Abby is personally affected
[01:17:28] >> I do believe Abby is personally affected by her experience with Levenara in a way
[01:17:30] by her experience with Levenara in a way that genuinely brings her peace and
[01:17:32] that genuinely brings her peace and makes her feel she's finally lived up to
[01:17:34] makes her feel she's finally lived up to her father's memory. When I think of
[01:17:36] her father's memory. When I think of Aby's dad, I think of an earlier aside
[01:17:38] Aby's dad, I think of an earlier aside between Mel and Abby. As they make their
[01:17:40] between Mel and Abby. As they make their way through an overgrown warehouse, Mel
[01:17:42] way through an overgrown warehouse, Mel remarks that this reminds her of Aby's
[01:17:44] remarks that this reminds her of Aby's dad's greenhouse. After which Abby
[01:17:46] dad's greenhouse. After which Abby points out, "It's pretty different
[01:17:48] points out, "It's pretty different because the plants in here are alive."
[01:17:51] because the plants in here are alive." Aby's dad wants to take care of
[01:17:52] Aby's dad wants to take care of everybody, even if he ultimately can't
[01:17:55] everybody, even if he ultimately can't save anybody.
[01:17:56] save anybody. >> That will help save millions of lives.
[01:17:58] >> That will help save millions of lives. How many fireflies have died for less?
[01:18:00] How many fireflies have died for less? >> That was their choice.
[01:18:02] >> That was their choice. It's a polar opposite to someone like
[01:18:03] It's a polar opposite to someone like Joel, who had no desire to take care of
[01:18:06] Joel, who had no desire to take care of everybody and pretty specifically doomed
[01:18:08] everybody and pretty specifically doomed everyone to save the one single person
[01:18:10] everyone to save the one single person he cared about. Abby has been raised by
[01:18:12] he cared about. Abby has been raised by a loving and nurturing father, but also
[01:18:15] a loving and nurturing father, but also one who clearly believed the needs of
[01:18:17] one who clearly believed the needs of the many outweighed the needs of the
[01:18:19] the many outweighed the needs of the few. The ends justify the means. The
[01:18:21] few. The ends justify the means. The last thing she tells her dad is that if
[01:18:23] last thing she tells her dad is that if it were her on the surgical table, she'd
[01:18:25] it were her on the surgical table, she'd want him to operate. Abby recognizes
[01:18:27] want him to operate. Abby recognizes that the world is a harsh, unjust,
[01:18:30] that the world is a harsh, unjust, morally fraught place. I'd say this is
[01:18:32] morally fraught place. I'd say this is why she integrates so quickly into the
[01:18:34] why she integrates so quickly into the WLF's ranks. But in Saving Yara, Abby is
[01:18:36] WLF's ranks. But in Saving Yara, Abby is reminded of the opposite, of the simple
[01:18:39] reminded of the opposite, of the simple good in going out of our way to help
[01:18:41] good in going out of our way to help another person. I think it's an open
[01:18:43] another person. I think it's an open question how much judgment Abby deserves
[01:18:45] question how much judgment Abby deserves for the speed at which she absolves
[01:18:47] for the speed at which she absolves herself. By the time we find her heading
[01:18:49] herself. By the time we find her heading to the Firefly base in California with
[01:18:51] to the Firefly base in California with Lev, it's like a weight has been lifted
[01:18:53] Lev, it's like a weight has been lifted from her. And when she finds out the
[01:18:54] from her. And when she finds out the base is real, she's the happiest I think
[01:18:56] base is real, she's the happiest I think anybody in this series has been since
[01:18:58] anybody in this series has been since Ellie found gay porn in Bill's car.
[01:19:00] Ellie found gay porn in Bill's car. Maybe naively, the Fireflies aren't just
[01:19:02] Maybe naively, the Fireflies aren't just another safe zone for Abby. They're a
[01:19:04] another safe zone for Abby. They're a return to something simpler, something
[01:19:06] return to something simpler, something away from all the moral equivocation of
[01:19:08] away from all the moral equivocation of the WLF and Scars, to a world where bad
[01:19:11] the WLF and Scars, to a world where bad is bad and good is good. When Ellie lets
[01:19:15] is bad and good is good. When Ellie lets Abby live at the end of their final
[01:19:16] Abby live at the end of their final confrontation, Abby grabs the boat for
[01:19:18] confrontation, Abby grabs the boat for her and Lev and leaves Ellie behind in
[01:19:20] her and Lev and leaves Ellie behind in the fog. The game ends with Ellie going
[01:19:22] the fog. The game ends with Ellie going back to her now emptied home. Her
[01:19:24] back to her now emptied home. Her leaving yet again to seek revenge was
[01:19:26] leaving yet again to seek revenge was the last straw for Dena. And now Ellie
[01:19:28] the last straw for Dena. And now Ellie is alone again, exactly as she'd most
[01:19:30] is alone again, exactly as she'd most feared. In her final moments, she
[01:19:32] feared. In her final moments, she tearfully returns to her last memories
[01:19:34] tearfully returns to her last memories of Joel before silently leaving the
[01:19:36] of Joel before silently leaving the house [music] and wandering into the
[01:19:38] house [music] and wandering into the woods. I call Ellie's character arc a
[01:19:40] woods. I call Ellie's character arc a parallel to Aby's because each
[01:19:42] parallel to Aby's because each effectively learns to think from the
[01:19:44] effectively learns to think from the other's perspective. Ellie has come to
[01:19:46] other's perspective. Ellie has come to understand that there is no quick fix
[01:19:47] understand that there is no quick fix for her trauma. There are no easy
[01:19:49] for her trauma. There are no easy answers. While Abby has dedicated
[01:19:51] answers. While Abby has dedicated herself to protecting one special
[01:19:53] herself to protecting one special person, and that's enough to give her
[01:19:55] person, and that's enough to give her peace, following in the footsteps of
[01:19:57] peace, following in the footsteps of another character who suffered an
[01:19:59] another character who suffered an immense loss, followed by a long history
[01:20:00] immense loss, followed by a long history of mass murder, who also went through
[01:20:02] of mass murder, who also went through something very similar. And of course,
[01:20:05] something very similar. And of course, that is the most obvious takeaway of The
[01:20:07] that is the most obvious takeaway of The Last of Us 2. An eye for an eye leaves
[01:20:10] Last of Us 2. An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind. Understand a man
[01:20:12] the whole world blind. Understand a man by walking a mile in their shoes, which
[01:20:14] by walking a mile in their shoes, which is itself an indirect reference to
[01:20:16] is itself an indirect reference to Galatians 6:2. carry each other's
[01:20:18] Galatians 6:2. carry each other's burdens and in this way you will fulfill
[01:20:21] burdens and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Followed by the
[01:20:23] the law of Christ. Followed by the seemingly contradictory Galatians 6:5,
[01:20:26] seemingly contradictory Galatians 6:5, for each one should carry their own
[01:20:27] for each one should carry their own load. You're going to carry that way.
