Renaissance Faires (with Thomas Lennon, Kerri Kenney-Silver and Michael Ian Black)
On this episode of the WikiHole with D'Arcy Carden podcast, Carden and guests Thomas Lennon, Kerri Kenney-Silver, and Michael Ian Black delve into the world of Renaissance Faires, exploring their unconventional activities and allure for attendees. The conversation also touches on theme park attractions inspired by video games and HBO's groundbreaking role in pay TV programming, including a behind-the-scenes look at a major Texas festival in the works.
Additionally, the group discusses PETA's efforts and influence related to animal rights, including their ownership stake in SeaWorld and protests at Renaissance Faires. The podcast covers these varied topics through an engaging lens of popular culture phenomena, social advocacy, and media history.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Jun 10, 2024 episode of the WikiHole with D'Arcy Carden
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1-Page Summary
Popular culture phenomena
Renaissance fairs: Historical reenactment and entertainment
The first modern Renaissance Fair, as confirmed by Thomas Lennon, was held in California. These fairs are known for unconventional activities like fetish elements, day drinking, and overtly sexual displays. They attract diverse crowds, including teenagers drawn to the costumes and social atmosphere.
Video game franchises adapted into theme park attractions
As per D'Arcy Carden, Universal Studios has created immersive experiences based on popular video games, like a haunted house themed around "The Last of Us" game/TV show. The opening of Super Nintendo World areas, with attractions like real-life Mario Kart, signals the growing convergence of gaming and theme parks.
Activism and social causes
PETA's advocacy strategies
The animal rights group PETA owns a small stake in SeaWorld to influence policies from within, according to speculations by D'Arcy Carden, Thomas Lennon, and Kerri Kenney-Silver. PETA is also known for protesting Renaissance Fairs over their use of animals.
Recognizing public figures for animal advocacy
PETA annually honors public figures like Joaquin Phoenix, who has received their "Person of the Year" title for animal advocacy work. However, despite anti-fur campaigning, Penelope Cruz has not been given this recognition by PETA.
Media history and development
HBO's pioneering beginnings
HBO aired the 1973 Pennsylvania Polka Festival as its first pay-per-view event and original production. One of the first HBO subscribers later received a lifetime Cinemax subscription in 1984. HBO has also amassed many Emmy Awards for outstanding series over the years.
HBO's documentary series
HBO is developing a new docuseries offering a behind-the-scenes look at the power dynamics surrounding a major Texas festival, billed as the largest of its kind in the U.S. The series will premiere this summer.
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Counterarguments
- Renaissance fairs may not universally feature fetish elements or overtly sexual displays; these aspects could vary by location and are not central to all fairs' activities.
- The attraction of teenagers to Renaissance fairs might not solely be due to costumes and social atmosphere; historical interest and educational value could also be significant factors.
- The blending of gaming and theme parks, while innovative, could be seen as a commercial strategy primarily aimed at capitalizing on popular franchises rather than enhancing the cultural value of either medium.
- PETA's ownership of a small stake in SeaWorld and its protests at Renaissance Fairs could be criticized for their effectiveness and the potential for such actions to alienate potential supporters.
- The criteria PETA uses to honor public figures like Joaquin Phoenix could be seen as subjective, and the lack of recognition for Penelope Cruz might be viewed as an oversight or inconsistency in their advocacy.
- HBO's pioneering beginnings with the Pennsylvania Polka Festival might not be as well-known or celebrated as its later, more high-profile original productions and series.
- The significance of awarding a lifetime Cinemax subscription to one of HBO's first subscribers could be questioned in terms of its relevance to HBO's overall success and impact on the media landscape.
- While HBO has won many Emmy Awards, the quality and impact of its series could still be subject to critical analysis and debate, with some series potentially being more deserving of accolades than others.
- The new HBO docuseries on a Texas festival might be critiqued for its focus, narrative angle, or representation of the event and its participants.
Actionables
- Explore the cultural impact of Renaissance fairs by attending in costume to fully immerse yourself in the experience and understand the appeal to diverse audiences. By dressing up, you can engage with the community, participate in the activities firsthand, and gain insights into why these fairs are a cultural phenomenon, which can deepen your appreciation for historical reenactments and themed events.
- Advocate for animal welfare by starting a dialogue with local festival organizers about the ethical treatment of animals used in entertainment. You can research alternative entertainment options that don't involve live animals and present these ideas to the organizers, potentially influencing a shift towards more ethical practices in your community's events.
