‘Squid Game’ shows dehumanizing aspect of capitalism and twisted nostalgia for kids’ games

In “Squid Game,” players assemble for what they believe to be an innocent series of games. Instead, those who lose face “elimination,” which means death.

In “Squid Game,” players assemble for what they believe to be an innocent series of games. Instead, those who lose face “elimination,” which means death. Photo by Youngkyu Park.

Netflix says “Squid Game” is the number one show in 90 countries. The series features 456 contestants who endure violence and risk their lives to win $38 million. “It seems to suggest that chasing money at any cost is dehumanizing. And when your humanity goes into violence, where is your moral compass? It all disappears,” says William Lee Adams, BBC World Service cultural critic.

Also, strong winds from Monday night helped fan the Alisal Fire north of Santa Barbara, which has burned thousands of acres and is uncontained as of noon today. The state as a whole is unprepared to deal with extreme heat, according to a Los Angeles Times investigation. 

Holiday travel season is coming up, but Southwest Airlines has canceled nearly 2500 flights since Friday. And the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders is out after the New York Times revealed that he made homophobic, misogynist, and racist remarks. 

From this Episode:

Credits

Host:

Madeleine Brand

Producers:

Sarah Sweeney, Angie Perrin, Michell Eloy, Amy Ta, Brian Hardzinski, Bennett Purser, Caleigh Wells