[01:20:30] load. You're going to carry that way. There is no contradiction. All of us
[01:20:32] There is no contradiction. All of us walk alone and [music] together. It's
[01:20:34] walk alone and [music] together. It's one of two effective ways we can look at
[01:20:36] one of two effective ways we can look at The Last of Us 2, and it's the way I
[01:20:38] The Last of Us 2, and it's the way I perceived it when I first ran through
[01:20:39] perceived it when I first ran through the story. As a human parable, The Last
[01:20:42] the story. As a human parable, The Last of Us 2 is a reminder to keep an open
[01:20:44] of Us 2 is a reminder to keep an open mind, which I agree is important in an
[01:20:46] mind, which I agree is important in an increasingly close-minded world. Maybe
[01:20:48] increasingly close-minded world. Maybe if all of us were willing to go through
[01:20:50] if all of us were willing to go through such lengths to understand each other,
[01:20:52] such lengths to understand each other, our conflicts wouldn't go so far in the
[01:20:54] our conflicts wouldn't go so far in the first place. Maybe through
[01:20:56] first place. Maybe through self-reflection, all of us can perceive
[01:20:58] self-reflection, all of us can perceive our place in a cycle, recognize our
[01:21:00] our place in a cycle, recognize our shared humanity, and break this endless
[01:21:03] shared humanity, and break this endless chain of pain and misery. Dman later
[01:21:07] chain of pain and misery. Dman later felt the need to clarify his intentions
[01:21:09] felt the need to clarify his intentions with The Last of Us 2. When we first
[01:21:10] with The Last of Us 2. When we first started talking about this game, I said,
[01:21:12] started talking about this game, I said, you know, the first game's about love.
[01:21:14] you know, the first game's about love. This game's about hate. That's not true.
[01:21:17] This game's about hate. That's not true. Both games are about love. Both games
[01:21:19] Both games are about love. Both games explore the most wonderful things love
[01:21:21] explore the most wonderful things love can provide. Like when you see Ellie and
[01:21:23] can provide. Like when you see Ellie and Joel in that space capsule and how much
[01:21:25] Joel in that space capsule and how much these two characters are willing to do
[01:21:26] these two characters are willing to do for each other and these really sweet
[01:21:28] for each other and these really sweet moments and the worst things that love
[01:21:30] moments and the worst things that love can drive you to, which is some of the
[01:21:33] can drive you to, which is some of the worst atrocities that happen in the
[01:21:34] worst atrocities that happen in the world happen in the name of love. And so
[01:21:37] world happen in the name of love. And so much to me, this game is an exploration
[01:21:39] much to me, this game is an exploration of finding these characters that
[01:21:41] of finding these characters that struggle with that and make sometimes
[01:21:42] struggle with that and make sometimes horrible decisions, flawed decisions,
[01:21:45] horrible decisions, flawed decisions, human decisions, and then finally
[01:21:47] human decisions, and then finally finding ways to decouple their ego from
[01:21:49] finding ways to decouple their ego from the violence they're committing. There
[01:21:52] the violence they're committing. There is, as this video has hopefully
[01:21:54] is, as this video has hopefully highlighted, a second way to look at The
[01:21:56] highlighted, a second way to look at The Last of Us 2. Not just as a human story,
[01:21:59] Last of Us 2. Not just as a human story, but also as a political one. As a
[01:22:03] but also as a political one. As a political one,
[01:22:05] political one, it's quite bad. The concluding sections
[01:22:07] it's quite bad. The concluding sections of The Last of Us 2 also introduce us to
[01:22:09] of The Last of Us 2 also introduce us to the Rattlers. For most of the time
[01:22:11] the Rattlers. For most of the time writing this, I called them the Vipers,
[01:22:13] writing this, I called them the Vipers, and the only thing I remembered about
[01:22:14] and the only thing I remembered about them was this meme where people edit the
[01:22:16] them was this meme where people edit the Rattler King punching Lev in the face.
[01:22:19] Rattler King punching Lev in the face. [music]
[01:22:21] [music] which really sums up them as a group and
[01:22:23] which really sums up them as a group and their place in the story. See, the
[01:22:25] their place in the story. See, the Rattlers really have no complex
[01:22:26] Rattlers really have no complex ideology, no charismatic leaders
[01:22:29] ideology, no charismatic leaders appearing to make any particular
[01:22:31] appearing to make any particular argument for why their cause is or isn't
[01:22:33] argument for why their cause is or isn't justified. They're slavers. They capture
[01:22:35] justified. They're slavers. They capture and enslave people. People join up with
[01:22:37] and enslave people. People join up with them because if they don't, they'll
[01:22:39] them because if they don't, they'll probably be turned into slaves. People
[01:22:41] probably be turned into slaves. People help the Rattlers catch more slaves
[01:22:42] help the Rattlers catch more slaves because in return, they give them food,
[01:22:44] because in return, they give them food, shelter, and treats. It's the most naked
[01:22:47] shelter, and treats. It's the most naked depiction of Nieti and master morality
[01:22:50] depiction of Nieti and master morality in the story. The noble type of man
[01:22:52] in the story. The noble type of man regards himself as the determiner of
[01:22:53] regards himself as the determiner of values. He does not require to be
[01:22:55] values. He does not require to be approved of. He passes the judgment.