- Create a personal documentary project by filming your experiences at various themed events and festivals, focusing on the unique social dynamics and power structures you observe. This can be done with a smartphone and basic video editing software, allowing you to document and reflect on the intricacies of event organization and community interactions, similar to the behind-the-scenes docuseries approach.
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Popular culture phenomena
From historical reenactment to video game-themed rides, popular culture phenomena continue to offer unique and immersive experiences that attract a variety of audiences.
Renaissance fairs are a major attraction for many people, with a focus on historical reenactment and entertainment
Thomas Lennon affirmed that the first modern Renaissance Fair was held in California, USA. These events are renowned for their historical recreations and entertaining attractions, pulling in crowds from all over.
The first modern Renaissance Fair was held in California, USA
During a quiz segment of a show, Thomas Lennon asserted his belief that the first modern Renaissance Fair was in California—a sentiment that was confirmed to be correct.
Renaissance Fairs are often associated with unusual, quirky, and sometimes risqué activities and attractions
Lennon discusses his enjoyment of Renaissance Fairs, stating that they often feature fetish-like elements, a plethora of day drinking, and display a high degree of cleavage. Other attendees on the show agreed, remarking that Renaissance Fairs can be overtly sexual and known for "boobs falling out." Such risqué elements contribute to the quirky atmosphere of these events. Jokes about taking drugs at the festival and bobbing for turkey legs in turkey juices further play into the unconventional activities associated with Renaissance Fairs.
Many people, especially teenagers, are drawn to the costumes, activities, and social atmosphere of Renaissance Fairs
The draw of Renaissance Fairs extends to multiple demographics, including teenagers. Kerri Kenney-Silver mentions her 17-year-old son's enthusiasm for going to a Renaissance Fair, fully dressed in costume, which reflects the allure these fairs have on younger audiences. Adults like Thomas Lennon, who owns four kilts, also participate actively in the costume wearing. D'Arcy Carden hints at the fun and social aspect of the fairs, referring to them as a "horny little place." Additionally, a podcast noted the premiere of a Renaissance Faire on June 2nd, further highlighting the popularity of such events.
Iconic video game franchises have been adapted into theme park attractions and immersive experiences
...
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Popular culture phenomena
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Counterarguments
- Renaissance fairs, while popular, may not offer an entirely accurate portrayal of historical events, potentially perpetuating misconceptions about the past.
- The focus on risqué and quirky activities at Renaissance Fairs might overshadow the educational aspects and could be off-putting for some potential attendees who prefer a more family-friendly environment.
- The appeal of Renaissance Fairs to teenagers and other demographics might not be universal, as some individuals may find the historical theme uninteresting or the social atmosphere intimidating.
- Universal Studios' haunted house experiences, while innovative, may not appeal to all park-goers, particularly those who do not enjoy horror or are ...
Actionables
- You can create a personal Renaissance-inspired event by hosting a themed dinner party with friends, where everyone dresses in period costumes and you serve dishes that are inspired by the cuisine of the era. This allows you to experience a taste of the Renaissance fair atmosphere in an intimate setting, and it's a fun way to engage with history and enjoy the social aspects that attract people to fairs.
- Explore the world of DIY costume creation by starting a project to make your own Renaissance fair attire, using online tutorials and resources for guidance. This taps into the appeal of dressing up for Renaissance Fairs and gives you a creative outlet, as well as a potential conversation starter for future social events or fairs you might attend.
- Design a game night around the concept of immersive experiences, where each gam ...
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Activism and social causes
PETA is a key player in animal rights advocacy, employing various strategies to support animal welfare and recognizing public figures for their contributions to the cause.
PETA, a prominent animal rights organization, has taken various actions to advocate for its causes
PETA is known for its diverse approaches to advocating for animal rights, which includes both bold moves like stock ownership in companies they protest against and widespread public demonstrations.
PETA owns a small amount of stock in SeaWorld in order to influence the company's policies from within
D'Arcy Carden, Thomas Lennon, and Kerri Kenney-Silver entertain the question of whether PETA owns stock in SeaWorld. They speculate, humorously at times, that PETA has purchased the minimum amount of SeaWorld stock necessary to speak at annual meetings and submit shareholder resolutions. This strategic move came after SeaWorld's IPO in 2013, allowing PETA to attempt to influence company policies from the inside.
PETA has frequently protested and criticized Renaissance Fairs for their use of animals
In a quiz format, one question that arises is about the habituality of animals rights groups protesting at Renaissance Fairs, with the answer being PETA. This protest is part of PETA’s ongoing efforts to advocate against the use of animals in entertainment.
