Neil Strauss's "The Game" aimed to teach any man how to hook up with beautiful women. All he needed was a little bit of sociopathy, a lot of misogyny and a fanny pack full of props.
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- He's Simply Resistable
- Pickup Artists Are Still A Thing. And They Want You To Know They’ve Evolved.
- Misogynist Incels and Male Supremacism
- Would the Pickup Artist Stand a Chance in the #MeToo Era?
Thanks to Mindseye for our theme song!
12/01/22 • 55 min
11 Listeners
If Books Could Kill - The Game
Transcript Summary
In this episode titled "The Game," the hosts delve into a discussion about the controversial book of the same name by Neil Strauss, which explores the world of pickup artists and their tactics for attracting women. The authors critique the book's content and aesthetic while sharing their personal experiences and perspectives on pickup artistry. They highlight manipulative tactics used in dating, the gamification of human interaction, and the toxic masculinity and poor social dynamics within this community. They also express frustration with the lack of guidance on meaningful conversations and consent. The hosts question the ethics of the industry and its impact on forming genuine connections, while reflecting on societal pressures and the unequal dynamics between men and women. With a mix of humor and seriousness, they analyze the consequences of joining such communities and discuss the blurred line between harmless exaggeration and the inauthenticity perpetuated by pickup artist strategies. Overall, this episode delves into the dark side of the pickup artist world while examining the broader issues surrounding intimacy, authenticity, and societal views on sex and relationships.
Transcript
Peter: Michael.
Michael: Peter.
Peter: I know that you must have heard of The Game.
Michael: Yes, this is the book that taught me how to neg.
[If Books Could Kill theme]
Peter: One of the books I'm reading for this podcast is The End of History book about the ascendance of liberal democracy after the fall of the Soviet Union. But first, I thought it was critical
The Game Top Questions Answered
What are some manipulative tactics used in the dating scene?
Examples include asking for a massage and criticizing the person's technique and using hypnosis techniques to associate positive emotions with oneself.
What is the connection between pickup artists and incels?
Pickup artists teach men strategies to attract women, while incels believe their lack of sexual success is an injustice and may resort to violence.
What are some popular tactics used by pickup artists?
Pickup artists use icebreakers, psychological techniques, magic tricks, and soul gazing to attract and engage women.
What are some items in a pickup artist's prop bag?
Some prop bag items include packs of gum and condoms, a piece of dryer lint for an opener, a digital camera for taking staged couple photos, wooden runes for readings, and a black light to point out lint and dandruff on clothing.
What is the book 'The Game' by Neil Strauss about?
'The Game' is about Neil Strauss's experience as a pickup artist and provides tips on seducing women.
How are pickup artist tactics portrayed in pop culture?
Pickup artist tactics initially gained popularity but eventually lost effectiveness and were criticized for their objectifying nature.
What are some criticisms of pickup artist tactics?
Critics highlight the manipulation, misogyny, and lack of authenticity associated with pickup artistry, hindering genuine connections and exploiting women for personal gain.
What are the ethical concerns raised in 'The Game'?
Ethical concerns include Neil Strauss dating a 19-year-old while being in his mid-30s and the objectifying techniques used in the pickup artist community.
How is toxic masculinity and male bonding discussed in the podcast episode?
The episode mentions toxic masculinity and the absence of genuine male bonding in relation to the seduction community and its emphasis on pursuing young, physically attractive women.
Who is Mystery in the pickup artist community?
Mystery, whose real name is Erik von Marković, is a prominent figure in the pickup artist community known for conducting workshops and using eccentric clothing and accessories.
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