[01:22:58] approved of. He passes the judgment. What is injurious to me is injurious in
[01:23:00] What is injurious to me is injurious in itself. He knows that it is he himself
[01:23:03] itself. He knows that it is he himself only who confers honor on things. He is
[01:23:06] only who confers honor on things. He is the creator of values. And that's the
[01:23:08] the creator of values. And that's the Rattlers. The the Rattler king isn't
[01:23:11] Rattlers. The the Rattler king isn't even really a king. He's just a guy with
[01:23:13] even really a king. He's just a guy with sunglasses who catches Abby and Lev and
[01:23:15] sunglasses who catches Abby and Lev and then gets killed by Ellie.
[01:23:17] then gets killed by Ellie. According to the wiki, his name is Large
[01:23:19] According to the wiki, his name is Large Rattler. And the tragic thing about the
[01:23:21] Rattler. And the tragic thing about the abrupt inclusion of the Rattlers in the
[01:23:23] abrupt inclusion of the Rattlers in the last hour of The Last of Us 2 is that
[01:23:26] last hour of The Last of Us 2 is that they represent everything that's been
[01:23:28] they represent everything that's been lacking in the story's political
[01:23:29] lacking in the story's political perspective. I definitely don't see this
[01:23:31] perspective. I definitely don't see this as a coincidence. I think the writing
[01:23:34] as a coincidence. I think the writing spent so long trying to take the most
[01:23:36] spent so long trying to take the most measured, even-handed approach to a
[01:23:38] measured, even-handed approach to a conflict in service of its message about
[01:23:40] conflict in service of its message about seeing both sides that it became just
[01:23:43] seeing both sides that it became just too glaringly obvious there was a
[01:23:45] too glaringly obvious there was a completely different way to look at war.
[01:23:47] completely different way to look at war. Not as two human enemies, each with
[01:23:50] Not as two human enemies, each with their own emotional reasons to fight,
[01:23:52] their own emotional reasons to fight, but as one force that simply wants to
[01:23:55] but as one force that simply wants to dominate the other.
[01:23:56] dominate the other. >> So there's definitely something like in
[01:23:58] >> So there's definitely something like in us to like conquer. men want to like,
[01:24:01] us to like conquer. men want to like, >> right?
[01:24:01] >> right? >> So, it's, you know, women are in a
[01:24:04] >> So, it's, you know, women are in a nature setting like to be conquered.
[01:24:08] nature setting like to be conquered. >> As I've already mentioned, a desperation
[01:24:10] >> As I've already mentioned, a desperation to invent complexities for what's often
[01:24:12] to invent complexities for what's often a simple issue. And so, here come the
[01:24:14] a simple issue. And so, here come the Rattlers, but really more as a plot
[01:24:16] Rattlers, but really more as a plot convenience to lead Abby and Ellie to
[01:24:17] convenience to lead Abby and Ellie to somehow again be at the same place at
[01:24:19] somehow again be at the same place at the same time. For the sake of
[01:24:21] the same time. For the sake of comparison, we have at least a dozen
[01:24:23] comparison, we have at least a dozen separate combat encounters with the
[01:24:24] separate combat encounters with the Sarafides, both as Ellie and as Abby.
[01:24:27] Sarafides, both as Ellie and as Abby. With the Rattlers, we have two, both in
[01:24:29] With the Rattlers, we have two, both in the same sequence, both as Ellie. And in
[01:24:32] the same sequence, both as Ellie. And in these few interactions with them, they
[01:24:33] these few interactions with them, they mostly just restate what we already
[01:24:35] mostly just restate what we already know. They are amoral pragmatists with
[01:24:38] know. They are amoral pragmatists with no inherent value for life, simply
[01:24:40] no inherent value for life, simply looking to maintain the condition of
[01:24:42] looking to maintain the condition of their goods and their position of
[01:24:43] their goods and their position of authority. There's an argument that this
[01:24:45] authority. There's an argument that this mentality was already reflected in
[01:24:48] mentality was already reflected in Isaac, especially given his execution of
[01:24:50] Isaac, especially given his execution of the Sarafi prophet, most likely because
[01:24:52] the Sarafi prophet, most likely because her preaching was weakening the WLF's
[01:24:54] her preaching was weakening the WLF's hold on Seattle. But even he is also
[01:24:56] hold on Seattle. But even he is also relegated to two total interactions.
[01:24:59] relegated to two total interactions. First, immediately after we're shown
[01:25:01] First, immediately after we're shown dozens of massacre WLF and told there
[01:25:03] dozens of massacre WLF and told there are more coming in by the hour with
[01:25:05] are more coming in by the hour with Isaac expressing that after the scars
[01:25:07] Isaac expressing that after the scars broke the truce, he can see no other
[01:25:09] broke the truce, he can see no other option to ending the bloodshed than
[01:25:10] option to ending the bloodshed than taking the fight to them. The second
[01:25:12] taking the fight to them. The second time we bump into him in the middle of
[01:25:14] time we bump into him in the middle of battle where he recognizes Abby as no
[01:25:16] battle where he recognizes Abby as no longer being loyal to the WLF and
[01:25:18] longer being loyal to the WLF and considers killing her before being
[01:25:20] considers killing her before being interrupted by Yara. Overwhelmingly, The
[01:25:23] interrupted by Yara. Overwhelmingly, The Last of Us 2 is crushed in a strangle
[01:25:25] Last of Us 2 is crushed in a strangle hold of false nuance. There is always an
[01:25:28] hold of false nuance. There is always an argument to be made the characters chose
[01:25:30] argument to be made the characters chose this or that decision out of a feeling
[01:25:32] this or that decision out of a feeling of genuine moral justification. The
[01:25:34] of genuine moral justification. The Rattlers become like a release vow for
[01:25:36] Rattlers become like a release vow for this thing that's loomed over the entire
[01:25:39] this thing that's loomed over the entire story. The fact that peace in a
[01:25:41] story. The fact that peace in a political sense is often made impossible
[01:25:43] political sense is often made impossible not because two well-meaning sides can't
[01:25:45] not because two well-meaning sides can't get along, but because it materially
[01:25:48] get along, but because it materially benefits one side to impose itself on
[01:25:51] benefits one side to impose itself on the other. Dear Yenine is a village in
[01:25:53] the other. Dear Yenine is a village in Palestine that's existed in one form or