PETA has recognized various public figures as "Persons of the Year" for their animal advocacy efforts
Each year, PETA acknowledges public figure ...
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Clarifications
- PETA's ownership of stock in SeaWorld allows them to attend annual meetings and submit shareholder resolutions to influence the company's policies from within. This strategic move was made after SeaWorld's IPO in 2013 as a way for PETA to have a voice in decision-making processes related to animal welfare within the company.
- PETA has protested Renaissance Fairs due to their use of animals in entertainment, as part of their broader advocacy against the exploitation of animals for human amusement. This action is in line with PETA's mission to raise awareness about animal welfare issues and promote ethical treatment of animals in various industries. The protests at Renaissance Fairs aim to draw attention to the conditions in which animals are kept and used for entertainment purposes. PETA's involvement in these protests reflects their ongoing efforts to challenge practices that they believe contribute to animal suffering.
- PETA names a "Person of the Year" to recognize individuals who have made significant ...
Counterarguments
- PETA's strategies, while aiming for animal welfare, can sometimes be seen as controversial or extreme, which may alienate potential supporters or create public backlash.
- Owning stock in a company like SeaWorld to influence policies could be criticized as a conflict of interest or seen as an ineffective strategy if the ownership stake is too small to effect change.
- Protesting Renaissance Fairs could be viewed as misdirected energy if the fairs provide adequate care for the animals, and it may also impact the livelihoods of those who work at or with the fairs.
- The criteria for selecting PETA's "Persons of the Year" may not be transparent or consistent, leading to ...
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Media history and development
HBO has been a trailblazer in the pay television industry, reshaping how audiences consume content through its original programming and forward-thinking business approaches.
HBO's pioneering beginnings
HBO's first pay-per-view event and original content production
One of HBO's first forays into original content was the broadcast of the 1973 Pennsylvania Polka Festival. Not only was this HBO's inaugural pay-per-view event, but it was also the network's first original production. The event, which was live and lasted three hours, signaled the beginning of HBO's journey in offering unique television programming.
The network itself launched in 1972, and a Pennsylvania resident who was one of the first to pay the $6 fee to receive HBO's programming was later honored with a lifetime subscription to Cinemax, an HBO sister channel, in 1984.
HBO's Emmy-winning tradition
Over the years, HBO’s dedication to quality original content has not gone unnoticed. The network is known for its staggering collection of Emmy Awards, particularly in categories such as Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Comedy Series. The imprecise but impressive number of such awards serves to underline HBO's position as a leading creator of critically acclaimed content.
HBO and the documentary series on cultural events
An in-depth look at the Texas festival's behind-the-scenes
Currently, HBO is delving into the development of new documentary series that offer viewers an intimate lo ...
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Media history and development
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- While HBO has been a pioneer in original programming, it's important to note that other networks and streaming services have also contributed significantly to the evolution of content consumption and have their own unique strategies and successes.
- The significance of the 1973 Pennsylvania Polka Festival as HBO's first pay-per-view event may be overstated, as other events and programming could have also played a key role in HBO's growth and popularity.
- The lifetime subscription to Cinemax for an early HBO subscriber is a nice anecdote but doesn't necessarily reflect the broader impact or success of HBO's business strategies.
- HBO's collection of Emmy Awards, while impressive, is just one metric of success and doesn't fully capture the network's influence or the quality of its content, as awards are not the sole indicator of a network's value or cultural impact.
- The focus on a documentary series about a Texa ...
Actionables
- You can explore the impact of innovative content by hosting a themed movie night with friends featuring only original programming from various networks, discussing how each show has influenced viewing habits and industry standards.
- Hosting a themed movie night allows you to directly experience the type of content that has reshaped consumption patterns. By selecting shows from different networks that are known for their original programming, you and your friends can observe and discuss the unique storytelling elements and production values that set these programs apart. This activity doesn't require any special skills, just the ability to stream content and facilitate a conversation.
- You can create a personal documentary project focusing on the unseen aspects of a local event or community gathering in your area, mirroring the storytelling approach of behind-the-scenes documentaries.
- By choosing a local event that interests you, such as a farmers' market, a school play, or a neighborhood festival, you can capture interviews and footage on your smartphone to create a short documentary. This project allows you to practice narrative building and explore the dynamics and stories that aren't usually highlighted, similar to the way the documentary series delves into the backstage drama of a festival. This strategy requires no special equipment or skills beyond basic video recording and editing, which can be done with widely available ...
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