You thought that there was only one kind of chutzpah. Wrong. There’s two. Revisionist History tells the story of the Mafia’s showdown with a legendary Hollywood producer, in a battle of competing chutzpahs.
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08/15/19 • 37 min
2 Listeners
Revisionist History - Chutzpah vs. Chutzpah
Transcript Summary
In this captivating episode titled "Chutzpah vs. Chutzpah," the interviewer delves into the fascinating concept of "hutzpah" and explores its contrasting meanings in American and Israeli cultures. Through intriguing anecdotes, such as the audacious persuasion of Hollywood legend Al Ruddy to produce a comedy about Nazis, the episode uncovers how "hutzpah" embodies audacity in America and connotes edginess and disrespect in Israel. The narrative takes an unexpected turn as it reveals the audacious actions of Joseph Colombo, a mafia don who cleverly used the Italian American Civil Rights League and the Columbus Day Parade to strike a deal protecting Johnny Carson from a mobster. The episode further explores the direct and assertive communication style in Israel, characterized by a lack of social niceties compared to other cultures. Additionally, it touches on a thought-provoking topic—the impoverished moral vocabulary that fails to adequately describe certain situations. With a captivating story connecting Joe Colombo to the making of The Godfather, this enticing episode provides an insightful exploration of the audacity and trickery associated with "hutzpah" in both American and Israeli contexts.
Transcript
Pushkin heads up. In this episode, I interview an old school guy from New York who drops a lot of F bombs. Just so you're aware, say your name the way and Israeli would say it and say my name is Miliavital and Hebrew Schmimia Vital. My name is Malcolm Gladwell. You're listening to Revisionist History, my podcast about things overlooked and misunderstood. So far in season four, i've talked about grand themes, huge issues. This episode is about som
Chutzpah vs. Chutzpah Top Questions Answered
What are the cultural differences between Israel and France in terms of power distance?
Israel is a low power distance culture, while France is a high power distance culture.
How is the word "new" used in Israel?
In Israel, the word "new" is a reactive token that indicates impatience.
How does Abraham argue with God in a methodical manner?
Abraham bargains with God in a methodical manner, as seen in the passage from the Book of Genesis regarding the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
What is the contrast between Israeli directness and American social niceties?
There is a contrast between Israeli directness and American social niceties in terms of communication styles.
What legal issues arise from the treatment of migrant children at the border?
The treatment of migrant children at the border becomes a legal issue, with conflicting arguments about safe and sanitary conditions.
How has our moral vocabulary become impoverished?
Our moral vocabulary has become impoverished, leading to an inability to describe and make sense of certain situations.
Who faced resistance during the production of The Godfather movie?
The Godfather movie production faced resistance from Joe Colombo.
How did Al Ruddy overcome the resistance in The Godfather movie production?
Al Ruddy used hutzpah (audacity/boldness) to trick Joe Colombo into allowing the movie to be made.
How does "hutzpah" differ in American and Israeli culture?
The American version of "hutzpah" connotes audacity or boldness, while the Israeli version has a more negative connotation of rudeness or insensitivity.
How did Al Ruddy succeed in pitching the TV show "Hogan's Heroes"?
Al Ruddy successfully pitched the idea for "Hogan's Heroes" to CBS, despite it being about Nazis and using comedy.
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