[01:25:55] Palestine that's existed in one form or another for about 800 years. In 1948, it
[01:25:58] another for about 800 years. In 1948, it housed around 750 people and it was at
[01:26:00] housed around 750 people and it was at this time civil war broke out across
[01:26:02] this time civil war broke out across Palestine between the indigenous
[01:26:04] Palestine between the indigenous population and Jewish settlers. This had
[01:26:06] population and Jewish settlers. This had followed a proposed plan by the United
[01:26:07] followed a proposed plan by the United Nations to partition significant chunks
[01:26:09] Nations to partition significant chunks of land to those settlers. This would be
[01:26:11] of land to those settlers. This would be the foundation of the modern Israeli
[01:26:13] the foundation of the modern Israeli state and the partition would
[01:26:14] state and the partition would permanently sever links between many
[01:26:16] permanently sever links between many established Palestinian communities. The
[01:26:18] established Palestinian communities. The response by the people of Dear Yeine was
[01:26:21] response by the people of Dear Yeine was peace. An agreement was struck between
[01:26:23] peace. An agreement was struck between dear Yin and the nearby Jewish
[01:26:25] dear Yin and the nearby Jewish settlement of Gatshaw. They would each
[01:26:27] settlement of Gatshaw. They would each provide information on the comingings
[01:26:28] provide information on the comingings and goings of outsiders around the
[01:26:30] and goings of outsiders around the region and ensure any violence or
[01:26:32] region and ensure any violence or dissident on either the Jewish or Arab
[01:26:34] dissident on either the Jewish or Arab side were kept minimal. In some ways, it
[01:26:36] side were kept minimal. In some ways, it could be seen as a model for the mutual
[01:26:38] could be seen as a model for the mutual coexistence of these communities. Local
[01:26:41] coexistence of these communities. Local Jewish leader Yoma Ben Sasson was quoted
[01:26:43] Jewish leader Yoma Ben Sasson was quoted directly stating, "There was not even
[01:26:46] directly stating, "There was not even one incident between Dear Yeine and the
[01:26:48] one incident between Dear Yeine and the Jews. Morally, there would be no
[01:26:50] Jews. Morally, there would be no justification for any attack on Dear
[01:26:52] justification for any attack on Dear Yine. Legally, there would be no
[01:26:54] Yine. Legally, there would be no justification for any attack on deer
[01:26:56] justification for any attack on deer yin. Even in accordance with the United
[01:26:58] yin. Even in accordance with the United Nations partition, dear yine was not
[01:27:01] Nations partition, dear yine was not marked for the new Israeli territory.
[01:27:04] marked for the new Israeli territory. Unfortunately, it was located on high
[01:27:06] Unfortunately, it was located on high ground in a valley between Jerusalem and
[01:27:08] ground in a valley between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. I lied when I said Dear Yasine
[01:27:11] Tel Aviv. I lied when I said Dear Yasine is a village. Dear Yasine was a village.
[01:27:15] is a village. Dear Yasine was a village. A few months after the agreement was
[01:27:17] A few months after the agreement was struck, a unified group of several
[01:27:18] struck, a unified group of several Zionist terror organizations assaulted
[01:27:20] Zionist terror organizations assaulted the village with the explicit purpose of
[01:27:22] the village with the explicit purpose of liquidating its residents. In the words
[01:27:25] liquidating its residents. In the words of militia commander Ben Zion Cohen,
[01:27:27] of militia commander Ben Zion Cohen, whether it be old people, women, or
[01:27:29] whether it be old people, women, or children, Fahheim Zadan, a 12-year-old
[01:27:31] children, Fahheim Zadan, a 12-year-old girl, recalled the door to a house being
[01:27:33] girl, recalled the door to a house being blasted open as she and her family hid
[01:27:35] blasted open as she and her family hid along with members of a neighboring
[01:27:36] along with members of a neighboring family. After they shot an already
[01:27:38] family. After they shot an already wounded man, one of his daughters
[01:27:40] wounded man, one of his daughters screamed, "They shot her, too." They
[01:27:42] screamed, "They shot her, too." They then called my brother Mahmud and shot
[01:27:44] then called my brother Mahmud and shot him in our presence. And when my mother
[01:27:46] him in our presence. And when my mother screamed and bent over my brother, they
[01:27:48] screamed and bent over my brother, they shot my mother, too. Varying reports
[01:27:51] shot my mother, too. Varying reports state anywhere from 110 to 250
[01:27:54] state anywhere from 110 to 250 Palestinian families were murdered with
[01:27:56] Palestinian families were murdered with assault rifles and hand grenades as the
[01:27:58] assault rifles and hand grenades as the air gun and other paramilitary groups
[01:28:00] air gun and other paramilitary groups moved doorto-door, clearing homes of
[01:28:02] moved doorto-door, clearing homes of whoever they found inside. Many accounts
[01:28:04] whoever they found inside. Many accounts from both Palestinian and Jewish
[01:28:06] from both Palestinian and Jewish perspectives describe evidence of sexual
[01:28:08] perspectives describe evidence of sexual assault and mutilation along with the
[01:28:10] assault and mutilation along with the mass slaughter. One account describes a
[01:28:12] mass slaughter. One account describes a 9 months pregnant Palestinian woman
[01:28:14] 9 months pregnant Palestinian woman being shot to death before having her
[01:28:16] being shot to death before having her stomach cut open. Survivors were taken
[01:28:18] stomach cut open. Survivors were taken to Jerusalem to be displayed as part of
[01:28:20] to Jerusalem to be displayed as part of a victory parade for the successful
[01:28:22] a victory parade for the successful attack. I specifically got a lot of
[01:28:25] attack. I specifically got a lot of these stories from the book Oh
[01:28:26] these stories from the book Oh Jerusalem, later adapted into a movie of
[01:28:29] Jerusalem, later adapted into a movie of the same name. This fictionalized
[01:28:30] the same name. This fictionalized version of the conflict ousts any
[01:28:32] version of the conflict ousts any mention of Dear Yasine and most
[01:28:34] mention of Dear Yasine and most instances of targeted attacks on
[01:28:35] instances of targeted attacks on civilians other than a brief mention of
[01:28:37] civilians other than a brief mention of the King David hotel bombing that killed
[01:28:39] the King David hotel bombing that killed 91 people and injured 46 more also
[01:28:42] 91 people and injured 46 more also organized by the Zionist Air Gun.
[01:28:45] organized by the Zionist Air Gun. Instead, the story focuses on a war
[01:28:46] Instead, the story focuses on a war between combatants within the frame of
[01:28:48] between combatants within the frame of an unlikely friendship between a Jewish
[01:28:50] an unlikely friendship between a Jewish New Yorker and Palestinian. The two
[01:28:52] New Yorker and Palestinian. The two struggle with their personal feelings of
[01:28:54] struggle with their personal feelings of empathy and humanism in amongst what
[01:28:56] empathy and humanism in amongst what feels like an inevitable unavoidable
[01:28:58] feels like an inevitable unavoidable conflict. As the New Yorker summarizes
[01:29:00] conflict. As the New Yorker summarizes in his view on the war,
[01:29:01] in his view on the war, >> Jew kills an Arab. An Arab kills a Jew.
[01:29:05] >> Jew kills an Arab. An Arab kills a Jew. Blood brings more blood. Pain more pain.
[01:29:08] Blood brings more blood. Pain more pain. >> All of this is once again just a part of
[01:29:11] >> All of this is once again just a part of a tragic, misguided cycle of violence.
[01:29:14] a tragic, misguided cycle of violence. >> Wars followed wars
[01:29:17] >> Wars followed wars creating a cycle of [music] violence.
[01:29:18] creating a cycle of [music] violence. >> The Yene was a village. A village made
[01:29:21] >> The Yene was a village. A village made up of at least 750 people who had done
[01:29:23] up of at least 750 people who had done nothing wrong but be born in a place
[01:29:25] nothing wrong but be born in a place someone else wanted. It land has since
[01:29:28] someone else wanted. It land has since been claimed by Israel and turned into
[01:29:30] been claimed by Israel and turned into the site of a mental health center. The
[01:29:32] the site of a mental health center. The air gun are now fully integrated into
[01:29:34] air gun are now fully integrated into the IDF itself and despite widespread
[01:29:36] the IDF itself and despite widespread global condemnation for their actions,
[01:29:38] global condemnation for their actions, none of its members have ever been held
[01:29:40] none of its members have ever been held accountable. One area Ben Eleaza even
[01:29:43] accountable. One area Ben Eleaza even had an illegal settlement in the West
[01:29:44] had an illegal settlement in the West Bank named after him be area. In my last
[01:29:47] Bank named after him be area. In my last video, I'd stated Last of Us lead writer
[01:29:49] video, I'd stated Last of Us lead writer and co-creator Neil Draman spent most of
[01:29:51] and co-creator Neil Draman spent most of his childhood in Tel Aviv. This also
[01:29:53] his childhood in Tel Aviv. This also isn't really true. From the age of four,
[01:29:56] isn't really true. From the age of four, his parents moved away from Tel Aviv to
[01:29:58] his parents moved away from Tel Aviv to be its area. I make this connection with
[01:30:01] be its area. I make this connection with no intention to blame a four-year-old
[01:30:03] no intention to blame a four-year-old for the place his parents decided to
[01:30:05] for the place his parents decided to move. From everything I've said so far
[01:30:07] move. From everything I've said so far about The Last of Us, I'd actually be
[01:30:09] about The Last of Us, I'd actually be pretty shocked if Duckman had anything
[01:30:10] pretty shocked if Duckman had anything to say about Dear Yine, other than that
[01:30:12] to say about Dear Yine, other than that it was a horrific tragedy. I mentioned
[01:30:14] it was a horrific tragedy. I mentioned this because a thousand other stories
[01:30:16] this because a thousand other stories like this make up the history of
[01:30:18] like this make up the history of Israel's colonization of Palestine. Dear
[01:30:21] Israel's colonization of Palestine. Dear Esine was only one small part of what is
[01:30:23] Esine was only one small part of what is now called the Nagba, the mass ethnic
[01:30:25] now called the Nagba, the mass ethnic cleansing of Palestine, which would lead
[01:30:27] cleansing of Palestine, which would lead to the depopulation of over 200
[01:30:29] to the depopulation of over 200 villages, several cities, the deaths of
[01:30:31] villages, several cities, the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians, and
[01:30:33] tens of thousands of Palestinians, and the displacement of hundreds of
[01:30:35] the displacement of hundreds of thousands more. And sure, this is also
[01:30:37] thousands more. And sure, this is also much in the way a thousand other stories
[01:30:39] much in the way a thousand other stories like Israel's make up the history of
[01:30:41] like Israel's make up the history of colonialism. But the fact is it is such
[01:30:43] colonialism. But the fact is it is such a necessity among not just Zionists in
[01:30:46] a necessity among not just Zionists in general, but specifically liberal
[01:30:48] general, but specifically liberal Zionists to ignore stories like Dear
[01:30:51] Zionists to ignore stories like Dear Yine, stories which demonstrate the
[01:30:53] Yine, stories which demonstrate the narrative of an Arab Palestinian
[01:30:55] narrative of an Arab Palestinian population unwilling to be at peace with
[01:30:58] population unwilling to be at peace with their Jewish neighbors as a lie. What do
[01:31:01] their Jewish neighbors as a lie. What do we say to the 2018 Great March of Return
[01:31:03] we say to the 2018 Great March of Return in which thousands of Palestinians
[01:31:05] in which thousands of Palestinians walked the Gaza border wall to
[01:31:07] walked the Gaza border wall to peacefully protest unfair treatment of
[01:31:09] peacefully protest unfair treatment of refugees only to be gunned down by IDF
[01:31:11] refugees only to be gunned down by IDF forces? What do we say to people like
[01:31:13] forces? What do we say to people like Mahmud Khalil, stripped of his visa and
[01:31:16] Mahmud Khalil, stripped of his visa and separated from his pregnant wife for
[01:31:18] separated from his pregnant wife for supposedly divisive, hateful rhetoric
[01:31:20] supposedly divisive, hateful rhetoric who said, "As a Palestinian student, I
[01:31:22] who said, "As a Palestinian student, I believe that the liberation of the
[01:31:24] believe that the liberation of the Palestinian people and the Jewish people
[01:31:26] Palestinian people and the Jewish people are intertwined and go hand by hand, and
[01:31:28] are intertwined and go hand by hand, and you cannot achieve one without the
[01:31:29] you cannot achieve one without the other. Our movement is a movement for
[01:31:32] other. Our movement is a movement for social justice and freedom and equality
[01:31:34] social justice and freedom and equality for everyone. Liberal Zionist media like
[01:31:37] for everyone. Liberal Zionist media like The Last of Us Part Two has very little
[01:31:40] The Last of Us Part Two has very little to say to this. The notion of politics
[01:31:42] to say to this. The notion of politics as states seeking power and influence
[01:31:44] as states seeking power and influence through whatever justification they need
[01:31:47] through whatever justification they need is a footnote to a story focused
[01:31:49] is a footnote to a story focused entirely on the need for two people who
[01:31:51] entirely on the need for two people who have traumatized each other to come to
[01:31:53] have traumatized each other to come to an understanding. Its lacking analysis
[01:31:55] an understanding. Its lacking analysis of power runs so deep that it even
[01:31:57] of power runs so deep that it even taints the human angle of the story.
[01:31:59] taints the human angle of the story. separated from politics, as I'm sure
[01:32:01] separated from politics, as I'm sure many comments will be desperate to do.
[01:32:03] many comments will be desperate to do. It reminds me of how apologists for
[01:32:05] It reminds me of how apologists for domestic violence and abuse will often
[01:32:07] domestic violence and abuse will often bring up mutual or reactive abuse. Also,
[01:32:10] bring up mutual or reactive abuse. Also, ignoring any possible power dynamic or
[01:32:12] ignoring any possible power dynamic or root cause to personal conflict to
[01:32:14] root cause to personal conflict to effectively say, "He hit you, you hit
[01:32:17] effectively say, "He hit you, you hit him back. Sounds like you're both as bad
[01:32:19] him back. Sounds like you're both as bad as each other, and you both need to
[01:32:20] as each other, and you both need to apologize." Bringing us back to the same
[01:32:22] apologize." Bringing us back to the same framing, there is no perfect victim, but
[01:32:26] framing, there is no perfect victim, but this doesn't mean there aren't victims
[01:32:28] this doesn't mean there aren't victims and perpetrators. This common centrist
[01:32:30] and perpetrators. This common centrist position on violent conflict, while
[01:32:32] position on violent conflict, while better than absolute dehumanization, is
[01:32:34] better than absolute dehumanization, is not coincidentally a worldview that
[01:32:36] not coincidentally a worldview that allows conflicts to drag on forever,
[01:32:38] allows conflicts to drag on forever, suggesting moral equivalence and a
[01:32:40] suggesting moral equivalence and a symmetry and ability between sides, also
[01:32:42] symmetry and ability between sides, also invites us to throw up our hands and
[01:32:44] invites us to throw up our hands and give up on better solutions because of
[01:32:46] give up on better solutions because of implied and unexamined perceptions about
[01:32:49] implied and unexamined perceptions about human nature. I return to this idea of
[01:32:52] human nature. I return to this idea of the escape to California. That moment
[01:32:54] the escape to California. That moment when Owen becomes aware of the level of
[01:32:56] when Owen becomes aware of the level of injustice he's surrounded by and
[01:32:58] injustice he's surrounded by and imagines another place free of that
[01:33:00] imagines another place free of that merc. A shining light to erase the fog
[01:33:03] merc. A shining light to erase the fog just as it does in the game's main menu
[01:33:05] just as it does in the game's main menu after you finish the story. In the way
[01:33:07] after you finish the story. In the way The Last of Us 2 to me epitomizes a
[01:33:09] The Last of Us 2 to me epitomizes a liberal Zionist perspective, The Escape
[01:33:11] liberal Zionist perspective, The Escape to California epitomizes The Last of Us
[01:33:14] to California epitomizes The Last of Us 2. We want to take the radical step to
[01:33:17] 2. We want to take the radical step to acknowledge all suffering, not just the
[01:33:19] acknowledge all suffering, not just the suffering of our own tribe. But this can
[01:33:21] suffering of our own tribe. But this can complicate our understanding of that
[01:33:22] complicate our understanding of that tribe. Now, we have to contend with the
[01:33:24] tribe. Now, we have to contend with the possibility that the bad guy is in our
[01:33:27] possibility that the bad guy is in our own walls. And the easiest alternative
[01:33:29] own walls. And the easiest alternative is to wipe the entire slate clean. We
[01:33:32] is to wipe the entire slate clean. We don't necessarily need to break the
[01:33:33] don't necessarily need to break the cycle because that would imply some kind
[01:33:35] cycle because that would imply some kind of violence, which is evil in all cases.
[01:33:38] of violence, which is evil in all cases. Instead, why not walk away? Why not
[01:33:40] Instead, why not walk away? Why not choose a better, fairer life for you and
[01:33:42] choose a better, fairer life for you and a few of your friends in a place that's
[01:33:44] a few of your friends in a place that's already had its colonial depopulation?
[01:33:47] already had its colonial depopulation? And maybe there, without challenging any
[01:33:49] And maybe there, without challenging any power structure, things might
[01:33:51] power structure, things might spontaneously change. When Kafani was
[01:33:54] spontaneously change. When Kafani was offered the opportunity of asylum in
[01:33:56] offered the opportunity of asylum in Sacramento, California's state capital,
[01:33:58] Sacramento, California's state capital, and a place Levan Abby doubtless had to
[01:34:00] and a place Levan Abby doubtless had to cross to get to Santa Barbara, he wrote
[01:34:02] cross to get to Santa Barbara, he wrote a letter in which he recalls visiting
[01:34:04] a letter in which he recalls visiting his niece caught up in Israeli air
[01:34:06] his niece caught up in Israeli air strikes on Gaza. I was going to leave
[01:34:08] strikes on Gaza. I was going to leave this Gaza behind me and go to California
[01:34:10] this Gaza behind me and go to California where I would live for myself. My own
[01:34:12] where I would live for myself. My own self which had suffered so long. I hated
[01:34:15] self which had suffered so long. I hated Gaza and its inhabitants. Everything in
[01:34:17] Gaza and its inhabitants. Everything in the amputated town reminded me of failed
[01:34:20] the amputated town reminded me of failed pictures painted in gray by a sick man.
[01:34:23] pictures painted in gray by a sick man. Yes, I would send my mother and my
[01:34:25] Yes, I would send my mother and my brother's widow and her children a
[01:34:27] brother's widow and her children a meager sum to help them live. But I
[01:34:28] meager sum to help them live. But I would liberate myself from this last
[01:34:30] would liberate myself from this last tie, too. There in green, California,
[01:34:33] tie, too. There in green, California, far from the reek of defeat, which for
[01:34:35] far from the reek of defeat, which for seven years had filled my nostrils. The
[01:34:37] seven years had filled my nostrils. The sympathy which bound me to my brother's
[01:34:39] sympathy which bound me to my brother's children, their mother, and mine, would
[01:34:41] children, their mother, and mine, would never be enough to justify my tragedy in
[01:34:43] never be enough to justify my tragedy in taking this perpendicular dive. It
[01:34:46] taking this perpendicular dive. It mustn't drag me any further down than it
[01:34:48] mustn't drag me any further down than it already had. I must [music] flee. On
[01:34:51] already had. I must [music] flee. On seeing his niece, Kafani had a change of
[01:34:54] seeing his niece, Kafani had a change of heart. He couldn't leave Gaza behind.
[01:34:56] heart. He couldn't leave Gaza behind. couldn't abandon his mission to speak
[01:34:58] couldn't abandon his mission to speak out for the liberation of his people.
[01:35:00] out for the liberation of his people. No, my friend, I have changed my [music]
[01:35:02] No, my friend, I have changed my [music] mind. I won't follow you to the land
[01:35:04] mind. I won't follow you to the land where there is greenery, water, and
[01:35:05] where there is greenery, water, and lovely faces, as you wrote. No, my
[01:35:08] lovely faces, as you wrote. No, my friend, I won't come to Sacramento, and
[01:35:10] friend, I won't come to Sacramento, and I have no regrets. No, and nor will I
[01:35:12] I have no regrets. No, and nor will I finish what we began together in
[01:35:14] finish what we began together in childhood. This obscure feeling that you
[01:35:16] childhood. This obscure feeling that you had as you left Gaza, this small feeling
[01:35:18] had as you left Gaza, this small feeling must grow into a giant deep within you.
[01:35:20] must grow into a giant deep within you. [music] It must expand. You must seek it
[01:35:23] [music] It must expand. You must seek it in order to find yourself here among the
[01:35:26] in order to find yourself here among the ugly debris of defeat.
[01:35:30] ugly debris of defeat. In 1972, Karnafani would escort his
[01:35:32] In 1972, Karnafani would escort his [music] niece to his car and on turning
[01:35:34] [music] niece to his car and on turning on the ignition, detonate a grenade that
[01:35:36] on the ignition, detonate a grenade that had been implanted by the MSAD, the
[01:35:38] had been implanted by the MSAD, the foreign intelligence arm of the Israeli
[01:35:40] foreign intelligence arm of the Israeli government. Both of them would be
[01:35:41] government. Both of them would be killed. Kafani was 36 years old. The
[01:35:46] killed. Kafani was 36 years old. The Last of Us is a story about empathy
[01:35:48] Last of Us is a story about empathy [music] and humanity. And if it does
[01:35:50] [music] and humanity. And if it does have anything to say about human nature,
[01:35:52] have anything to say about human nature, it would be less in the story itself and
[01:35:54] it would be less in the story itself and more in the context around its
[01:35:55] more in the context around its development. People are motivated by
[01:35:57] development. People are motivated by love. They're also motivated sometimes
[01:36:00] love. They're also motivated sometimes by self-interest. By, as Drman pointed
[01:36:03] by self-interest. By, as Drman pointed out, ego, ego that makes us fight for
[01:36:06] out, ego, ego that makes us fight for things that reinforce our own self-image
[01:36:08] things that reinforce our own self-image and dismiss things that contradict it.
[01:36:10] and dismiss things that contradict it. Some people are motivated simply by the
[01:36:13] Some people are motivated simply by the desire for power. People can't be summed
[01:36:15] desire for power. People can't be summed up by some broad human platitudes about
[01:36:18] up by some broad human platitudes about how we all just want love or to protect
[01:36:20] how we all just want love or to protect our families. People are complex and
[01:36:23] our families. People are complex and everchanging. But a colonial project,
[01:36:25] everchanging. But a colonial project, which the story of The Last of Us 2
[01:36:27] which the story of The Last of Us 2 clearly ties to this moral, is not this
[01:36:30] clearly ties to this moral, is not this way. Its motives are wellknown and its
[01:36:32] way. Its motives are wellknown and its path is well trodden. Colonialism is not
[01:36:35] path is well trodden. Colonialism is not difficult to defeat because it's hard to
[01:36:37] difficult to defeat because it's hard to understand, but because those who direct
[01:36:39] understand, but because those who direct it need little to no complex moral
[01:36:41] it need little to no complex moral justification. Meanwhile, those who
[01:36:43] justification. Meanwhile, those who should theoretically oppose it
[01:36:45] should theoretically oppose it constantly sabotage their own allies by
[01:36:48] constantly sabotage their own allies by inventing moral boxes that only engender
[01:36:50] inventing moral boxes that only engender passivity, searching for perfect
[01:36:53] passivity, searching for perfect victims, searching for a perfect
[01:36:55] victims, searching for a perfect villain, searching for a perfect
[01:36:57] villain, searching for a perfect strategy that doesn't make them through
[01:36:59] strategy that doesn't make them through some bizarre logic just as bad. Perhaps
[01:37:02] some bizarre logic just as bad. Perhaps we can say that as people, they're held
[01:37:04] we can say that as people, they're held back by their own egos or by a status or
[01:37:07] back by their own egos or by a status or by the love of their family. So they say
[01:37:10] by the love of their family. So they say it's too complicated, that there isn't
[01:37:12] it's too complicated, that there isn't enough information, even if they don't
[01:37:14] enough information, even if they don't want to find it. But it's no solution at
[01:37:16] want to find it. But it's no solution at all to be surrounded by darkness and
[01:37:18] all to be surrounded by darkness and thus convince yourself there is only
[01:37:20] thus convince yourself there is only darkness to be found. Maybe, as I heard
[01:37:23] darkness to be found. Maybe, as I heard once in a story somewhere, [music] when
[01:37:25] once in a story somewhere, [music] when we're lost in darkness, look for the
[01:37:28] we're lost in darkness, look for the light.
[01:37:37] Test test. Hello. Hello. Test test.
[01:37:39] Test test. Hello. Hello. Test test. Hello.
[01:37:43] Welcome back to the relaxation room. My
[01:37:45] Welcome back to the relaxation room. My main concern with this video has been
[01:37:47] main concern with this video has been not going on too many tangents. I also
[01:37:50] not going on too many tangents. I also wanted this to feel like a Zionism and
[01:37:52] wanted this to feel like a Zionism and the Last of Us video. Uh not just a
[01:37:55] the Last of Us video. Uh not just a Zionism video bolted onto a Last of Us
[01:37:58] Zionism video bolted onto a Last of Us video. Uh and I hope I've done that. I'd
[01:38:01] video. Uh and I hope I've done that. I'd like to use this conclusion to do
[01:38:02] like to use this conclusion to do something I I wouldn't usually do and
[01:38:05] something I I wouldn't usually do and just step outside of the frame of media
[01:38:07] just step outside of the frame of media criticism uh to just tell you directly
[01:38:10] criticism uh to just tell you directly what I believe. I would like everyone to
[01:38:13] what I believe. I would like everyone to get along. I am very much hopefilled and
[01:38:17] get along. I am very much hopefilled and peacemaxed. If any Nazis came into these
[01:38:20] peacemaxed. If any Nazis came into these comments to make fun of Jewish people
[01:38:22] comments to make fun of Jewish people because I said something negative about
[01:38:24] because I said something negative about Israel, uh I think you're embarrassing
[01:38:28] Israel, uh I think you're embarrassing and you should stop. And it's because I
[01:38:30] and you should stop. And it's because I want peace and because I want everyone
[01:38:32] want peace and because I want everyone to get along that I really find it hard
[01:38:35] to get along that I really find it hard to ignore blatant injustice. I don't
[01:38:38] to ignore blatant injustice. I don't like being divisive. I just happen to
[01:38:41] like being divisive. I just happen to live in a time where saying it's wrong
[01:38:44] live in a time where saying it's wrong to kill hundreds of people every day uh
[01:38:47] to kill hundreds of people every day uh is divisive. I've made illusions in this
[01:38:49] is divisive. I've made illusions in this video to a lot of online commentators
[01:38:51] video to a lot of online commentators who have varying opinions on Israel and
[01:38:54] who have varying opinions on Israel and Palestine. And in some versions of this
[01:38:56] Palestine. And in some versions of this script, I actually spent a long time
[01:38:58] script, I actually spent a long time directly responding to them. In other
[01:39:00] directly responding to them. In other videos, I actually have, but I think a
[01:39:02] videos, I actually have, but I think a lot of people can probably do that
[01:39:04] lot of people can probably do that better than I can. I had two main
[01:39:06] better than I can. I had two main motives behind this series. First, I
[01:39:09] motives behind this series. First, I wanted an opportunity to discuss this
[01:39:11] wanted an opportunity to discuss this conflict at length. Uh, and second,
[01:39:14] conflict at length. Uh, and second, because I have a lot of complicated
[01:39:16] because I have a lot of complicated feelings about The Last of Us, and I
[01:39:19] feelings about The Last of Us, and I feel like a lot of the time people tend
[01:39:20] feel like a lot of the time people tend to talk about it in quite a reductive
[01:39:23] to talk about it in quite a reductive way. And the one thing I think I'm okay
[01:39:26] way. And the one thing I think I'm okay at doing is yapping for a really long
[01:39:29] at doing is yapping for a really long time about media most people think is
[01:39:31] time about media most people think is dumb. I hope this video has given you
[01:39:33] dumb. I hope this video has given you more to think about about a lot of
[01:39:35] more to think about about a lot of things. Uh perhaps it's even made you
[01:39:38] things. Uh perhaps it's even made you think about supporting me over on
[01:39:40] think about supporting me over on Patreon or sending a tip using uh the
[01:39:43] Patreon or sending a tip using uh the links down in the description. Uh if you
[01:39:46] links down in the description. Uh if you support the Patreon, you will be on the
[01:39:47] support the Patreon, you will be on the credits scrolling by now. Uh this video
[01:39:50] credits scrolling by now. Uh this video took a really long time to make. I also
[01:39:52] took a really long time to make. I also couldn't have made this video without
[01:39:54] couldn't have made this video without the work of journalists actually going
[01:39:56] the work of journalists actually going in and finding a lot of this information
[01:39:58] in and finding a lot of this information out. Uh, so I wanted to end this video
[01:40:01] out. Uh, so I wanted to end this video with a short list of the names of
[01:40:03] with a short list of the names of journalists killed by the IDF in the
[01:40:05] journalists killed by the IDF in the past 2 years while reporting on Israel's
[01:40:08] past 2 years while reporting on Israel's injustices.
[01:40:10] injustices. Thank you for watching.
[01:40:19] >> [music]

Zionism and The Last of Us

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKO3lFq4pC8

Summary

TL;DR — The video analyzes the connections between the video game "The Last of Us" and Zionism, arguing that the game's themes of violence, morality, and empathy can be interpreted through the lens of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It critiques how the game, particularly "The Last of Us Part II," presents complex moral dilemmas and cycles of violence, suggesting that these narratives often serve to justify or obscure the realities of the conflict.

Key points

• The video explores how "The Last of Us" uses themes of revenge, empathy, and the justification of difficult choices to mirror aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Zionist ideology.

• It critiques the game's portrayal of factions (WLF and Scars) and characters, drawing parallels to the dynamics between Israelis and Palestinians, and how narratives can be used to shape perceptions of conflict.

• The analysis delves into the historical and political construction of Zionism, distinguishing it from Judaism and examining its role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

• It discusses how the game's narrative choices, such as character motivations and the depiction of violence, can be seen as reflecting or reinforcing certain political viewpoints, particularly those aligned with liberal Zionism.

• The video argues that the game's complexity, while intended to explore moral ambiguity, can also serve to obscure the fundamental issues of colonialism and dispossession inherent in the conflict.

Takeaway — "The Last of Us" series, particularly "Part II," offers a complex narrative that, while exploring universal themes of love, hate, and empathy, also engages with and can be critically analyzed through the framework of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Zionist ideology, often simplifying or justifying actions through moral ambiguity.